Do you feel overwhelmed with all of the decisions needed to coordinate the
appearance of your new home or renovation project? When designing a space,
focus on these three key aspects: your desired concept or preferences, the key
selections for the home
’s interior and exterior, coordination and
finishes.
Concept: The concept and your own preferences are the most important guides for your
endeavor. The unique look you
’re after can be defined using digital photos, browsing online and scanning
magazines for inspiration. These will assist you in choosing the desired style,
color, fabrics and furnishings. Include what you like, even if it does not
match, to ensure full capture of ideas. Keep in mind that you may use the
complete or partial looks of the kitchens and bathrooms for flooring,
backsplash, cabinet finishes and countertop choices. Throughout, consider your
lifestyle, personality and budget.
Selections: When selecting items for your home keep in mind these basic design principles – balance, scale and proportion, rhythm and texture.
Balance is the most important element to achieve when creating a home or room. There are
three types of balance.
1. Formal/symmetrical – ex: two identical couches facing each other
2. Informal/asymmetrical – ex: two different chairs across from a sofa
3. Radial – ex: all elements radiating around or toward a focal point
Scale and proportion should be achieved in all furnishings and finishes of a home.
Rhythm is defined as natural movement. Four ways to create rhythm are by contrast,
transition, repetition or progression.
Texture drama is achieved through mixing furnishings and surfaces to create interest,
without divisiveness, and is a requirement of a well-designed interior.
When venturing out to select the surfaces for the home (ex: countertop, flooring
and backsplash) keep these key points in mind:
Surface selections checklist
Granite:
•functions well for kitchen use
•used for traditional look
•durable and stain resistant
•lots of color options
Manufactured quartz:
•variety of color and thickness
•made of 90% quartz particles
•imitates look of granite, limestone, quartz
•durable, won’t stain, easy to clean
Tile:
•lots of design and budget options
•can be used on many surfaces
•nonporus, easy to clean, but has grout lines
•can add pattern, texture, color and shape to room
Marble:
•applied in less used areas
•makes a statement
•can scratch or stain easily
Solid surface
•designed to look like natural stone
•name brands Corian, Staron, Avonite
•used if concerned with mold or mildew
•hypoallergenic, easy to clean
With your concept and selection preferences in mind, it’s now time to engage an interior designer and builder to produce a well-designed
and coordinated home.
Why include an interior designer? An interior designer can ensure concept
delivery via melding the final fit and finish of rooms and their
inter-relationships with respect to color, texture, impact and ambiance.
Specifics:
1. Saves you money, time and simplifies your life
2. Broader knowledge, including evolving trends
3. Can develop variety of styles that range from contemporary to traditional
4. Can enhance your own style
5. Prevents costly mistakes
6. Has access to a wider range of resources
7. Give guidance through decision-making process
8. Helps to set priorities
Builder interview questions
1. Do they have required licenses and are they insured?
2. What are their professional qualifications, credentials and references?
3. What kind of amenities, interior finishes and upgrades do they provide?
4. What type/length warranty do they offer?
5. How long will your project take?
6. How many years have they been in business?
7. Do they offer services of a professional designer?
Coordination/Finishes: Coordination of all of the selections and finishes is needed to produce the
unbelievable design vision and concept you initially desired. Just as flour,
eggs and sugar only make a cake when combined in the right proportions and
conditions, a home
’s concept and interior/exterior elements must be correctly fused, focusing on:
Interior Design – paint selection, window and wall treatments, floor coverings, kitchen and bath
design,
plumbing fixtures, lighting design and selections, ceilings;
Exterior Design – facade materials/colors, exterior paint, roof selection, door and window
selections, landscape integration.
A final point while ascending the pyramid of interior design is to enjoy the
complex process of selecting and choosing the materials and finishes you have
always desired for your dream home, confident your interior designer and
builder will ensure a great outcome.
