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interior design.
not just for snobs
by donald dusinberre    imartsyfartsy@gmail.com

      A few years ago, I worked for an Interior Designer, and I hated every moment of it. I’ve always loved design, believed in good design, and wanted to learn more about how it worked. My employer had some very well known and “important” clients, and I thought that I would benefit from seeing how high-quality fabrics, furniture and designs could transform a living space.

      Despite my insider angle, I never got any straight answers, and I began to feel like the entire process was phony and completely subject to the designer’s whim. I never questioned the choices he made for his clients, but he could never explain why he made them, which led me to believe he never exactly knew.

      I was soured by that experience, but over time, I realized that interior design is indeed an art and a science, whether my former employer knows it or not.

      To extinguish my skepticism and learn a real designer’s point of view, I spoke to Stacy Smith, co-owner of Design House of Jacksonville. Along with Danielle Hazlett, Stacy has designed residential and commercial spaces, both big and small, all over the city.

      Good interior design isn’t just about fancy, expensive stuff, and it’s more than just about aesthetics. “The functionality of a space and its components is the basis of a successful design solution. Design is a layering process, and requires a strong understanding of the client’s needs in their environment before building into the aesthetic portion of the design,” says Smith.

      If you’re getting a swarm of unsolicited ideas from your interior designer before they know anything about you, then you might consider consulting someone else. No design idea fits everyone, and your space should reflect who you are and what you do in a given space. Smith says, “Designers hope to provide their clients with an environment that will reflect and complement their personality and day-to-day lifestyle. In my opinion, a well-designed space is one that is comfortable and inviting, and people are excited to be in it.”

      Making a space both unique and inviting is something that few untrained people can successfully do. Taking advantage of an Interior Designer’s expertise is a special experience. If you’re interested in redesigning your home, set up consultations with a few designers to see what ideas they propose. Like many designers, Smith has a few favorite techniques that she suggests to clients. “I like creating interesting effects with light and shadows within a room to accentuate different architectural forms.”

      You might be surprised to find out just how many options you have, but the good designers are the ones who will do as much listening and observing as talking and proposing. “A well-planned space actually makes everyday life easier,” says Smith. “A layout that serves the needs of the client and anyone within the space efficiently can increase productivity and reduce stress.” Good design fundamentals like that can make any designed space benefit a person in their everyday life.

      To learn more about Designhouse of Jacksonville, visit their website at designhousejax.com, or call 904.247.3589.

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