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 Whether you are building a home from the ground up or renovating an existing one, you must always start with a concept. A concept is one of the most important aspects of the design process because it helps develop a theme or image for your home. Don’t just go ahead and make an arbitrary decision in the hope that it will come together. When you develop a concept first, you develop a foundation that helps give form and clarity to your ideas. Even a novelist develops a concept before writing a book as an architect would before designing a building. By determining your concept first, you will have a much better chance of establishing the look you set out for and probably with a lot less frustration. For example, an interior concept for a home could be as simple as: a traditional Victorian theme, or a southwest / sante fe style or maybe you’re after a sleek contemporary look. Once you’ve determined the look you’re after, start to jot down images, fabrics and colours that will help you to embellish the idea so you can start to create a better mental picture. For instance, a Victorian theme conjures up images that are feminine, pretty and lavish. You think of cherished ornaments and stylish picture frames and flowers on antique furnishings. You imagine lace curtains and printed cotton fabrics on droopy slip covered sofas. An array of tasselled and buttoned cushions against soft cream faux painted walls. Get the idea! Keep in mind that if you’re having trouble defining your personal style, It’s a good idea to buy a few design magazines and choose pictures that you like. Examine them and jot down the consistencies. Did you favour clutter or airiness, formal or casual? Did you like warm creams, violets or bold intense colours. What style of furniture did your eye go to? Once a theme is established, don’t overstate that theme by decorating fanatically in one style and knocking people over the head with it. Rooms that have the best results look the most natural and the least contrived. Just keep in mind that whatever theme you develop for your home, the right choice should suit your individual taste, lifestyle and your budget! BELINDA ALBO, BID |
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