One of the most significant and rewarding aspects of the profession of Interior Design is the benefit it can bring to your emotional well-being! Of course, a quality interior designer should start with listening to a client’s preferences for style and color, but these are not the true anchors for understanding spirit of place.
Truly successful design of the environment surrounding us is influenced by much more than appearance, which usually gets all of the attention. In fact, great interior design solutions also take into account our patterns of movement, life’s activities, natural light, visual space, and inviting gathering spots, to name a few.
Current research shows that supportive and adaptive living spaces contribute positively to the quality of relationships for those inhabiting them. Healing centers are adding natural settings, interior green spaces for respite, and calmer waiting areas. There is a certain rhythm of human response to all the color palettes, textures, and sounds around us that happens on almost an unnoticed basis. These responses are the real tools of design.
As a designer, I believe there must be a thoughtful process of layering involved that is concerned with the blended whole. This concept of design creates the background of support, not centering on “decorative” solutions. Decorative design has its place, of course, in public venues, but our personal living spaces must enhance our lives.
Now add the most important overlooked ingredient to any space, a reserve of pretension, and a focus on calm. Often this takes the form of edition, not adding. One of the first “rules” of design is to REMOVE what is wrong in the space. This can be any element in view, including architectural blunders, too much trim, too much pattern or color. Using the subtle renderings of tones, reduced contrast, muted patterns and solids are all tools that can inject a sense of calm. It is the combination of responses to all the elements around us that can enhance the quality of our lives.
