Renovating - Design Concepts
It’s Jan 1. You have an idea on the back burner for some time and the new year seems like the perfect time to get going. You want to do a kitchen remodel. That thought in itself can be pretty overwhelming. Where on earth does a person even start the process? The project can seem like an exciting adventure or can bring sheer terror to many.
I think, like so many home projects, the ideas can be quite overwhelming until you have a game plan. I like to start each project with a clear vision of the end product in mind.
For each new project, whether it is for a client or for myself, I try to narrow down the plethora of ideas to a Design Concept. Once I have that in mind I find so many of the decisions can be made fairly easily.
What do I mean by design concept? A design concept is the framework behind all your design decisions. It is how you want your space to FEEL at the end or it can be a very specific aesthetic you are wanting to embody. For instance, you may like a calm, serene, airy space that reminds you of the west coast beach. A popular design style here in Victoria, Canada.
Or you may want an earthy, warm, rustic, space that reminds you of a cabin.
The words you choose to describe the end product will be very reflective of the overall concept.
An example of a design concept with a distinct calm, serene and airy feel.
How do these concepts differ? For the beach concept you would start to choose your materials likely using whites, light blues, grays, sand colours, maybe light woods, and lots of light.
For the second concept you may choose heavier woods in richer tones, darker warmer colours, such as burnt orange and other autumnal colours.
Whenever you feel yourself being swayed by a new idea or design, if you come back to your design concept it will help guide you to make the right decision. Say you are half way through a kitchen or bathroom reno and you are seeing pictures that you really like. Ask yourself, “Does this new image relate to my design concept?” If not, move on, as it will only serve to confuse you.
A kitchen design concept with an earthy, warm and rustic feel.
Sometimes you can pick out certain elements that DO relate to your design concept-a colour or one specific material but it is prudent to analyze that image to determine what it is you are drawn to before you get too far invested in the project.
As an Interior Designer in Victoria I help home owners with the overall design concepts such as these, before we embark on a new design. Next blog I will talk further about Design Concept and how to actualize that with words and images.