What Interior Designers Actually See When They Enter Your Home
June 13, 2024
If you happen to have a friend who is a chef, you may be familiar with the notion that no one ever wants to invite a chef to dinner for fear of their cuisine being judged. For over 20 years I’ve felt fortunate to do what I love. Sometimes, however, when I tell people what I do — whether it is potential clients, neighbours, book-club members, parents of my children’s friends— I often get a certain reaction. It’s either a vocal, “Oh NO, I never want you to see MY house! It’s a mess.” Or, it can be a quieter response where there will be no invitation to said house.
Somehow they think that because I of what I do for a living, I’ll judge the state of their home, their taste, or whether each room is stylish and thoughtfully composed. Believe me, I DO NOT have that point of view at all! It’s actually quite the opposite.
Yes, my background does allow me to take careful note of the conditions of a home. Through my years of experience in residential design and décor, I know how to analyze interior spaces, and as such I tend to notice things that others may not.
But my skills and experience are not about being judgy. I can assure you my own home is far from perfect! You know, cobbler’s kid and all that. Needs change, requirements evolve, and nothing stays absolutely perfect forever. However, the core and foundation of a home, if chosen well, can be timeless.
As an interior design professional, I consider myself, first and foremost, a problem-solver. I like to ask questions, figure out what’s not working (and why) and come up with solutions to my clients’ problems. It is enormously satisfying!
When I go into or visit someone’s home for the first time, here are the things I do notice:
I notice the very best qualities of a space — the bones.
Maybe it's a particular decorative or architectural feature. Maybe it’s the abundant natural light coming in, or the gracious proportions of the room. In other words, I immediately see the best features a space has to offer. Then my brain automatically envisions how those elements could be enhanced or enriched. Perhaps there is a stunning fireplace that now looks a bit dated. Or maybe a beautiful window that’s crying out for some custom drapery to expand its presence. Or maybe it’s a lighting plan and fabulous fixtures that would bring a room to life.
As a designer, I can visualize what your home will look like in its most perfect state, so really, when I see your home, I see beauty and possibility.
I think about whether the space is being used to its full potential.
The wheels in my head instinctively start turning as I consider whether it could function better if certain adjustments were made to furniture layouts or room usage. I consider traffic flow and circulation. Sometimes furniture arrangements can create awkward pathways, whereas a different layout could enhance a feeling of spaciousness. Often small changes can have a huge impact both in function and in optimizing sightlines.
I consider whether the space is functioning for the occupants’ current and future needs.
In short, is there an optimal fit between the house and the people who occupy it - not just NOW but also in the future as the occupants age and grow? For example, if your kids are grown up and no longer in the home, your spaces can serve you in very different ways. A great example of this is our Grown Up project. And if it is your forever home, updates can and should include small changes that allow for accessibility and longevity. This is especially true in kitchens and bathrooms.
I am also sensitive to a misalignment of space with the homeowner’s needs and interests. A small, tight kitchen for a homeowner who loves cooking and baking? A desk space on the kitchen island for someone who works from home full-time? Six guitars shoved in a corner of a living room for someone who really loves to strum? Yes, then my ideas really start multiplying thinking about how family members might be able to live better and more purposefully in their space.
I think about how the home as an investment could be enhanced.
For many, a home is one of the biggest investments we make. It’s a shame when homeowners don’t get to realize the full value of this investment when it’s time to sell. Better to undertake updates or maintenance that would enhance your life while you’re living there!
So, I will never judge you or your home. But I will see possibilities. I will notice the beauty that does exist. I will think about how small changes could result in big transformations, like more use, more function, more value and more joy!
Never be reluctant to have an interior designer visit or evaluate your home. Better yet, just book a consultation. A fresh set of eyes and ideas can transform and elevate your life.
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