Interior Design Tools

This post is a summation and analysis for the popular interior design book by Frida Ramstedt, “The Interior Design Handbook”. This post references Chapter 3: Tools to Help You Bring It All Together.

Sight Lines and Axiality

“Architects planning houses and interiors often have the concept of enfilade (a group of rooms formally aligned with one another) or sight lines at the back of their minds. There’s a sense a spaciousness when we’re able to see multiple rooms at one time. Axiality is the idea that the linger the siteline alignment, the better the design.”

Questions to ponder regarding sight lines…

When you enter your home, which rooms can you see (apart from the hall)?
What obvious sightlines do you need to take account of when planning?
Are there any adjoining rooms with doors that are usually left open?
Which rooms do you pass before reaching the room you’re currently designing
What external objects are in your lines of sight, and how cn they help you choose your colors or make design decisions?
Are there any elements in the distance of your siteline?

The Red Thread

“The Red Thread” ceoncept refers to the idea that all rooms are conected in some way. Here are some of the many ways this can be done.

Repetition

By repeating the same elements in different spaces, you can create “The Red Thread” affect in your home. This is a great option for someone into maximalism, becuase this repetiton effect can increase the sense of organization.

Gradual Increase

By gradually changing elements in certain rooms, you can bring a sense of conectedness to a room. This could include working with different heights, or gradually change colors.

Wow, Aha, Bridge

Interior Designers use transition zones in a house to create “Wow” affects. Transition zones are generally areas where guests will stand or pause, maybe at the doorway or entrance to a hall. Apply Three-Point-Thinking (the formation of objects in a triangle) to make the “red thread” affect recur in at least three places along teh siteline. The first place the red thread can be seen is closest to the observer, make that point create the “Wow” affect. A glimpse of the object at the far end of the triangle is the place to create an “aha” affect. Between these two points you will place a subtle thematic bridge. The Wow, Aha, Bridge.

Other examples of “The Red Thread”

A common color or connected palette
A recurring choice of materials
Using the same variety of wood
Drawing on details or theme in a work of art, hobby, or interest
Focusing on the style of a particular period or the year the house was built
Thinking of a particular designer or design language

Don’t Ignore the History of the House

“Sticking to a place’s basic concept or character .” can often lead to more harmonious results, especially for more permanent changes”.

Mixing Styles

It does not always make the most sense to stick with one interior design style for one reason or another but fear not, it is possible to successfully mix design styles.

Dominance & Spice

A 50/50 style split rarely works, as too much needs to be pulled together. Instead, opt for an 80/20 ratio so one style dominates the space. Generally, it’s best to keep all big furniture pieces relatively simple and in the same design family while using more minor elements to add spice to a room.

Style Triangles

If you want to encorporate three styles into a space, design triangles will help bring unity to the room, even with multiple design styles. In a design triangle, two or mre less closely relates styles will act as the base, and a contrasting style will provide the spice. Other good tips for encorporating multiple styles includes:

Choosing a color theme for the entire space
Avoid clustering items or furniture, especially your more “spicy” items
Go for the same Mood, rather than the same style

The Camera Trick

If you are unsure of how you think about a room, try looking at it through your camera lens. Take 5 photos from different angles of the room during sunlight, and use these images to spot problem areas you could improve.