“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” — Steve Jobs
Many people think of interior design as a luxury for the wealthy. Often, it is due to the perceived high costs of hiring a designer, as it is usually showcased in luxury magazines.
However, interior design extends beyond lavish aesthetics. It is a discipline that affects the spaces we live in, look, feel, and function.
A thoughtful design can improve the quality of our lives. It can also provide a comfortable work environment and support mental well-being. Here are 7 benefits of interior design in our spaces.
1. Interior design for functionality
One of the primary purposes of interior design is to improve the functionality of a space. No matter how beautiful a room looks, its design will fall short if it doesn’t serve the needs of its occupants.
An interior designer will consider the space layout, the furniture placement, and how these different elements and finishes will come together.
For example, consider the layout of a kitchen. You'll notice that the cooker is never placed in the window area, but the sink often is. Moreover, the fridge, oven, and sink are not adjacent. Rather, these three workstations are laid out in a triangle.
Interior designers use this principle to maximise workflow efficiency in the kitchen. But, it may not be workable in some open-plan or island kitchens. Thus, an interior designer will use space planning techniques to design the kitchen workflow.
2. Interior design for personality and style
We can consider our living spaces to be extensions of ourselves. Interior design allows us to express ourselves through various design elements.
For example, a minimalist design with muted colours may evoke calmness and order. On the other hand, an eclectic design with vibrant colours may reflect an energetic and creative personality.
3. Interior Design for mental and physical well-being
Our environment has a significant impact on our mental and physical health. Several studies done in recent times investigated how the built environment affects our mental and psychological well-being.
For instance, some studies proposed that curved interior spaces induced higher positive emotions.
Yet, the psychological response to interior design is more complex than contour or style. Our differences in personality traits, cultural influence, and familiarity with our architectural environment play a big role in our emotional response to any space.
A thoughtful design will incorporate various aspects of environmental psychology and ergonomics to support the well-being of the occupants.
These aspects can include lighting, ventilation, and ergonomic furniture. Natural lighting offers many health benefits, such as boosting mood, energy levels, productivity, and learning. Moreover, good lighting at night can reduce eye strain and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Good ventilation is another important aspect of healthy living and thermal comfort. While natural ventilation is cost-effective, mechanical ventilation systems are ideal for spaces with limited means for natural ventilation.
4. Interior design increases property value
Whether it's a residential or commercial property, the right interior design can make it more appealing to potential buyers and tenants.
Modern designs that incorporate the latest trends and materials are attractive to buyers. Additionally, upgrading with modern amenities and finishes can significantly add to its value.
Another way interior design increases property value is by enhancing the functionality of your spaces. Examples include adding more storage spaces and improving the flow of rooms.
Spatial rearrangement of a home can also add value, especially if it's what the buyers want.
For example, in one project we did, the client wanted to flip a property they had bought. After analysing the buyers' market, he realised he could sell the home faster with more bedrooms. We converted the TV room upstairs into a bedroom, making the house a four-bedroom. The client flipped it for more money than other similar properties.
5. Interior design enhances mood and productivity
The condition of your space can impact your mood and productivity, especially if you spend most of your time there. This includes our homes, offices, and schools. For instance, blue is a calm colour associated with focus, making it a popular office colour.
On the other hand, light blue hues can create a serene and relaxing environment ideal for bedrooms.
Getting rid of clutter can help make your space feel clean and organised. It can also reduce stress and increase your focus. Incorporating ample storage solutions can create an orderly environment. Moreover, thoughtful space layouts with ergonomic furniture and good lighting can create a productive work environment.
6. Interior design promotes sustainability
Sustainable design means creating spaces that help to sustain the environment and contribute to the well-being of communities. These impacts can include energy and resource efficiency, recycling and reuse of materials, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
Apart from being trendy, recycling and upcycling materials, such as reclaimed wood, can reduce the cutting down of trees.
Additionally, incorporating energy-efficient lighting and appliances can lower energy bills and reduce the environmental footprint. Similarly, biophilic design incorporates natural elements into our space to enhance our connection to nature.
The key principles of biophilic design include:
- Maximise natural lighting and ventilation with large windows, skylights and open spaces.
- Using natural materials like wood, stone, and water to emphasise a connection to nature.
- Providing generous views of gardens, landscapes, and water bodies to connect the occupants to the outdoors.
- Incorporate indoor plants, living walls, or green roofs to enhance air quality and create tranquillity.
- Include water features like fountains to provide a relaxing atmosphere.
- Utilise design features that mimic nature, such as earthy colours, organic shapes, and textures.
- Creating spaces that reflect the local ecology, culture, and history.
Biophilic design relies on the notion that humans inherently need to connect to the natural world. Thus, by incorporating biophilic elements into our spaces, we enhance our well-being and support ecological sustainability.
7. Interior design facilitates social interaction
There are several ways that interior design can encourage social interaction in both residential and commercial settings. Examples include creating open-plan layouts that allow people to interact while in different spaces.
Also, dedicated social spaces, such as lounges and break rooms, encourage people to gather, relax and socialise.
Beyond spaces, interior designers can incorporate comfortable seating areas, good lighting, and acoustics that complement the social atmosphere in public and commercial spaces like restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Conclusion
Beyond creating beautiful spaces, interior design can provide an environment that improves our quality of life. Whether it's a home or an office, designing functional, aesthetic, and valuable spaces is necessary to facilitate our well-being.
If you're considering a renovation or refurbishment to your space, contact us today and let's begin your design journey.
