Forbes reports that design is no longer for the elite, “Design has finally become democratized” and “All businesses, no matter what they make or sell, should recognize the power and financial value of good design.” From web design to interior design, consumers are becoming more and more “design sensitive”.

The “design bar” has been set thanks to companies like Apple and Ikea. Now in order to compete in the global market companies must be able to play the game. “Thoughtful and innovative design makes us feel good”, which in turn inspires customer loyalty.

Photo via Mac Stories

To read more about The Era of Design, visit Forbes.com.

We recently came across on Metropolis Magazine, the winning entry in the 2011 student interior design video competition, “Why Interior Design Matters.” Sponsored by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation(CIDA), the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and Interiors & Sources magazine, the video explores the “impact that interior design has on economic well-being.”

Take a look at the video below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The first place team, from Radford University, included Kate Croy, Lauren Reinhard, Kelsey Keller, Lory Marsocci, Anna Beydoun and Advisor Renee Walsh.

To see more entries visit  www.idec.org/videocompetition. 

• Pool-side office. The LA Times featured this freestanding office at the California home of architect Christopher Payne. The separate structure has a studio-like quality.

• Eco Chic. Pineapple House designed this California office with indoor air quality, energy conservation, and long-term quality in mind. A pyramid-shaped skylight welcomes natural light.  In one area, window panels retract electronically behind two bookcase walls, creating an optional “fresh, open air” environment.