What makes a good design?
Good design starts with you.
What is good design? First of all, there is no right or wrong answer. Good design is totally subjective. And believe it or not, it isn't a fashion-versus-function debate. Achieving good design means balancing beauty and practicality, without conceding on either. To me, "good design" means no compromises. As a professional designer, this is the underlying mantra behind each one of my designs.
When it comes to interiors, I believe all good design starts by evaluating how a person functions within their space. It's human nature to nest; to make our space our own. This inevitably comes with "stuff." While I know stuff is generally essential to life, I also believe that most people have much too much of it. Less really is more. By buying less, not only can we simplify our homes and lives, but we can save money, and lessen our environmental footprint. Everyone wins.
RHD Project Coleridge - Before
RHD Project Coleridge - After (Click to view full project)
While there's obvious appeal to "the big purge," it's not always as simple as just tossing everything in sight. Evaluate each object with the same question: does it bring you joy? If yes, keep it. If not, you know what to do. Donate unwanted items, fix whatever is broken, and throw out or recycle items that are damaged beyond repair.
Once you've cleared out the clutter, you can then begin evaluating your needs, balancing function and fashion in your space. Because, let's be honest, beauty has to play into "good design" too.
RHD Project Mt. Royal (Click to view full project)
RHD Project Coleridge (Click to view full project)
Here's where working with an experienced, professional designer can really pay off. First of all, designers have an objective eye. Sometimes, it really is easier to judge beauty and function from an outsider’s perspective. Second, designers are on top of the coolest trends as well as the latest innovations, which can take your home and life to new heights. If you choose to work with a designer, it's important to communicate your opinions, but keep an open mind.
Good design has to have an emotional connection. That's what I look for in all of our interior projects. Yes, part of my job as a designer is to make a space beautiful, but most clients would agree that is certainly not the be all and end all of good design. It doesn't even scratch the surface. The happiest clients are the ones who walk into their beautifully finished space, and realize how beautifully functional it is, too.
That said, every client is different. Every family uses their home in a unique way. Every family has their own priorities. I always ask my clients what matters most to them before designing their space. We start with the function that suits their family before even considering the pretty design selections.
Prioritizing is key. You can’t always get everything you want and so creating a list of what’s most important will help guide you to the best end result. In the end if you focus on function first the end result will be exceptional and you’ll love your home for years to come.
So tell me what you think, what makes a good design? What else should design professionals think about when creating a beautiful space for our clients?