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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Determining a Signature Design

As a professional, a design defines ones individualism as a designer. Before he or she determines a signature design, they need to understand standard design principles and offer an abstract concept that imbues a good design theory. Designers think about the styles that appeal to them when he or she views the design in a setting. Is this signature style geared toward shabby chic or French country, modern or art deco, or last traditional and bohemian? Maybe as a designer, one keeps to crisp lines or tranquil harmony like Asian influenced Shibui. This negligible style of natural elements and neutral tones can capture a peaceful persona. 

Most Designers will determine if there is a formal or informal interest for the client. This will aid in determining if a client is looking for a modern or traditional design with vertical lines and smooth textured surfaces. Whereas, a country or cottage design makes the client feel at home and relaxed. The client is more comfortable in a horizontal lined design because of the informality. A transitional style may suit the client because it is a style that mixes several designs that makes up a well designed eclectic style.

Choosing a style takes much to consider, and to determine what style he or she believes most comfortable, the designer’s research is a profitable investment. As a professional designer, the client will want to hire him or her for a consultation. This is the time for a designer to shine by showing the client how well he or she understands his or her trade. A well trained designer can easily interpret the client’s personal interests by conducting a professional interview and gaining a client profile to use in his or her design process.

This interview should always take place in the client’s home so the designer can obtain a feeling of the client’s design style. After determining the preferred style, it does not hurt to introduce the interpretation of colors the designer believes will fit within the mix. The mix will consist of 60% of a light and neutral tone, 30% of a medium tone, and 10% of a dark tone or variety in color. With that point, the floor is the most common place to begin with because it is the largest foundation of space.  With the floor as a large visual in design, the floor will help the designer identify the remainder of the design. With that in mind, the designer will design from the foundation up.

A professional designer will compare the client’s style with his or her signature style of design and create a median. Good design transcends time, and the client will look for this in the designer’s signature style. This authentic and ageless design will dictate whether the designer uses plush carpets, exotic hardwoods, or decorative stones. Whichever flooring the designer chooses, he or she will need to take permanence into consideration. The durability and quality should be a factor in this investment. A good foundation will create an aesthetic the client is looking for.

Once the foundation is set, the client will have the opportunity to share his or her thoughts with the designer so he or she can come up with a design style that shows the signature look the client is looking for.  The next steps in the process would include color, fixtures, textiles, art, and accessories. These are the fun steps that create the signature style the client is dreaming for in his or her home.  Whether the client wants to add a mixture of styles such as formal or informal, it will depend on developing a principle of abstract concepts and incorporating elements of design to embody the concept. When considering either formal or informal design styles, take circulation, and space planning into effect.  The element of lines (vertical, horizontal, curved, or diagonal) can influence the design, but as a designer he or she will know to use lines for character interest, but have one line dominant in the style he or she chooses for the formal or informal look of the home. Many designers will design a more formal look over the informal appeal in living rooms and dining rooms, where most clients entertain, and where the rooms are separate from other spaces. Home theaters, family rooms, and bonus areas should have a casual theme to portray easy living.  As the designer, common elements of design should group the different areas together.  A common denominator is color, and it can be a perfect unifier for both styles.

As the designer follows the 60%-30%-10% rule, the amount of colors depends on the client’s tastes and lifestyle.  By following this rule, the designer will stick to a color scheme of three colors throughout the residence. Colors should complement the style and should coordinate with one another.  Designers will change color balance from room-to-room to influence style and character.  In repetition, one color will dominate more than the other two colors to show accent for the foundation of the design in the home.  A color palette has many color schemes to choose from and each can be quite attractive. The success of creating a proper color scheme is to make use of various textured surfaces. This can be achieved through the flooring, many pieces of upholstery, various wall treatments, and the gradation or opposition of accessories. This will add interest to the design and create a pleasing character that will transcend time for the client for years to come.

Patrick Tremblay