Behind Cedar House
Behind the Design: What Interior Designers Really Do
Creating Vibrant, Livable Family Spaces
We’ve noticed over the years that many of our partners and clients don’t completely know what it is that interior designers do. So we’re here to set the record straight: Interior design goes far beyond arranging furniture and picking out paint colors. It’s a speciality that encompasses a wide range of skills, creativity, and knowledge to transform spaces into beautiful and functional environments.
Here, we’d like to break down the work that we do as interior designers, and explain how we create beautiful, luxurious homes that express our clients’ design dreams without sacrificing everyday function.
Assessing Needs to Make Your Dream A Reality:
The first and most important part of a design project is Discovery. This is where we not only document your space but we obtain a thorough understanding of our clients’ needs, preferences, and lifestyle. We do this with in person meetings, detailed questionnaires, inspiration sharing as well as concept meetings.
Throughout our time together, we’ll keep in close contact to make sure we understand your vision, budget constraints, and specific requirements. The discovery phase and conceptualization are the driving forces behind the entire design development process.
Space Planning:
Interior designers are by nature master space planners. We meticulously analyze floor plans — considering traffic flow, functionality, and the efficient use of space. During this process, we look into the arrangement of furniture, define zones within your space, and create layouts for optimal functionality.
As part of the planning process we use Chief Architect, a 3D software for residential home design. It allows us to automatically generate roofs, foundations, dimensions, material lists, and more. Another tool we use, Design Files, then automates our workflow from creating mood boards to sourcing products to invoicing vendors.
Color Palette Selection:
The choice of colors can significantly impact the mood and atmosphere of a room. We carefully curate color palettes that align with the client’s taste while considering the psychological effects of different hues on human emotions.
For example, blue is a common color in design because it has a calming effect on our brains. We’re mindful when using a bolder color like red because it can incite feelings like passion and excitement. While working on the color palette for a project, we narrow down colors and hues based on factors such as client preference, natural light, and room function. Barn red may work wonderfully in your office to keep you focused and excited, while a soft, calming shade of blue may lull you to sleep in your bedroom.
Architectural Finish Selection and Coordination:
From flooring to wall finishes, we are well-versed in sourcing materials. We select materials that match your aesthetic goals and meet practical requirements such as durability, and maintenance.
Influenced by our desire for function and comfort, our ever-evolving curated design aesthetic is inspired by the historical New England architecture and coastal landscape. Warm woods, organic forms, soft blues and greens, and gentle pops of color are found in almost every project we work on.
Furniture and Fixture Selection:
An eye for detail is imperative when selecting furniture and fixtures. We carefully curate a collection that complements the design and adheres to ergonomic principles and the overall functionality of the space.
Often, our clients want unique pieces that fit their homes to a tee. One of our favorite projects is when we get to work with our team to build custom cabinetry and furniture. That’s why it’s so important for interior designers to have a reliable, experienced team of architects and builders to collaborate with.
We bring our clients’ furniture dreams to life by collaborating with quality manufacturers and skilled craftsmen who offer an array of custom finish options. Additionally, we curate and collect vintage pieces that not only make a statement but also infuse warmth, patina, and a captivating layer of storytelling into each project.
Lighting Design:
Lighting is a crucial element in interior design. We skillfully integrate natural and artificial lighting to enhance the ambiance, highlight focal points, and create a visually appealing atmosphere. This involves selecting fixtures, determining placement, and ensuring adequate illumination. And we love a statement light fixture.
Textile and Soft Furnishings:
From draperies to throw pillows, we add layers of texture and comfort to a space through the selection of textiles. When selecting these items, we consider not only aesthetics but also functionality and durability, ensuring that fabrics meet the practical needs of the client’s lifestyle. You can have beautiful furnishings AND rambunctious kiddos. Trust us. We’ll find the solutions to work for everyone.
Art and Accessories:
Over time, we’ve developed a keen eye for selecting art pieces and accessories that will enhance our overall design. Whether it’s choosing a statement artwork or arranging decorative elements, these finishing touches bring a sense of cohesion and personality to the space.
Project Management and Construction Administration:
Behind the scenes, we act as project managers, coordinating various aspects of the design process. This includes collaborating with architects, contractors, and other professionals to ensure the seamless execution of the design plan.
As project managers, we lead the team’s work to make sure we achieve all of our goals for a successful home renovation or new construction. We may not wear the hard hats, but we certainly wear the pants! (Although, truth be told, we wear hard hats too, because we take safety very seriously on site.)
Technology:
Our team makes use of the latest technology available, both for design and project management purposes. Additionally, we ensure that all our collaborating parties have full access to all digital files needed for a seamless project execution. Including but not limited to construction pans, fixture and material schedules, spec sheets, and elevations.
Continuous Education and Trend Awareness:
We prioritize staying up-to-date with industry trends, new materials, and emerging technologies. Continuous education is essential for us to provide clients with innovative and timeless design solutions. That’s why we plan trips to various trade shows, subscribe to industry newsletters, and maintain close working relationships with like minded designers and trades in the industry.
Conclusion:
Interior designers are the brilliant minds responsible for crafting visually captivating, functional, and harmonious spaces that delight the senses.Our expertise goes beyond mere decoration; we are problem-solvers, visionaries, and project managers, weaving together art and science to transform houses into personalized sanctuaries.
So, the next time you step into a thoughtfully designed space, take a moment to appreciate the involved work of an interior designer!
