Working on Interior Design Options: Getting it just right

I'm sure everyone has heard of Goldilocks and the Three Bears fairy tale.  You know how it goes,

"This porridge is too hot!" she exclaimed.So, she tasted the porridge from the second bowl."This porridge is too cold," she saidSo, she tasted the last bowl of porridge."Ahhh, this porridge is just right," she said happily and she ate it all up.

When it comes to creating interior design options for clients, it really is like being Goldilocks.

Creating Interior Design Options

When I start to work with clients, I often hear from them that they have a difficult time creating a vision for what their space could look like. After getting to know their hopes and wishes for the particular space we are discussing, I start to percolate ideas for the space.  I am a firm believer in having options which is why I always create two options for a space.  So what exactly does that look like?

Basement Re-Development

For these particular clients, we are creating a new dry bar area (no water) as well as a dedicated TV viewing area.  My clients are huge sports fans so a couple of TV's are in this plan.  This particular basement also has heated cement floors that have an epoxy finish which is why there is a dry bar area going in.  This particular basement also has wonderful windows where the dry bar will be going so I needed to work around them.

Option 1

The first option was created with a couple of things in mind:

• Open shelving in the bar area keeping it feeling open and airy.
• Bar seating to view the bar TV.
• The bar seating area with closed cabinets to provide additional storage.
• A furniture plan to revolve around a good 'main' TV viewing area utilizing an L-Shape sectional

Option 2

The second option was created with:

• Closed upper cabinets (instead of floating shelves).
• The tall beer fridge was a late addition (so please note it will not be staying in the location that it is showing).
• On open bar area where stools could be moved to watch the smaller bar TV or the larger main TV.
• A furniture plan to create a rounded sectional/sofa.
• **Please note: some changes showing in this plan were made during our presentation meeting.

Working towards a final plan

After I presented these two options, we started to work on formulating and working towards a final plan.  During the presentation we talked about:

• What do you like about option 1?
• What do you like about Option 2?
• Is there anything that you are hoping to see that you don't see?
• We moved things around, added in items, removed items, etc.

Here is the plan we are currently working with:

What is in the final plan?

My clients loved the idea of the closed-off sitting area at the bar (from option 1) and loved the idea of glass cabinets (from option 2).  They also really loved the option of the curved sectional (from option 2).I often get the giggles when I call something the 'final plan' as I damn well know that it really isn't the FINAL plan.  As of today, the wine cooler and the beer fridge are not solidified so I know the cabinet layout may change based on the appliances that we go with.  So why do I call it the final plan?  Because this is the plan that I work off of for the Trade Day (where all of my trades come to see the site and know what is in their scope for their work).  This is the plan where my clients and I make tweaks and changes along the way.  My client has already emailed me to ask me what I thought of a curved bar area instead of one so linear. I'm going to create that design to show them so they can make an informed decision ahead of time.  It's really hard for people to visualize so I'm happy to provide a conceptual design to help with the decision making process.

Creating Interior Design Options

This entire process really focuses on function.  I always try to let my clients know that this is not the stage to rush with decisions. We hammer out all of the details around the functional design first, and then we start to pick out the pretty.  The order in which we will pick out the pretty is as follows:

• Decide on a new floor colour.
• Confirm cabinetry style and colour.
• Choose counters.
• Select furniture (layout and colour).
• Solidify wall colour (notice how this is last).

Do you have a space in your home where you are struggling to see the potential?  Contact me today to discuss how creating an Interior Design options for your space may save you money, time and stress!