3 Things Interior Designers Do Well
November 7, 2024
3 Things Interior Designers Do Well
Space Planning
Interior designers are keen to maximize a space’s functionality and flow. They assess the layout,
ensuring that furniture placement and room configuration enhance usability while creating a
visually appealing environment.
Aesthetic Vision
Designers have a strong sense of style and color, allowing them to create cohesive and attractive
designs. They know how to combine textures, colors, and materials to establish a mood and
achieve the desired aesthetic for a space.
Problem-Solving
Interior designers are skilled at addressing challenges that arise during the design process.
They creatively troubleshoot issues related to layout, lighting, and integrating
personal preferences, ensuring that the final design meets the client’s
needs and expectations.
3 key statistics about the Florida real estate market
Median Home Price
As of mid-2023, the median home price in Florida has significantly increased, often exceeding $400,000 in many metropolitan areas, reflecting ongoing demand and limited inventory.
Population Growth
Florida has been experiencing a robust influx of residents, with an estimated annual growth rate of around 1.5% to 2%. This population increase fuels demand for housing, particularly in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
Rental Market Trends
The rental market in Florida has also been strong, with rental prices rising significantly. In many areas, year-over-year rent increases have been reported at around 10% or higher, driven by high demand and low vacancy rates.
These statistics indicate a dynamic and competitive real estate environment in Florida.
Integrating Interior Design with Architectural Elements
Integrating Interior Design with Architectural Elements: Elevating Your Space
When interior design works together with architectural elements, the result is a cohesive and stunning space that reflects personal style and maximizes functionality. Rather than seeing architecture and interior design as separate disciplines, blending these two creates a unified look, ensuring that a space feels both well-thought-out and effortlessly beautiful. We work alongside architects to combine our expertise, creating the perfect balance.
Recognize the Architectural Framework
Before beginning the interior design process, it’s crucial to understand and appreciate the space’s existing architectural features. Elements like exposed beams, high ceilings, large windows, or original molding can become focal points and should be considered when selecting furniture, decor, and color palettes. These architectural details often tell a story about the property, and embracing them can add authenticity to the design.
Emphasize Texture and Materiality
Architectural elements often come with distinct textures and materials, such as brick walls, concrete floors, or wooden beams. Rather than covering or disguising these elements, interior design should highlight and complement them.
Incorporating softer, contrasting materials like plush fabrics, rugs, and drapes can balance the rawness of industrial architecture. On the flip side, sleek and modern furniture might pair beautifully with traditional wood paneling or exposed brick, providing a fresh yet grounded, stylish contrast.
Design with Symmetry and Proportion in Mind
Interior design should always reflect the proportions of the architecture. A room with grand dimensions, such as a vaulted ceiling or wide-open floor plan, calls for furniture and decor that match that scale. On the contrary, a smaller space might benefit from a more minimalist approach, where every piece is carefully selected to prevent overcrowding.
Symmetry, too, plays a vital role in bridging interior design with architecture. Pairing furniture and decor in a balanced, symmetrical arrangement complements the existing architecture, making the space feel harmonious and visually pleasing.
Get Creative with a Focal Point
One of the most impactful ways to integrate interior design with architecture is by creating a focal point that draws attention to a key architectural element. Whether it’s a stunning fireplace, a statement staircase, or a dramatic vaulted ceiling, the focal point becomes the anchor of the room’s design.
By building the design around this architectural feature, you ensure that it remains the star of the space. Complement it with strategically placed furniture, art, or lighting that emphasizes the feature without overwhelming it. The goal is to enhance the architectural focal point, making it the room’s heart.
Harmonizing Design and Architecture
Incorporating architectural elements into interior design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a unified and intentional space. By embracing the inherent qualities of a space’s architecture and integrating design that complements those elements, you create a home that feels functional and uniquely personal.
Understanding how to merge these two worlds is key for interior designers, who must deliver extraordinary results that transform any space into a masterpiece.
Mixing Fabrics in Design
How We Mix Fabrics in Our Interior Designs
When it comes to interior design, one of the things we love most is playing with fabrics. There’s something so satisfying about finding the perfect combination of colors, patterns, and textures that brings a space to life. Over the years, we’ve developed a few strategies for mixing fabrics that we’d love to share.
Starting with a Cohesive Color Palette
The first thing we always do is choose a color palette that will guide all of our fabric choices. We typically start with a few base colors—sometimes neutrals, sometimes bold shades—and build from there. The key is to make sure every fabric we select fits within this palette. This way, even when mixing different patterns and textures, the space feels unified and harmonious.
Mixing Patterns
Mixing patterns is one of our favorite parts of the process. We like to combine different types of patterns—stripes, florals, geometrics, you name it. To keep things from looking chaotic, we vary the scale of the patterns. For example, we might pair a large floral print with a small, subtle stripe. This adds visual interest without overwhelming the room. Our rule of thumb is to have one dominant pattern and let the others play a supporting role.
Experimenting with Texture
Texture is a game-changer when it comes to creating a cozy, inviting space. We love mixing soft, plush fabrics like velvet with rougher, more natural materials like linen. This contrast not only adds depth but also makes the room feel more dynamic. For us, the tactile experience is just as necessary as the visual one, so we always aim to create a balance of textures that feels right.
Anchor the Look with Solids
While we enjoy mixing patterns and textures, we never forget the importance of solid fabrics. Solids give the eye a place to rest and help to anchor the overall design. We usually choose solids that echo the colors found in our patterned fabrics, which helps tie everything together. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a huge difference in creating a balanced look.
Consider Scale Carefully
Scale is something we pay close attention to when mixing fabrics. Large-scale patterns can make a big statement, sometimes too big, so we use them strategically—perhaps on pillows. That way, it’s easier to change them if you get sick of them! Then, we balance those with smaller-scale patterns on large-scale items such as rugs or furniture. This layering of different scales creates a dynamic yet cohesive look that feels intentional and well-thought-out. Whether you use large-scale patterns for the big items or the small ones, make sure you balance it out.
We Always Test Before Committing
Before we commit to a particular fabric combination, we like to test it out. We’ll gather fabric swatches and lay them out on a tray to see how they interact. It’s amazing how different fabrics can look under different lighting conditions, so we make sure to check them at various times of the day. This step helps us tweak our choices until we find the perfect mix.
Mixing fabrics in interior design is something we truly enjoy—it’s where creativity meets comfort. By focusing on color, pattern, texture, and scale, we’re able to create spaces that are both beautiful and inviting.
Why Investing in Interior Design Will Add Value to Your Life
When we think about improving our quality of life, we often consider factors like health, relationships, and careers. However, the environment we live in plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Great interior design is not just about making a space look beautiful—it’s about creating an environment that enhances your daily life, boosts your mood, and supports your overall well-being. Here’s how thoughtful interior design can significantly improve your quality of life.
Creating a Space That Reflects Your Personality
Your home should reflect who you are. When your interior design aligns with your personal style, it creates a sense of belonging and comfort. Whether you prefer a minimalist, modern look or a cozy, eclectic vibe, a well-designed space can make you feel more connected to your environment. This connection to your surroundings fosters a sense of peace and satisfaction.
Enhancing Functionality and Efficiency
A great interior design doesn’t just look good—it works well, too. Thoughtful design ensures that your space is functional and meets your daily needs. From optimizing room layouts to selecting furniture that fits your lifestyle, good design makes your home more efficient and easier to live in. This can save you time, reduce stress, and make daily tasks more enjoyable.
Improving Mental Well-Being
The colors, lighting, and layout of a room can have a profound impact on your mood and mental health. Bright, airy spaces with natural light can boost your mood and energy levels, while darker, cozier rooms can promote relaxation and calm. Incorporating elements of nature, like plants or natural materials, can also reduce stress and enhance feelings of well-being. A well-designed space can help you feel more relaxed, focused, and positive.
Encouraging Social Interaction
Your home is a place to connect with others, and great interior design can create spaces that encourage social interaction. Whether it’s a welcoming living room, a cozy dining area, or an inviting outdoor space, well-designed areas make it easier to entertain guests and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere can enhance your social life and strengthen your relationships.
Promoting Better Physical Health
Interior design can also have a direct impact on your physical health. Ergonomic furniture can prevent strain and injury, while good lighting can reduce eye strain and improve sleep patterns. Additionally, a well-ventilated, clean, and organized space can improve air quality and reduce allergens, contributing to better overall health.
Supporting a Balanced Lifestyle
The design of your home can support your lifestyle choices and help you maintain balance. For instance, a dedicated home office can increase productivity while allowing you to separate work from relaxation. A well-designed kitchen can inspire healthier eating habits, and a peaceful bedroom can promote better sleep. By aligning your home’s design with your lifestyle goals, you create an environment that supports and enhances your daily routines.
Increasing Your Home’s Value
While the primary goal of interior design is to improve your quality of life, it also has the added benefit of increasing your home’s value. A beautifully designed, functional space is more attractive to potential buyers and can significantly raise the market value of your property. This can provide long-term financial benefits and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Great interior design is more than just aesthetics—creating a space that improves every aspect of your life. By reflecting your personality, enhancing functionality, boosting mental and physical well-being, and fostering social connections, thoughtful design can have a profound impact on your overall quality of life. Investing in good design is an investment in your happiness, health, and future. So, take the time to create a home that truly supports and enriches your life.
Minimalism: Why We Love it!
We LOVE Minimalism! Minimalism in interior design is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice that reflects a desire for simplicity, clarity, and purpose. Over the past decade, this design philosophy has gained significant traction, reshaping how we think about our living spaces and influencing design practices around the world.
Why Minimalism Appeals Today
- Overwhelm of Modern Life: In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel overwhelmed by the constant influx of information, responsibilities, and material possessions. Minimalism offers a counterbalance to this chaos by encouraging a focus on what truly matters—people, experiences, and personal values.
- Sustainability: As awareness of environmental issues grows, more individuals seek sustainable living options. Minimalism aligns with this desire by promoting the use of fewer resources and choosing quality over quantity – and reduces waste! Sustainable materials and timeless designs are key components of minimalist interiors.
- Mental Clarity: There is a growing recognition of the connection between our physical environments and our mental well-being. Cluttered spaces can contribute to stress and anxiety, while a minimalist environment can create a sense of calm and order, allowing the mind to focus.
The Keys to Minimalism:
- Neutral Color Palettes: Minimalist interiors often feature a neutral color scheme, with whites, grays, beiges, and earth tones. These colors create a serene backdrop that allows the mind to rest and the space to feel more expansive.
- Clean Lines and Simple Forms: Furniture and architectural elements in minimalist design are characterized by clean, straight lines and simple, unadorned forms. This approach strips away unnecessary ornamentation, leaving only the essentials!
- Open Spaces: Minimalism thrives on the idea of open, uncluttered spaces. This improves the flow of natural light and enhances the feeling of freedom and spaciousness within a room.
- Functional Furniture: Every piece of furniture in a minimalist home serves a purpose. Multifunctional furniture, such as a sofa bed or a storage ottoman, is often used to maximize space and reduce clutter.
- Quality Over Quantity: In a minimalist interior, few items are displayed, but each one is chosen with care and thought! High-quality, durable materials are preferred, reflecting the minimalist principle of investing in items that will stand the test of time.
Minimalism in Different Spaces
- Living Rooms: A minimalist living room may feature a neutral sofa, a single piece of art, and a few carefully chosen accessories. The focus is on creating a comfortable space that encourages relaxation and conversation.
- Kitchens: Minimalist kitchens often feature sleek cabinetry, hidden storage, and uncluttered countertops. The use of high-quality materials like marble, granite, and stainless steel adds a touch of luxury to the simplicity.
- Bedrooms: In the bedroom, minimalism promotes restfulness. A low platform bed, simple bedding, and minimal decor create a calming environment conducive to sleep.
The Future of Minimalism
We believe minimalism is likely to continue evolving. While the core principles of simplicity, functionality, and sustainability will remain, we may see new interpretations of minimalism that incorporate more color, texture, and cultural influences.
The rise of minimalism in interior design reflects a broader cultural shift towards simplicity, sustainability, and mental well-being. As more people embrace this design philosophy, our living spaces will continue to evolve, becoming not just places to live, but sanctuaries that support a more mindful and intentional way of life.
Artful Living: Integrating Fine Art Into Your Home
Tambour Wood Paneling and Why We Love It!
Tambour wood paneling is a type of wall treatment made up of narrow, vertical wooden slats. This style of paneling has been used in interior design for decades and is known for its versatility and aesthetic appeal. We’ve been loving this design element for a while. The way it brings depth and interest to a space and is also great for a wall divider!
Aesthetic Appeal
Tambour wood paneling adds texture and warmth to a space, making it more inviting and cozy. The vertical lines create a sense of height and movement, adding visual interest to flat surfaces. The style is available in various wood types, finishes, and sizes; tambour panels can complement a wide range of design styles, from traditional to contemporary.
How We Like to Use It.
Tambour wood panels are often used to create striking accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways. Using them as a wall separator is a great way to define your spaces better. Tambour wood is also used in furniture design, such as cabinet doors, desks, and headboards.
How to go about using Tambour.
When using tambour wood paneling, balance it with other design elements to avoid overwhelming the space. Proper lighting can enhance the texture and appearance of the wood, highlighting its natural beauty. Pair tambour wood with contrasting materials like metal, glass, stone, or soft fabrics to create a more dynamic and interesting interior.
Incorporating tambour wood paneling into your interior design can add a unique and sophisticated touch, adding aesthetic and functional value – which we all know is super important when making design investments.
Creating a Stylish and Functional Bathroom
When it comes to home design, the bathroom is often overlooked, yet it’s a space where we spend significant time starting and ending our days. Creating a functional and stylish bathroom can elevate your daily routine and add value to your home. We typically see two different directions clients like to go when designing their bathrooms. The oasis spa-like vibe is always a go-to, but bathrooms (especially half baths) can be fun to try bolder colors and prints!
Make sure you keep lots of storage in mind! We all know we have a lot of products, towels, medicines, etc. stored away in our bathrooms. Incorporate innovative ways to store products instead of throwing everything in the cabinet under your sink! We like to use shelving for baskets and jars!
In such a small room, experimenting with bold colors and patterns is a great way to add some fun to your home. Consider deep, rich hues like navy blue, forest green, or even black for a dramatic effect. Patterned tiles, whether on the floor or as a feature wall, can add visual interest and a unique personality to your bathroom.
We love a dark moody half bath! Small spaces are perfect for a lot of personality! When it comes to lighting, it’s important to make sure your primary bathrooms are filled with light; no one wants to put makeup on in dim lighting! But with smaller baths, have fun with the lighting; make it dim and moody if you please!
If you have the space, adding a free-standing tub is a great way to add elegance to the space. It’s a great focal piece.
Still obsessed with our Kips Bay tub – that gorgeous marble never gets old!
Designer Spotlight! Meet Kaley!
Incorporating Coastal Elements In Your Home
The coastal aesthetic is all about bringing the tranquility and charm of the seaside into your living space. Whether you live near the shore or miles away, incorporating coastal elements can create a serene and refreshing environment that evokes the calm and beauty of the ocean. Here’s how you can transform your home into a coastal haven:
Embrace the Blues and Whites
The foundation of coastal design is its color palette. Think of the colors representing the seaside: Blues, whites, beige, and green. We are no strangers to this color palette and are confident you can’t go wrong working with colors pulled from nature.
- Walls and Furniture: Opt for shades of white, light beige, and soft grey for a neutral backdrop. These colors provide a perfect canvas for the more vibrant blues and greens. Having neutral bones makes it easy to constantly make updates as you please with new pillows, etc.
- Accents and Decor: Introduce various shades of blue, from deep navy to light aqua, through pillows, throws, and rugs. Complement these with touches of sandy beige and driftwood grey in furniture and decor items.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Coastal design emphasizes natural materials that reflect the beach and ocean environment. Incorporate the following materials to add an authentic coastal touch:
- Wood: Use reclaimed wood for furniture or decorative accents. Weathered or whitewashed finishes work particularly well to create a beachy vibe.
- Rattan and Wicker: These materials are perfect for chairs, side tables, and storage baskets. They add texture and a relaxed, casual feel.
- Natural Fibers: Jute, sisal, and seagrass rugs provide a natural, earthy base for your rooms and are durable and easy to maintain.
Coastal Decor
Nautical decor elements can enhance the coastal theme without overwhelming the space. Here’s how to do it tastefully:
- Artwork: Choose pieces that depict beach scenes, ocean waves, or marine life. Keep the frames simple to maintain a clean look.
- Accessories: Incorporate items like driftwood sculptures, glass jars filled with shells, and nautical rope accents. Remember, less is more—avoid cluttering your space with too many items.
- Textiles: Look for fabrics with subtle nautical motifs such as anchors, shells, or fish. Use these sparingly on pillows, throws, or curtains.
Maximize Natural Light
A coastal home should feel bright and airy, much like a day at the beach. Maximize the natural light in your home with these tips:
- Window Treatments: Choose light, sheer curtains that allow sunlight to filter through. Opt for shades of white or light blue to keep the look cohesive.
- Mirrors: Strategically place mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel larger and more open.
- Open Spaces: Arrange furniture to create open, flowing spaces that allow for easy movement and a relaxed atmosphere.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces to fully embrace the coastal lifestyle:
- Outdoor Furniture: Use similar materials and colors for your outdoor furniture to create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces.
- Plants: Incorporate potted plants and greenery that thrive in coastal environments, such as succulents, palms, and ferns. These add a fresh, natural element to your decor.
- Outdoor Decor: Add elements like lanterns, outdoor rugs, and cozy seating areas to your patio or deck to create an inviting extension of your indoor living space.
How to Approach an Open Floor Plan
Vibe Deck – How We Find Inspiration For Your Project
At K+H we want to ensure that your home fits your style. Everyone has unique styles and they can all be correct. While we make suggestions and introduce you to new and innovative designs, we want to make sure your home is your ~vibe~. After we speak with you and get to know you a little more, we ask you to make a Pinterest Board or send us photos on Instagram of images and inspiration you like! We wouldn’t want to send you a coastal boho inspired design when like a moody cultured design!
Examples of Previous Clients Pinterest Boards:
Or do it by room!
YOUR VIBE DECK
We look at these images and create a VIBE DECK for you to review to make sure we’re understanding your own style. That way when we make selections for you to choose from, we’re on the right path!
Each room in your home will have a main photo that combines what you have selected, and what we think would look and function best in your space! It’s so fun for us to do, we hope it’s fun for you too! Most importantly, it lets you know that we are hearing your voice!
Here’s an example of one of our past clients:
The Inspo Pics:
The Vibe Deck:
The Final Design
Designer Spotlight! Meet Barbara!
The ROI of Quality Interior Design: Boosting Your Property’s Resale Value
Investing in quality interior design isn’t just about creating a beautiful living space; it’s a strategic financial decision that can significantly increase your property’s resale value. As the real estate market becomes more competitive, potential buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that offer not just functionality, but also aesthetic appeal. Thoughtful interior design goes beyond staging.
Enhancing Functionality and Flow
Good interior design isn’t just about looks; it’s about optimizing the use of space. A professional designer can reconfigure rooms, improve layouts, and enhance the overall flow of your home. This functional improvement makes your property more appealing to buyers, who appreciate the thoughtful consideration put into making every square foot useful and accessible.
Why Quality Interior Design is Better Than Home Staging
While home staging is a popular strategy to enhance a property’s appeal, it offers only temporary benefits. Home staging involves arranging furniture and decor to make a home look attractive for showings, but it doesn’t address underlying design issues or improve the permanent features of the property.
Highlighting Key Features
Interior designers have the expertise to highlight the best features of your home, whether it’s a stunning fireplace, high ceilings, or expansive windows with breathtaking views. Through strategic placement of furniture, lighting, and decor, these elements can be accentuated, making your home more attractive to buyers and increasing its perceived value.
Modernizing and Updating
Outdated interiors can significantly detract from a home’s appeal and value. Investing in quality interior design allows you to modernize your property, incorporating contemporary styles and trends that buyers are looking for. Whether it’s updating an old kitchen, renovating bathrooms, or incorporating smart home technology, these upgrades can drastically increase your home’s market value.
Calculating the ROI
While the upfront cost of professional interior design might seem high, the ROI can be substantial. According to studies, homeowners can expect a return on investment ranging from 50% to 200% on interior design projects, depending on the scope and quality of the work. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to offer the highest returns, but even simple updates to living spaces can have a significant impact.
Investing in quality interior design is more than just an expenditure; it’s a strategic move to enhance your property’s value and marketability. By creating a space that is functional, beautiful, and tailored to the desires of potential buyers, you can significantly increase your property’s resale value and ensure a high ROI. In today’s competitive real estate market, a well-designed interior isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Ready to take the next step in boosting your property’s value? Give us a call and we’ll give you a free consultation to help you understand how we can increase your home’s value.