Five key points to consider when starting a design project
Image, Devol Kitchens
If you are embarking on a renovation project for a room or an entire house and are unsure where to start with planning your interior space, here are five key considerations to start with.
1. Architectural details.
Consider the architectural style of the building and what current or planned features will you need to incorporate into a layout, design style or colour palette. For example, exposed brickwork or beams. This may also have an influence on whether you are leaning towards either contemporary or traditional style. Consider how can make full potential of the features of the building within your design.
2. Situation and views.
The position of the property and its surroundings may have inspired the name of a property and go on to influence the design. Perhaps you have views onto beautiful horse paddocks, and you want to bring an equestrian theme into your design choices. You may have far reaching country views or a garden full of wonderful plants and could bring those natural colours and textures into your indoor space.
3. Light sources
Considering the natural light sources for the space is essential. It will go on determine where artificial light sources are required and perhaps the room layout, based on what you want to use the space for at different times of the day. This often sets the tone in terms of embracing cosy cocooned spaces or light filled airy rooms. The aspect and amount of light will be important in determining the precise paint colours and undertones, which will create the feeling you hope to achieve from the room.
4. Traffic Flow
Traffic flow determines many aspects of a design so is one of the very first considerations. It will influence choice of floor and wall coverings as well as furniture layout in a room. All essential to get right from the off set as these can be expensive issues to change later down the line. In high traffic areas you might look to use flooring which is durable and easy to maintain such as tiles. High traffic areas may benefit from wipeable paints or wall panelling. The best designs both look great and work in the context of the day to day functioning of a home.
5. Room Layout
Getting clear on furniture dimensions and the space required to move around all of the pieces in a room is important before any expensive purchases are made. Consider the scale of the space and what size pieces will work best. Perhaps you won’t buy everything at once so it is necessary to have a layout planned so that the room is not filled with one item dominating a space, where others will need to be added later. Working through possible layouts at the start is essential to get the best functionality from a space. This is even more important in open plan living spaces.
Once you have considered the above elements, you are ready to start getting into some design details, colours, fabrics, and finishes. However, missing out any of these fundamental steps could prove costly in the long term. You may be clear on these five key points already and just need help with colours and sourcing. If you need help from the off set to really understand your space, see the range of services I offer which may suit your needs.