Every aspect of our lives in an opportunity to create ‘Good Design’. Whether it is how we are arranging plants on a bay window, our children’s pictures on the refrigerator, choosing which color jewelry best matches our outfit, or the placement of pillows on our family room sofa. How and what we choose affects the overall look of our presentation.
The two words that best describe my design approach are ‘Contrast’ and ‘Texture’. Contrast allows us to experience a visual ‘energy’ in what we are looking at. High contrast, as in literally black to white, allows us to see negative and positive spaces, items moving forward or back (depending on our intentional placement), and allowing us to have one or more items stand out to be noticed. Contrast can lead our eye around the room. For example strategically placing red items in specific places against a neutral pallet will force the eye in those directions.
Texture takes on many different properties. It can be texture as seen and felt in materials like a pony skin rug against a richly grained and stained wood floor. Texture can be seen in various natural materials like cork, bamboo, and sisal rugs as well as in fabric. Textured fabric can add drama as seen in tone on tone damasks, raw silk, chenille stripes and cut velvets. The use of Contrast and Texture allows for an environment full of interest, energy and beauty!
When working on a design solution for a client, these elements are the basis for the choices made. The final choices then reflect the vision outlined by the client from initial and ongoing conversations. My job as a designer is to help my clients to realize their unique vision for their space using my expertise. I gently guide them through the process, helping them to stay on focus, explaining why one item may be a better choice than another, working with them as much or as little as they want to be involved in the design decisions.
The end result is one that the client feels good about since he/she was involved and heard throughout the entire decision making process. Because of this, it is an easy transition acclimating to the new space. This is not only because the choices were made as a team, but also because it is Good Design!
