How does my Designer figure out “my Style”, when I don’t know it? What is the Designer’s Process, and how does it culminate in a space that is so much more “me” than I could put together on my own?
In the Initial Consultation, I (the Designer), use the opportunity to get to know you in your current space. This can include taking a tour of your entire home, asking questions about what currently works, and what doesn’t work the way it is. This is about both how something looks, (it’s Form), and how it works for you, (it’s Function). If things don’t work for you the way they are, what are the ways you want them to work for you?
Do you need more storage space for specific items? Is there enough light for specific tasks you need to complete? What items do you use daily and which do you never use? What accessibility tools do you currently use or foresee needing in the future?
These questions and answers create for the Designer, the Design Dilemma, or Design Challenge. This speaks initially to the Functionality of the space and can include investigation into if it is possible to enlarge the space if necessary, by removing a wall or reclaiming a space from a closet.
Other questions I will ask are, “How do you want to Feel in the space?”, “What Colors, Textures, and Finishes do you have or like that help you to Feel that way?” For example, Relaxed, happy, comfortable, beautiful, in Nature, Studious, Playful, or Inspired. Answers to these questions lead the Designer to understand which Forms speak to you and bring you that feeling you are hoping for. From these inquiries, I create a Design Concept for your Space.
The Design Concept is usually a three or four word Title or Idea which encompasses the Big Picture Plan for reconciling all the Design Dilemmas, and informing all decisions about which finishes, fabrics, furniture and accessories, will be used to create the space that is truly unique to you.
For example, I walked into the Living room, of one of my favorite clients a few years back. It was dark, the couch was “floating” between the living room and dining room with its back blocking the view and constricting the entry to the space. Everything was square, heavy (both visually and physically) and distinctly masculine. The first design dilemma was Circulation. How to move people, light and air through the room, creating a more welcoming space for guests and homeowners as well. The second was an obvious need for storage and display of books and sentimental items and pictures. The dated red brick fireplace with its lack of a mantel and a conspicuous curved detail did not bring warmth or a real focal point to the room. The only furniture that the clients wanted to keep were two beautiful, leather Craftsman chairs. The artwork on the walls spoke to their love of the Navy, ships and the ocean. His choices were much more obvious than hers. The room needed more of a balance between masculine and feminine lines, and curves would contribute to softening of the space while increasing the flow of circulation.
The Design Concept became: A Craftsman Collaboration with Curves.
Now every design choice had to meet the criteria of the collaboration between Craftsman styling and A softened Feminine perspective, influenced by nature and the ocean. This resulted in Specifying a plush, curved Sofa, round, airy coffee table, nature inspired Drapery, as well as a large, thick, muted wool rug to anchor the space. The fire place brick was painted out in a light gray and we commissioned a Master Carpenter to build a beautiful and functional set of bookshelves on each side of the fireplace and flanked them with a mantel, creating the focal point that the room had been missing.
Task and ambient lights were added reflecting both Craftsman and Curved lines. Drawers were added under the hearth seat, and it was retiled with the muted oranges and blues of slate. This reflected the other fabric and textile choices made for the furnishings.
Now these happy clients have a space that reflects both of them and welcomes their guests in a comfortable and cohesive collaboration!