Since the dawn of the human age, each generation has the innate quality to alter and be aligned and equipped to navigate this earth (maybe we should be called chameleons!). The generational labels that often pop up in our time are Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers and the silent generation, but what about the up-and-coming Gen Z, who account for 30% of the population? How are these individuals’ unique growing up experiences different to previous generations? The transformative generation who turned gaming and influencing into a career they aspire to do - they of course range in height an ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build to Rent (BTR), the concept of sustainability has transcended beyond environmental considerations to encompass the broader idea of social sustainability. As experienced interior designers in these sectors we recognise the role we play in shaping living spaces that foster community, well-being, and a sustainable way of life, but how can socially sustainable interior design benefit your residents and their spaces. And what does social sustainability actually mean? Design @nelsonandlong Understanding Social Sus ..read more

With each person being so unique and requiring different things to thrive and be happy, shouldn’t our interiors also mimic those qualities to be truly inclusive? We attended the GSL conference in December and one of the most illuminating talks was by Ian Hosking from the University of Cambridge. He discussed inclusive design in such a different and inspiring way and it really got us thinking about how we approach design and possible ways we could be more considerate and inclusive.  A lesson we took away was that if you’re not designing for everyone, then your design isn’t accommodating ev ..read more

Here at N+L, we love injecting colour into our designs – our aim is to create joyful, happy spaces that inspire and what better way to do so than with some clever and creative colour palettes! Colour holds the power to transform spaces, evoke emotions and influence an overall atmosphere, so it’s important for us to craft designs that are not only aesthetically appealing, but also emotionally enriching, fostering a conducive environment for living and learning. In this blog, we will delve into the world of colour psychology, exploring its nuances and practical applications in the context of com ..read more

With close to 100,000 students Manchester has one of the largest student populations in the UK. It is vibrant, culturally diverse and bustling with good energy, so was the perfect place for us to conduct some research and find out… what do students really want? As designers, we must know who we are designing for and what they want, so at Nelson and Long we make it our priority to get out and engage with the new cohort and spark conversations. This year we hit up Oxford Road and spent the day interviewing a mix of students from the University of Manchester and Manchester Met University. First l ..read more

The other day I read the reason why 90’s/00’s Romantic Comedies aren’t as successful as they once were.  They are too predictable, the boy always gets the girl etc.  Hollywood shifted their narrative to more all singing and dancing blockbusters.  Both points are valid and there have been some amazing films post the “90’s/00’s rom com era, but there is something so comforting and feel good about rewatching let’s say… 10 Things I hate About You or Pretty Woman. I personally love the predictability of them, me, my pyjamas, a bowl of popcorn and a sense of safe. This got me ..read more

Interior design trends remind me of an hourglass. Each grain of sand is symbolic of a customer and when a trend becomes easily accessible, mainstream, or tired, it’s time to reset and turn the hourglass on its head (ironically, it’s also a measure of time too!). It’s not attainable for most to update interiors so periodically, that’s why it’s so important not to be too trend focused when designing. Of course, interiors need to be visually appealing, but it’s all about finding the right balance when applying “trends” and most importantly being influenced by who will be living there. We browse m ..read more

Summer installs are well and truly in our rear-view mirror for this year, so it’s time to reflect and refocus. This time of the year is a critical and beneficial period for us. We critique and commend what we have achieved and look forward to working on new projects for next year’s intake, or sometimes a rolling refurb – which is always fun! At N&L we have been collectively designing student accommodation for over 15 years and although we think we have mastered the art, we find we are always learning more and more as each year goes by. The world is an ever-changing landscape, so it is our ..read more

In our recent blog, ‘What Does the Future Student Bedroom Look Like?’, we touched on the increasing focus on sustainability within student accommodation design. This has become more prevalent, especially to Gen Z students when considering their accommodation, not only because they are conscious of reducing environmental impact, but also as it can play a part in improving their wellbeing. Successful designs of both living and communal spaces can help to promote physical activity, social interaction, and improve mental wellness, which all add up to creating healthier living environments. The use ..read more

We recently were awarded for participation in the Fly Forbo Competition, a competition for architects and designers showcasing Forbo products in projects. We took the third spot for our interior design work for the University of the Arts London project in Peckham which we completed last year. Forbo has always been one of our favourite flooring suppliers for many years and reasons, but their sustainable conscience is certainly at the top of the list. It can be hard to find sustainable products at a great price point, but this is something we have never struggled with at Forbo. If you’re interes ..read more