Creating Liveable Style - What it means to me
Welcome to Three Reasons Interior Design and my first blog post 👋
Whilst Interior Design isn’t new for me, running my own Interior Design studio is. And so, I thought a good place to start with my blog is to elaborate on my concept of “Creating Liveable Style”
For me, this concept is key not only for my own style, but when designing for clients too. It’s about tailoring an interior design to personal tastes, needs, behaviours and habits. Your home or business space is a reflection of the people who use it. It needs to be functional, but it should also be somewhere you want to be, where you feel proud and you enjoy spending time there.
When you’re running a household, with a family and working, achieving this isn’t easy! A lot of people I meet just don’t know where to start. They have the Pinterest boards, they follow some aspirational accounts on social media, they have every intention of getting started. However the process of getting started can be so overwhelming that it never happens!
When I first meet a client, I really aim to get under the skin of their motivations for designing a space. How they will use it, how they want to feel when they’re using it and how they want others to feel. As well as discussing personal preferences when it comes to interiors, I have created a quick and fun exercise that makes the consultation more collaborative and allows them to open up and think broadly about the style they want to achieve. I call this their “Style Profile”. All of this information forms the backbone of creating their Liveable Style.
There are 3 key aspects I consider when creating liveable, stylish spaces for my clients:
1. Function vs. Form
One of the key aspects of a liveable style is functionality. In a livable space, function is often prioritised over form, ensuring that the space is practical and functional for the needs of the people who will be using it. But function doesn’t have to limit style! I balance function with form, carefully considering the layout of a space and factors such as traffic flow, furniture placement, and storage needs alongside ensuring that the functional aspects follow the design concept I have created with the client.
For example, in a living room, the seating arrangement must be carefully considered to ensure that it is conducive to conversation and relaxation. The placement of the sofa, chairs, and coffee table should be arranged in a way that promotes socialisation and comfort, while also allowing for easy movement around the space. So far, so liveable, right?… where the style part comes in, is the shape and fabric of that sofa, the cushions and throws you add to it. What is the coffee table made from and what is placed on it? How does that space represent your personality?
Kitchen design is an area where functionality is key. The layout must be designed with functionality in mind. The placement of appliances, worktops, and storage must be carefully considered to ensure that the space is practical and functional for cooking and meal preparation. But how do we make it a beautiful kitchen? To make it a stylish space we need to consider the materials for the worktop, floor and tiles or backsplash. Hardware is also key to creating a stylish finish, and you may go so far as to consider cookware and tableware to complete the look.
2. Durable and sustainable
When designing a livable space, it's important to consider the durability of the materials and finishes used in the space. A livable space is one that can withstand daily wear and tear, and remains functional and beautiful for years to come. Prioritizing materials that are durable and long-lasting, such as hardwood flooring, stone countertops, and solid wood furniture. By using these materials, you can create a space that is not only beautiful, but also functional and durable, and will stand the test of time.
Another important aspect of livable style is sustainability. A livable space is one that takes into account the environmental impact of the design, and incorporates eco-friendly materials and practices wherever possible. This means considering materials that are renewable, recyclable, or made from sustainable sources where possible.
3. Tastes not Trends
It’s very easy to get caught up in the latest Interior Design trends, and if you are only dipping in and out as and when projects come up, you may not even know when a trend is a trend. Whilst totally instagramable, trends can be short-lived and date quickly, which goes back to the sustainability aspect as you want your design to stand the test of time and not have to re-decorate or replace items too quickly.
Instead of trends, I focus on creating a design that is unique as well as enduring. Considering your own style profile, identified in our consultation and blending this with timeless design elements, a unique colour scheme and elements that bring you joy!
I’d love to hear from you and discuss how I can help you discover your Style Profile and achieve Liveable Style in your space.
