The interior of any building makes an immediate impression on those who enter it. Visitors will either feel welcomed and at ease, or uncomfortable within the space. So much of this depends upon the colours, furnishings and general décor of the interior.
A comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living or working environment therefore depends upon the interior design of that space, whether it be a sleek and modern (i.e., efficient and functional) business or corporate space or something more traditional and suited to the individual tastes of a homeowner. Interior design revolves around the arrangement and type of furniture, decorative accessories, lighting and, above all, colour schemes which make interiors both visually appealing and functional, whether for personal or business use. A more formal and functional design will suit places of business by promoting focus and productivity, whilst living rooms should be designed for comfort, relaxation and socialising.
Why do I need to ask for the services of an interior designer?
Interior designers are skilled and experienced professionals whose speciality is creating functional, efficient and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. As such, they possess unique traits such as creativity, technical expertise, and an understanding of architectural design principles, whilst also being mindful of safety and structural considerations of both the building and the interior spaces. These specialists have to consider the overall structural integrity of a building when making major design changes to the interior spaces, taking into account wall, floor and ceiling strength to ensure that their intended design can be safely accommodated and ensure structural safety. For example, mounting heavy artwork on structurally weak or non-load-bearing walls will necessarily place strain on the walls and eventually lead to cracks or collapses of sections of the wall. Similarly, opting for heavy ceiling-mounted light fittings such as glass and metal chandeliers must be approved by a building or lighting engineer who might recommend reinforcing that section of the ceiling before installation of the light fitting. A design plan might work well on paper, but not necessarily transfer well to the actual structural integrity of the space without possible prior construction intervention. Issues of this nature fall within the scope of an experienced interior designer’s responsibilities.
Interior design involves many different elements
An experienced, skilled and knowledgeable interior designer considers many factors when tasked with any design assignment. Elements such as colours, intent and use of lighting schemes, furniture use and style, and selection of artwork, accessories, materials and plants all have to be carefully considered when designing the overall aesthetic of an interior space. All of these elements bring a complete design together but need to be individually chosen to unify a space, whether by a blending of different features or a careful selection of contrasting items to bring interest and unique appeal to the overall scheme.
Colour and lighting often form the basis of most designs
Colour is probably one of the most critical factors in the initial design, as this will set the tone and mood of the area. Warmer colours such as red, orange, light brown and milky coffee shades will add a cosy and intimate atmosphere, whereas blues, greens, purple and various shades of white enhance feelings of calmness and relaxation. The choice of lighting will either downplay – i.e. making them less obvious – or enhance these colour choices by bringing sections of the area into specific focus or keeping the whole area unified through carefully placed mood lighting. Using natural light is always the first option in any design, bringing a sense of airiness and creating an illusion of space. Spaces which have little access to natural light depend on careful lighting choices to reduce eye strain, low mood, and a sense of being ‘caged-in’. Interior designers will therefore constantly update themselves on the full range of artificial lighting choices available, whilst also being mindful of the costs involved in keeping the space well-lit during daylight hours. As such, an experienced interior designer will liaise closely with lighting experts to make the most appropriate choices for any interior space.
These specialists have a wider ‘net’ of resources available to them
Interior designers are, above all, versatile in their approach. A skilled and creative designer can adapt to any design challenge, even if it is out of their specific preference. Those who visualise clean, functional and efficient spaces may find it challenging to adapt their innate style to more traditional, somewhat fussy requests, in keeping with the overall appearance of an older home. Their skillset should, ideally, allow them to visualise the clients’ preferences and source the materials and furnishings through their network of suppliers. Knowing where to find the right supplier may be half the battle won. In instances where the perfect item cannot be sourced, it may be necessary for an interior designer to call upon expert craftsmen to create a bespoke piece which will enhance the overall design. In a nutshell, using the services of an interior designer provides you with wider choices, additional ideas and a level of creative and technical expertise beyond your own abilities.
