Interior design and decoration, as well as any other creative work, must start with an idea. The idea or the concept is the "big deal." Before we can do anything, we must clearly understand what we desire to do. No one can be so naïve as to suppose that vague ideas and hazy undefined concepts will get you anywhere. As it is said, "If you do not know where you're going, any road will take you there." In addition, I will add, "Once you get there, you will not like it!"
In the title of this article, I mentioned that the concept holds the magic key. In a sense, it is the magic key and in another sense, there is no magic to it all. The magic is infused based on skill, knowledge, imagination, and wise judgment.
The effects of great interior design are produced by definite relationships of form and color; scale and proportion; lighting and texture; as well as a whole host of interrelated elements. In a sense, it is no more mysterious than the relationship of words and sentences, grammar and punctuation, as well as clarity and substance.
Rooms do not grow in beauty, repose, or dignity on their own. They are imbued with these attributes by a studied and creative process. Nothing gets better looking on its own … unless you're talking about a caterpillar turning into a butterfly! The process is not very difficult to understand. However, it can never be successfully employed if you do not know what you are trying to do. Therefore, this concept is of tremendous importance. It's not only what you want the room to look like, but what you want it to feel like as well. This is something that we call ambiance !
One of the first things to decide is the purpose of each room. You do not have to unnecessarily go by the name by which it is designated. Determine and go by the actual function that will be performed in the life of the household. Do not be swayed or severely influenced by the conventions of your neighborhood, coterie, or class. Stay true to your real needs and real aspirations. Do not be afraid to be unique! Forget the fads! This is not fashion … as in clothing.
Once the real purpose of a room has been determined, everything selected and used in furnishing it should be in tune with that purpose. This ensures that the room expresses your desired ambiance in the same manner that was envisioned at the time of its conception.
So put your thoughts down on paper where you can see them and mull them over. Put down every thought and every idea you have that is descriptive in nature. Never think that anything is inconsequential. Write it all down. You never know how a small seed of an idea will germinate and grow into something wonderful.
Consistent adherence to a predetermined standard of excellence through the appointments of each room, as well as the transfers from room to room, is essential to outstanding work.