Interior Design
When most people think of interior design, they may think of it as simply picking out furniture and décor for a home. However, it is much more than just the aesthetics of a room; the interior design can make or break a home’s overall design. Interior design is a combination of art and science, in which a designer carefully considers the way a living space is laid out in such a way to make it look as visually pleasing, comfortable as well as functional as possible.
It involves a great deal of planning and collaboration with other professionals to ensure the desired outcome is achieved. In this article, we will be taking a look behind the scenes at the amazing work interior designers do to transform an ordinary space into a magnificent one.
Planning the Design
Interior design begins with a deep analysis of the space and its potential. Designers often start by taking accurate measurements of the area, considering any pre-existing furniture or permanent elements of the home, while also researching the space’s intended purpose and how many people will be occupying it. Once all the necessary data is collected, designers begin to draw up plans for the space. They consider the specific locations for furniture and decorations, as well as elements such as lighting, ventilation and storage.
Collaborating with Other Professionals
Interior design often involves working with a wide array of professionals. After the initial design plan is established, designers may enlist the help of an architect to create the structural and planning elements of the space. This can include creating room layouts, walls and ceiling heights, and windows and doors. Other professionals that may be enlisted help by an interior designer include electrical and HVAC specialists and contractors to ensure the room is properly heated and cooled, as well as ventilated.
Developing Mood Boards
An important part of the interior design process is the development of a “moodboard”. A moodboard consists of photos, sketches and color schemes that the designer collects in order to generate ideas that convey the desired mood of the space. Designers utilize the gathered items to create a cohesive ‘look’ for the room, giving the client an idea of the overall design of the area.
Identifying Furniture and Accessory Pieces
Once the initial plans of the room have been put in place, the designer can begin looking for furniture and accessory pieces that reflect the look and feel of the room. Designers often browse through furniture, lighting, and other accessory stores or catalogs to find pieces that match their sketches. Designers also incorporate trends in furniture and accessories, such as minimalism, farmhouse, mid-century modern, etc.
Choosing Colors, Textures and Patterns
The designer begins to consider the palette of the space. Depending on the theme of the room, the designer may select muted tones or bold colors to bring the look of the room together. They may also think about the materials and textures that will be used throughout the space, as well as any patterns they may incorporate.
Including Art and Decor
Art and other decorative pieces can really transform a room. The designer will think carefully about what pieces to include, such as paintings, photographs and sculptures, which can provide the space with a unique and personal touch.
Styling the Space
Once all of the furniture, pieces and pieces of décor have been selected, the designer steps in to “style” the room. This process is often overlooked, but it involves the designer rearranging and tweaking the furniture and décor already in the room in order to further complete the look.
Interior design is a complex process that goes beyond simply picking out furniture and decorations – it involves careful planning and design, consultation with multiple professionals and a mindful consideration of the aesthetics of the space. It is a combination of science and art that requires a great deal of creativity and passion to create amazing interiors.
