New Interior Design Challenges
New Interior Design Challenges
- April 7th, 2010By Shane Pearson, Co-Owner, Dwellings
The emerging trend in design is perhaps the most interesting for some time. For the last decade our homes have been designed for external validation. A booming property market and a general culture of conformist consumption have driven us to limit our choices to the lowest common denominator. Encouraged to make design choices which could be easily referenced and said as little as possible about us, we forget the emotional connection required to turn a house into a home.
Now, with shrinking prospects of “flipping” a house for profit, our homes have become our haven from the outside world. More inward looking references are resulting in interesting and individual designs. This new trend moves away from the “one-size-fits-all” solutions encouraged by design, and asks: If we can no longer buy everything we want and replace it in the coming years when we are bored with it, then how do we choose a piece which continues to be relevant to us after the high of the purchase passes?
During times of stress our desire to surround ourselves with personal, relevant and beautiful things becomes more intense. Our measure of value is changing and the enduring qualities of craftsmanship and materials are gaining new momentum. The creation of heirloom pieces which have the potential to stay with us for a lifetime is becoming a powerful motivation. Unique and individual pieces declare something special about you and your home. Whether in found objects, artwork or furniture, we are finding voices which speak intimately of personal style. Design, by its very nature, treads a fine line between leading and reacting to popular demand.
There is an increasing boldness of our client’s wishes to incorporate their hobbies and passions into the new design of there home. As designers we are surprised and delighted to be confronted by clients who are embracing their eclectic tastes and demanding more involvement in the redesign process. Old rules of room usage are thrown out the windows and as we say” anything goes”.
Design firms are well poised to face the changes required from this shifting trend. The designers challenge is now to create that experience for every customer and make our clients feel connected to the design process in such a way they would never want to part with there home.
For more information about the author or Dwellings, call 896-2990 or visit www.dwellingsfurniture.com.
