by Doreen Amico-Sorell, ASID
Home as We Know It is Being Redefined
Many things have changed over the last several months, but one thing is certain.. Home has become much MORE than just the place you relax in after work, come back to after school or return to after vacation. For many of us it has become the place in which we now work, go to school and look to for our vacations (aka “staycation”). It is also now more-than-ever the place in which we seek sanctuary from the world and take a pause from world events. A productive “safe-space” that, according to most home builders and realtors, will remain so for the foreseeable future.
And the question many are asking me today is, “How do I transform my home to function in this New Normal”? How do I work from home, yet escape in the same space when I’m not working? How do I go to school remotely in the morning yet work-out and stay physically fit in the same space later in the day? How do I make the most of my outdoor space since my travel plans have been cancelled for this year? The good news is that, just by talking with me, these people have already taken the first step. Why? Because, Interior Design is NO LONGER just about “making things pretty”. Today’s Interior Designers are the go-to experts in multifunctional home design. We know how to get the most out of any living space to more than meet your needs. And the best part… we haven’t forgotten how to make it pleasing to the eye to satisfy your style and enliven your taste.
So, how do interior designers do what they do?
The key to success begins with efficient space planning. Trained in both 2D and 3D Virtual Design (aka “eDesign”), we can brainstorm any and every aspect of your space without ever having to move a single piece of furniture. No longer do you have to be afraid that the kitchen table you bought online may be too big. Your interior designer knows that at least 36” is needed between the edge of your table and any obstructions, like a wall, for you and your guests to easily enter and exit their chair. And this is what can be planned-out virtually; especially when dealing with multiple furnishings that need to be placed together in the same space. No longer do you have to go through the hassle of purchasing only to have to return that home office desk you loved online because, when you finally got it and placed it in the corner of your multifunctional great room, the drawer didn’t fully open because of the nearby sofa. Have a plan BEFORE you buy! It will save you both money and time… not to mention loads of frustration.
Need another example?
Today, many people are combining home gyms with home offices and then even, at times, with a home entertainment environment… ALL in the same four-wall space. Talk about potential for a disaster. But, it CAN work well if done properly. What’s not going to work is simply buying a desk at your local office supply store, some random free-weights and a couch at a community yard sale, a 65” Flat-Screen LCD TV from a big box store and then placing everything around the perimeter of the room. Talk about dysfunctional… not to mention downright ugly! Haphazard design is just not going to work in the new normal. Especially as the cost of living continues to go up and living spaces continue to get smaller.
With the same budget, your Interior Designer can easily recommend the proper compact desk that won’t interfere with your workout space and the proper placement of your large screen TV that can be both watched comfortably from the sofa while also serving up streaming videos of exercise routines and yoga classes when using your workout space. A space that helps you easily work or go to school remotely, stay physically fit, and escape reality by playing online video games, clearing your mind through meditation or yoga or comfortably streaming the latest in fantasy TV shows. A true tri-functional space that is both productive and serves a safe sanctuary within which to escape. And… is visually pleasing and calming to the eye and soul.
But, what about that “Staycation” I mentioned at the outset?
Just take a look at these pictures and ask yourself, “who do you think designed this outdoor space”… A landscaper? A pool builder? A gardener? An architect?
All wrong. The answer is, an Interior Designer! That’s right… an INTERIOR DESIGNER.
Today’s Interior Design is about MORE than just the “interior” of your house, home or apartment. That’s because today’s living spaces are about more than just the inside of your home; inspired design shouldn’t stop at your patio door. Today’s Interior Designers are also experts in OUTDOOR DESIGN & DÉCOR. They are knowledgeable in:
- Outdoor space planning and “social flow” design
- Furniture construction and performance fabrics that are comfortable, inviting and will endure season after season
- Plantings that will complement your style while being functional and environmentally responsible
- Recommending professional and trustworthy sub-contractors that may be needed to complete any specialty work
- And… much more as related to making your outdoor space just as multifunctional and as aesthetically pleasing as your indoors
EVERYTHING that’s needed today to make your outdoors the Staycation of your dreams… regardless of how big or little or the size of your budget! Something that you can continue to enjoy for free, even after travel vacations return.
So, where do you start?
ACTION PLAN:
- Contact several Interior Designers (Bet you didn’t expect me to say that…)
- Interview them: find the one who best understands your needs and your style
- Get a Plan: either in person or remotely
- Execute the Plan
- Either with the help of you designer, or
- DIY with the designers recommendations included with your Plan
- ENJOY!
Any questions? Want to learn more? Feel free to contact me.
The Final Word…
Having saved money, time and frustration, you can now work, play and escape, all in your very own multi-functional indoor/outdoor sanctuary space! So what are you waiting for? Get started…. RIGHT NOW!
You are a great writer. This is helpful information and totally applicable!!
Love the images! I pinned this post!
Thank you very much! The funny thing is that, for most of my life, I never really enjoyed writing. But now that I’m writing about interior design, a subject that is my passion and so absolutely near and dear to my heart, the ideas just flow with the words coming easily. Thanks again!
Working, playing and especially “escaping” to your own home! Realizing the function of being at home for all our needs is a great discovery of our time!
Great perspective! I couldn’t agree more.
What a great post, I love how you talked about design having so many aspects to it, it’s not only about aesthetics, it’s about function and layout as well. Well done!
I’m glad you see it that way as well because it’s VERY true. Unfortunately, when people are asked, “What do interior designers do”, most answer with, “They make things pretty”. We need to continue educating the public about how Interior Designers ARE truly the “go to experts” when it comes to getting the most out of your home, apartment or even backyard. And, YES!… we can still make it “pretty” as well.
Just as Mayr Ann mentions in her comments, you have laid out all the things designers do so beautifully!
Thank you! Glad to see that my point came across. Continue to spread the word about our exciting industry and profession!
Love the way you so beautifully laid out all the things designers do, how they do it and how they can help you make your home the perfect place to do everything you want to do, often in the same space!!
Thank you! I too continue to be amazed by ALL we, individually as interior designers and together as the interior design industry, do to help people better enjoy their homes, both inside and out!
#truth Home is more important now than ever!
Absolutely true! It’s evolving in real-time right before our eyes and the changes that come about will continue to influence all our lives for many years to come!