What exactly are we analyzing and documenting when we arrive at your home for the first time…
The first thing I learnt in interior design school was the principles and elements of design so, when I arrive at your home, I will utilize both for the site survey. There are a many things I will consider, observe, document, modify, minimize, hide and celebrate within the various architectural features and attributes of your home. That first walk through can take 1.5 to 2 hours, measuring can take 2 to 5 hours plus other visits to gather further details within the space. I will be thinking of ways to create symmetrical balance by adding built-in features or adding/ removing a column and doorway opening that may need to be enlarged to ensure balance.
Balance and Alignment are extremely important in interior design and must be consistently applied to everything in the room. The paths and focal points are also a vitally important design aspect for me to consider when I observe your space. I will look to create good work flow, functional pathways and focal points. I want to ensure a clearly emphasized point of direction and a feature that the eye naturally gravitates towards. A focal point can be established with built-ins, windows, fireplaces and feature walls. I will look to create better spatial flow and axis which can be achieved by placing furnishings such as a sofa and table. I want to define the rooms central axis or strong centerline as well a dominate path or secondary pathways. I will also be looking at the walls and floors to determine if the walls are 4 or 6 inches thick. This will dictate construction aspects using materials currently there or need that need to be changed. I will be assessing site views, sitting plans, natural light orientation and considering time of day illumination needs. I will access the need to add or remove task, accent, ambient or decorative lighting. I will ask if you prefer more views to nature or require more natural light?
How is the indoor/outdoor connection?
The first time I arrive in your home my observation of architectural features will be vitally important. I will scan for angled ceilings, skylights, paneling, wood beams, columns, a grand wood fireplace, extra large windows, hardwood flooring under the carpet, decorative moldings, exposed pipes etc to envision all opportunities for greatness. Sometimes these architectural characteristics may need to be removed, disguised or drastically changed to create a new design. More often than not, these features are enhanced and integrated into the space to make it more interesting, expansive and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. An interior designer’s ability to analyze a space is the key to a cohesive design and will help you take the confusion out of where to begin, how to implement the elements and principles of design right down to the finishing touches.