 Interior Design - Where Do We Start
By Delores Montpetit of Montpetit
Interiors
Today’s homes play an integral role in our lives, possibly
more now than at any other time in history. In a world that thrives on busy, having
a place to call home that offers you peace and tranquillity is paramount. People either
select a pre-owned home that suits their space requirements and then personalize it, or
they design a new home and have it constructed to their specifications. In both situations
they have the often daunting task of selecting colours, flooring, cabinets, tiles, counter
tops, lighting, bathroom fixtures, doors, hardware, paint brands, wallpapers, faux
finishes, ceiling details, architectural mouldings and details, fireplaces, mantles,
hearths, fabrics, draperies, blinds, furnishings, artwork and accessories. Just reading
the list can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed!
How and where we begin the design process can be a very unsettling
place to be, since every decision that is made needs to be linked with previous decisions,
as well as upcoming decisions. Before making any decisions, you need to be inspired.
Everyone needs inspiration, even designers and decorators. My recommendation as a
jumping-off point for inspiration is to begin by looking through home magazines, interior
design books, and a variety of show homes. Try to find a style that appeals to you,
something that you can live in that suits the needs of every person living in your home.
Let’s begin with current magazines and books, get as many as you
can lay your hands on. These are available through libraries, retail stores, bookstores,
as well as interior designers and decorators. Many designers and decorators have extensive
libraries for clients to use so therefore do not hesitate to request them.
As you go through the magazines look at everything, even the
advertising. Ads are a great indicator of upcoming colour trends, especially fabric ads
and make-up ads. Really pay attention to how the photographs and advertising make you
feel. Use Post-it Notes to write down any comments you may have, positive as well as
negative. Get a feel for the colours that appeal to you, try to be open-minded and select
colours that you have not used previously. People generally tire of a colour in five to
seven years; so if you are looking for longevity, do not choose a colour that you have
lived with for any amount of time already.
While going through the magazines look at how the finishes work with
each other. For example: hardwood flooring with wooden cabinetry, versus tile flooring
with wooden cabinetry, as these are two very different looks which both evoke different
feelings. Even within those two scenarios you can have a multitude of looks depending on
the value and style of the products that you have chosen. If you have a vision in your
mind, find a photograph that comes close to what you are trying to achieve. This will help
to confirm or deter you in your anticipated selections. Couples should both be involved in
this process, preferably separately so each person can really delve into their likes and
dislikes. (If you are designing a child’s room, the child should also be considered.
However with young children you might have better results if their involvement is placed
towards the end of the selections when it comes down to a choice between A or B.)
After completing this task, revisit the magazines and books. You will
find that there are some pages you selected that no longer appeal to you, and other pages
that you completely overlooked. This is the beginning of your evolvement in design. What
you thought you liked, begins to change as you consider possibilities you previously did
not know existed.
Show homes are another great source of inspiration! Even if you are
building a modest home, visit the high-end show homes. The detailing in a home is what
makes the difference as to how much impact it has, not the size of it. You can really
create a dramatic home with colour, which is no more expensive than choosing beige. If you
really like a specific style, colour or layout of a show home, return to it several times.
This will enable you to decide if you can truly live with these features. My only warning
is that you may come out with a new house that you couldn’t bear to walk away from!
Delores Montpetit, owner of Montpetit Interiors, is
dedicated to creating interiors from conception through to completion that reflect the
style & personality of each client Call 816.3422 or visit www.montpetitinteriors.com |
