Richard Lewis Interiors, Marbella
There are two principles to keep in mind when you’re planning your space: It’s all about you. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Trust your intuition; what may work for your friends isn’t necessarily going to work for you. Learn to tune in to what is most important to you for a change and not what is important to everyone else in the world.Have confidence in your established personal style.
Practice saying “blend,” and add it to your design process. Blend means putting pieces together so they are harmonious even if they are not related. Erase the word “match” from your vocabulary. The only time you want to match anything is when you are putting together a jigsaw puzzle or making sure you have the same style of shoes on both of my feet; leave the matching to a matchmaker.
Benefits of hiring an Interior Designer
So why do homeowners hire an interior designer? Here are a few reasons: Families are so busy and can not devote their time to focus on and manage a large scale design project or remodel. Homeowners become overwhelmed and lose site of the end result because of the vast selection and choices with styles, colours and patterns. Some clients buy a few gorgeous pieces but are unsure how to complete the look with lighting, rugs and wall hangings. At times, couples can not agree on a style and do not know how to blend their two different styles together. Homeowners want to create a unique look to match their personality and lifestyle. They do not want to copy their neighbour’s interior or the pages of a catalogue or magazine.
A professional interior designer has a combination of knowledge, experience, talent and definitely a flair for design and colour. They can add spice to your home by knowing the ins and outs of decorating, including more than just paint and wallpaper. Interior designers can inform you about lighting choices, carpets and much more. They understand space and circulation and flow. A designer will listen to all your wants and needs and they’ll ask questions about what you like and dislike. Designers study and solve the problems within a space. They review the functions taking place in each room and are concerned about the feeling you envision for the outcome. An exceptional designer deciphers all the information you give them and customises your space to be efficient, functional and beautiful.
In addition to producing an aesthetically pleasing space, did you know a professional interior designer has a trusted team of contractors to paint, install flooring, demolish a wall, layout a new lighting plan and build an addition? By hiring a designer, they oversee the contractors and ensure the work is followed according to plan and is finished on time. A designer also has solid relationships with many different vendors selling products like furniture, fabric, cabinetry, light fixtures and hardware. Again it is the designer’s duty to get updates, confirm orders and coordinate deliveries of furniture, appliances, etc.
One aspect of interior design that is rarely discussed is that of interior lighting. Light fixtures and the quality of light they produce have a direct and dramatic impact on the rest of the room. The lighting of items in a room is important. Lighting can make or break a design. It takes years of experience to understand how to use both direct and indirect lighting. If lighting is important to you, be sure to work with a designer who has lots of lighting experience. Visit past jobs at night time to see how the professional handled difficult situations. Ask about colour temperature. Light temperature refers to the colour quality that different bulbs produce. Not all light bulbs create light tones and colours equally. This can affect how your furniture and other things look when they are lit at night.
Designers keep up on trends and the newest, innovative gadgets. They know the highest quality products and where to find the best deal. They will steer you in the right direction to fit into your design scheme and be within your budget. Best of all, a designer will stop you from making costly mistakes and bad, ugly decisions!
Some Interior Decor stores you can visit for ideas are Richard Lewis Interiors, Roche-Bobois and White Design. Melding new furnishings from these retailers with collected artwork, antiques, textiles and accessories is the formula for a successful living environment.
Some Design Forward ideas:
- Pair your favorite antique dining table withsome fresh new modern dining chairs.
- Place an antique Persian rug under a streamlined sofa complemented by a Biedermier club chair and an art deco side table.
- Hang a Venetian glass mirror above a cutting-edge console table stacked with your favorite art books and a collected vintage lamp.
- Remove the sink cabinet in the bathroom and replace it with a freestanding modern chest and vessel sink.
- Install a wall-mounted faucet in place of the typical counter-mounted one.
- Don’t be afraid to let the windows go bare; draperies aren’t for everyone. If you need some screening for privacy, then install the next generation of Silhouette shades that practically disappear when opened, choosing the “top down bottom up” option which allows you even more versatility.
- Try something other than stainless steel appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen. They have worn out their welcome with leading designers. Opt for appliances that are available in a variety of striking colours and for countertops such as a quartz surface product, concrete, or even Soapstone.
 Roche Bobois, Marbella |
Interior Design — Give your Home the WOW FACTOR
Décor | Issue 5 — February and March 2009
Décor | Issue 5 — February and March 2009
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