Use Vertical Space

Your walls aren’t only a place to display art; when designing a room that is going to serve multiple purposes, walls are prime real estate for storage options. Wall-mounted bookshelves and hooks  free floor space and keep your belongings organised. Consider using hanging planters for houseplants, for example. Anything that you can put up and away will help your space feel more open.

Consider Murphy Furniture

The Murphy bed folds up against the wall when not in use. However, these days, beds are not the only type of furniture designed to be neatly stashed away. Desks pull down from inside bookshelves, kitchen tables fold up against the wall, and seating options fold flat when not in use, or even double as additional storage. Space savers such as these can be both stylish and functional.

Divide Your Room

If you need to share your space with others but would like some additional privacy,  a room divider could be a great solution. Stylish screens and curtains easily store away or for a more permanent solution, a bookshelf can be used to divide a room.

Find Smart Storage Solutions

A room feels more peaceful and orderly when things are stored  within easy access. Just because your room is multi-functional doesn’t mean it has to be cluttered. Consider decorative boxes or opaque storage containers to keep like objects together. If your living room doubles as a home gym, finding a place to store your dumbbells when not in use can make a huge difference in the feel of the room.

Learn More About Designing Multi-Functional Rooms

If you keep these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to a successful result. Creating a spacious-feeling living space that suits your lifestyle is possible for everyone. If you would like personalised advice for your unique living situation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The post Designing Multi-Functional Rooms: Tips From a Professional appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

Material selection is more complicated than people think, not just because there are so many options to choose from, but also because there are many decisions to make along the way. One of the things you have to decide is whether to use authentic or artificial materials.

Importance of Authentic, Quality Materials When Doing a Home Interior Redesign

When choosing interior design materials, quality is key. Interior design experts and enthusiasts can attest that good design is characterised by being good both in form and function. In other words, you have to pick the right material, not just the right material look.

As far as the right materials are concerned, natural or authentic materials reign supreme. There are several reasons for this. First, the quality and craftsmanship of authentic materials are higher than what you get in artificial pieces. This gives them a look that’s different from knockoffs.

Another aspect that makes authentic materials a better choice than artificial materials is that they are enduring. Interior designs that incorporate original and authentic materials last longer, maybe even become more beautiful over the years.

There’s also something about authentic materials that instantly adds depth to a room. Compared to synthetic or processed materials, natural raw materials like stone, wood, leather, linen, and hides not only look good, but they add more richness to a room.

When to Use Real Materials

If you’re looking to bring a touch of nature into your home, you should consider using real materials. The good thing about authentic, quality materials, is that they offer a very organic, vital, and wholesome feel.

Environmental awareness has increased in every single aspect of our lives, and interior design is no exception. If you’re a homeowner or interior designer who’s embracing the eco-friendly trend, then you should use real materials.

Natural materials are better for the environment. If you’re looking for a durable, sustainable, versatile, eco-friendly, and health-conscious option, you should consider using authentic, quality materials.

When to Use Artificial Materials

If you’re going for a sophisticated design that involves layering different textures and patterns, consider using artificial materials. Due to their artificial nature, these materials are manufactured in different colors, sizes, shapes, and strengths.

Another instance when you can use artificial materials is when you’re working on a tight budget. In terms of cost, artificial materials are often less expensive. As such, incorporating artificial materials into your interior design project is an excellent way to add interest to a room without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

More than ever, the overall design story is as important, if not more important, than the individual interior design materials themselves. As such, you should decide what story you want to tell with the materials. Be sure to evaluate things you like and incorporate them into your space. If you need help choosing the right materials for your space, be sure to consult with a professional.

The post Authentic vs. Artificial Materials: How to Pick the Right Material for Interior Design appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

Furniture

Could your storage problem be fixed with new furniture? Cabinets, shelves, console tables with room for bins underneath: the possibilities are as varied as the rooms in which they live. Don’t feel restricted by the label or placement designated in the furniture store. For example, a tall bedroom dresser can hold all the board games for a family. A jewellery cabinet can sort craft supplies. Wine racks can keep scarves.

Wrap It Up

Wrap boxes, bins, and holders a stylish cover to match the room’s theme. Hat boxes, magazine holders, and even right-sized plain cardboard boxes can easily be covered with scrapbook pages, wrapping paper, or decorative fabric. Use a glue such as Modge Podge pasted under the paper and then brush a layer on top to create a lacquered surface and keep the paper stuck.

Don’t Hide It

Storage doesn’t need to be hidden behind cabinet doors or in pretty boxes to be beautiful. Consider the space and what you need to store. Books are a perfect example. Some designers have started arranging books by spine colour, but be careful not to lose the ability to find a title or subject. Within a shelf or group of books, can you arrange them to be visually appealing? Try ascending size within biographies or colour transitions on a shelf of novels. Mass market paperbacks are all the same size, so turn a stack on their side every shelf or two. Don’t be afraid to switch up strategies within one space to avoid monotony.

Label With Flair

Make your labels aesthetic. Labelling complex storage is important for finding things easily but think outside the label-maker. Chalk signs and decorative stickers are available in most home stores, or you can write your own pretty cursive labels. You can even label with pictures or colours instead of words to change things up.

Find More Creative Storage Solutions

Great design meets the needs of both looks and function. Contact us for a consultation on your sustainable interior design solution.

The post Even Storage Deserves Appealing Design appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

The Importance of Working With an Interior Designer

An interior designer is more than just another head to bounce ideas off of. They are equipped with the insight and tools to get the job done as efficiently and aesthetically perfect as possible. Working with one will add a professional touch and encourage you to incorporate elements you may not have thought of on your own.

Insight

Your renovation is certainly not their first rodeo. Interior designers often have years of experience under their belt as well as a degree. They know the ins and outs of capturing the look you have in mind, how to make a room feel bigger than it actually is, how to colour coordinate, how to take advantage of the room’s natural lighting, and so much more.

Another Perspective

Working with an interior designer gives you another perspective to feed off of. They may have ideas you would have never thought of or been brave enough to give a go on your own.

Resources

Interior designers often have access to resources, such as cheaper material or a team of contractors. This saves you the hassle of trying to scavenge for everything with the added pressure of rallying a construction team.

Professionalism

All of their insight, experience, and resources come together to add a very complete and professional touch to the project. The environment an interior designer is able to create is so perfect, you will know a professional was involved the moment you step into the room.

Learn More About What an Interior Designer Could Do for You

Although many property owners have taken up the “DIY or Die” motto, nothing quite beats the expertise of an interior designer. An interior designer has vital insight, tremendous experience, and the resources to get the job done efficiently.

For the latest design trends and more, head on over to my blog. For more information about Lisa Lewis, please contact me.

The post The Importance of Working With an Interior Designer appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

Let’s delve into the details and demystify any misconceptions that you may have.

The goal of the interior designer is to improve your space, which includes a variety of elements. This includes the way that your space looks, the arrangement of the furniture, the colours used and the practicality of the space depending on how it is being utilised. And not only does the designer prioritize the space itself, but they also want to make you, the customer, happy! They cater to your specific needs. These include your practical needs, as well as your emotional needs, in order to make the space feel comfortable and to suit your lifestyle or work environment.

Budget, Time, and Quality

An interior designer will also take into account your budget. They will ensure that the final product meets or even exceeds your expectations within the given budget. They will also monitor the amount of time being taken and communicate with any additional tradespeople to guarantee that deadlines are met. The final product should be high-quality and meet the requirements that you have discussed with your interior designer.

Functionality is Essential

Your designer will ensure that your space is functional. For example, you may want an open room plan to incorporate many guests for parties and events. Therefore, your interior designer will take this element into account and may arrange the furniture and overall plan of the rooms to encourage mobility and communication between guests. Perhaps you want a modern, social office space. In this case, your designer will likely choose furniture and dividers that encourage comfort and communication.

Aesthetic

Another vital aspect is how your space looks, as you want an environment that makes you smile. This includes the colours being used, the patterns, the shapes, the decorations, the use of lighting, etc. An interior designer will know which colours complement each other, which art pieces evoke certain emotions or suit the environment, and the most appropriate lighting to make your space bright and airy. If you would like a space that feels like home, your designer will be able to translate your vision into a reality.

Learn More About Finding an Interior Designer

The work of the interior designer should reflect the needs of you, the client. Contact Lisa Lewis Interior Design for high-quality, professional home design that will ensure top-notch aesthetic, efficiency, sustainability and your specific needs being met.

Or read my Guide to Working with an Interior Designer.

The post What Exactly Does an Interior Designer Do and How Can They Help You? appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

Before hiring your next interior designer, here are some terrific questions you should ask them.

1. How will you help me communicate my style to you?

An experienced interior designer will be great at guiding you through photos, asking the right questions about your current style, what kinds of artwork you enjoy, your favourite colour schemes, etc. They will be able to show you various examples to get a feel of your reactions and take it from there. You can also ask if they plan to draw, build models, or use technology to show you previews of their ideas.

2. How will you manage my budget?

Part of a designer’s job is to ensure they maximize your budget to its fullest potential. It must meet both your wants and needs. Ask how they keep track of expenses and if they will offer multiple choices for different prices levels. Look for a designer who is comfortable and confident in their answer and systems.

3. How would you describe your signature style?

While professional designers will be able to work with whichever style you wish, every interior designer has a style that they love. For example, if you’re looking to remodel your living room to be modern, finding a designer whose signature work is modern will better meet your needs. Having them describe their style will either turn you off or make you say “Yes, they’re it!”.

4. If there are problems on the job, how do you deal with them?

Unfortunately, problems can arise, it’s sometimes inevitable. Having a designer who has a backup plan if items are back ordered or damaged can mean a world of difference between a smooth or bumpy job.

5. What is the most challenging part of designing a home?

This question can help you identify the interior designer’s strengths and weaknesses.

6. What degrees have you earned?

Although experience level can make up for degrees in some cases, asking for their formal educational background is a smart idea to get a better feel of what they’ve accomplished.

A few other great questions to ask are, “How much time do you estimate the job will take to finish?”, “Do you stay up to date on current trends?”, and “Do you have any examples of your previous work you can show me?”.

Have more questions for an interior designer?

As an interior designer with over 17 years of experience, Lisa Lewis can help transform your living spaces into the beautiful vision you’ve always dreamed of. For further information contact Lisa today.

Or read my Guide to Working with an Interior Designer.

The post 6 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer Before You Hire Them appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

I wanted to write a blog about how Richmond is a mecca for interior shops, as it once was: we had Maison and India Jane for the more classic interior, Dwell for a more sleek, contemporary look and Holloways of Ludlow for quirky lighting and accessories.

Unfortunately they have all gone and the only way to order from these suppliers is to visit a showroom elsewhere or look online.

The problem with this is that you are often investing a fair amount of your income into furniture or fittings and you really want to feel them, sit in them, try them or at least see them before you buy!

I wonder if these companies are leaving the high street because they have more competition from other online retailers and therefore they can’t compete on price if they are also paying to have physical shop-space in a beautiful town such as Richmond.

Luckily it is so easy to hop onto the tube and take yourself to Chelsea where there is an abundance of interior showrooms displaying everything from fabrics to lighting to furniture, bathrooms and accessories.  However, where do you start?

Sometimes the choice can be too great and this is where it can pay to employ an interior designer.  A designer should have a pretty good idea of what is available, what is appropriate depending on budget and their specific client’s requirements and will be able to provide you with practical solutions.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the choice online or indeed don’t know where to start give me a buzz!

Or read my Guide to Working with an Interior Designer.

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