Seems like a simple question right? Well, for those of you who have asked yourself this question, you probably know that the answers aren’t necessarily quick and easy to come by.
Indeed the ‘simple question’ is a very complicated one. As an interior designer, I often get asked this question by my clientele. For me, the answer is easy. I always explain to my clients that my personal design style is not important, however understanding their preferred styles and desired functionality is vital. To that end, I have all new clients fill out a Client Profile that I developed to assist in finding out more about what they want to see, and how they want to feel in their newly remodeled and/or designed spaces. I ask that all household members answer the questions either together or separately.
Everybody in the household will be impacted by interior design changes, and it is essential to consider their input before those changes are implemented. To those who say “Oh, I really don’t care, it is my wife/husband’s project.” I respond, “You may care less, or differently, however for me to do the best job possible for you, it is important that I get your input also.”
Often house mates have different interior design style and functionality preferences. The interior designer (or whomever is doing the design work) should have a good understanding of what those differences are, so that everyone’s needs and desires are addressed. When each person individually answers the Client Profile questions, it is much easier to identify the key differences, and most importantly, the similarities between people. S Interior Design clients are also asked to pull out magazine pictures that appeal to them. This is another useful way to gain an understanding of what the desired outcome of the interior design project should be. Often it is difficult to articulate what is wanted, but as the famous quote goes “A picture paints a thousand words.
Important information to gather includes the answers to questions such as:
# Where is the majority of waking time spent in the home?
# What activities are being done in the different rooms that time is being spent in?
# Do you entertain? How often? Large or small groups? Casual or formal style? Indoors or outdoors?
The answers to these questions can often lead to additional questions. For instance, if one person likes to spend the majority of their evening time watching TV, it would be helpful to know if they like to sprawl on a sofa (would indicate a certain style of sofa is needed for comfort), or whether they would love a recliner chair. If someone is an avid reader, where do they do their reading? In common areas of the home such as the family room? In bed before going to sleep? In this instance, lighting and back support are key design considerations.
Without a doubt, putting in some time up-front to best understand what you want your interior design project to turn out like will pay off!
