Whether you are consciously aware of it or not, design surrounds us everywhere. In the living and non-living world incredible structures are to be found. Innately aware, we have a sublime sensitivity to our surroundings – it’s wired into our psychology.
Design helps us connect to our world, and navigate through it. The hospitality industry knows this and leverages it to create atmospheres that provide positive customer experiences, and so should you. With more of us having to work from home, our personal space has never been more sacred. Designing your space for living and working well is no longer an extravagance, it is a necessity.
This is where interior designers come in. We’re good at discerning your likes and dislikes, and what you need, to ensure your space is designed beautifully and optimally. A good interior design is always a reflection of the client and how they want to function in their space.
So where do you begin when you’ve just bought your home and you’re faced with a big empty canvas? Or you’re finally ready to tackle that room you currently use as a dumping ground?
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Consider your intended use of the space before you begin a project, and the psychology behind it. Form is as important as function. No matter how beautiful a space is, if it’s not comfortable, easy to maneuver within, its awe factor will fade fast. Interior design is about style and function and not just about "decorating". It's about how to make the room accessible, useable AND beautiful. Design should improve our lives both psychologically and physiologically. So determine the intention of the space at the onset -- what do you want to achieve within this space? Don't be afraid to use adaptive ideas in your design as well. Multi-functional spaces are both sustainable and eco-friendly and necessary in these uncertain times.
Determine your budget first. So many people have the perception that budgets limit design. The fact is, not having a budget makes design more expensive. Redesigning due to pricing issues can be costly because of time and scheduling issues.
Plan your space out using graph paper or use floorplanner.com to get a sense of what size pieces are required and where they will fit. Ensure that you allocate proper space for flow and functionality too.
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a space and is often overlooked by lay people. Lighting affects our mood and energy levels. Ensure lighting is adequate and designed for the task at hand. Lighting design is one of the most important elements of interior design and can make or break a space. Sometimes there are competing priorities that need to be considered like in healthcare, where doctors require bright lights while patients prefer softer, calmer lighting. Consider sources at the onset, temperature and color, and availability of natural light and plan accordingly. Lastly, make it personal! Just like on our social-media pages, we curate and cherry-pick our possessions in an attempt to make us understood and to present ourselves in a good light. Studies show that it takes just seven second to make a first impression and eight encounters to undue misperceptions. So design thoughtfully and always be your authentic self.
Design matters.
Comentários