Interior design can be overwhelming. The amount of photos, magazines, TV shows, and advertisements dedicated to designing your space can easily make your head spin! If I can give you one task to do before you hit "purchase" on your next project it's this.
Grab a piece of notebook paper and write down the answers to these 3 questions.
Notice I didn't say think through, I said the words "write down". This is really important.
Writing down how we function in the space turns an internal dialogue into a physical act. Writing out your answers forces you to acknowledge the rational part of the process before we jump feet first into the beauty we see in inspiration images.
Bonus! This piece of paper will serve as a way to keep yourself on track throughout the design process.
1) How do you currently function in the space?
As we scroll on our phones for the latest bathroom inspiration or office design it's really easy to get caught up in the beauty of it all. I do it, too! But if the beauty doesn't function well for you and your household, it has to go!
The way we currently function in our home is most likely the way we will continue to function in our home even after we have made a design change. If your front door is a drop zone, then we need to acknowledge that and work with it rather than pretend our habits will magically change with a new look. Take a moment and write down all the activities and tasks that you complete in this space.
2) Are there any tasks that currently take place in this space that could move elsewhere?
Now that you have acknowledged how you function in the space. Are there any activities that could take place in other areas of the home? These tasks still need to occur, but maybe the location can change. If they can't, that's ok too!
Write down what these tasks are and options for change.
For example, if your goal is to create a home office set up, but the extra bedroom currently stores boxes left over from your move is there a way we can shuffle the current function? Can the boxes be gone through and sorted? Can they be stored in overhead storage in the garage? What about a basement or closet? Or do we need to add furniture with storage to the office to hold some of these items?
3) If I could wave a magic wand and add efficiency to this space, what would that look like?
Here is the deal! As your designer I want you to feel like the solution we implement makes your life easier. We all struggle with efficiency, time management, and a limited supply of energy. If design can help improve your life, I am here for it!
Let's say you are wanting to refresh your entryway. You have 3 kids and right now it's a drop zone for shoes, backpacks, jackets, and the random rock from your morning walk. Let's change that! We can easily add hooks and baskets personalized for each child so they have a place to store their belongings. Not only does it give them a sense of pride to know they have a space that is just for them, but it gives you peace of mind when you come home after a long day.
It is so easy to make the mistake of designing a new space to look good but not considering how it will function. Don't make that mistake!
And if you are worried it can't be both beautiful and functional, hire a designer!
We love the challenge!
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