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Portfolio
Define, Design & Declutter: Part 1
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Why call it a basement? Why not rural Irish Pub? | | | [ click thumbnails to open in a larger window ] |
Part 1 of 2: It comes as no real surprise that we take the actual names of our rooms for granted. Take the term "Living Room" for example. What does that really mean? Obviously this isn't the only room in which we actually experience life. Or the term "Great Room". This catch-all phrase for a combination Kitchen/Family Room is quite troubling. Here's why. We accept all too often the design definitions with which we're presented, rather than define our interiors to accurately reflect our lifestyle. I am not advocating exotic names for every room in your home, but you must admit "The Jungle Room" had some style. And the phrase "VIP Room" has an air of anticipation. You're with me, I can tell. You see, it's up to us to define our environments so we can design them properly. So shed those tired labels and think of your rooms in terms of functionality and style. Is that "Living Room" really part of an under utilized "Entertaining Suite" in conjunction with the Foyer and Dining Room? And if so, how do those rooms visually compliment one another? And more importantly, do they actually allow you to do kind of entertaining you'd like? It has been my experience that people don't use certain rooms because they don't function. So, if you don't really use that Living Room, chances are it isn't designed to work for your lifestyle. And that needs to change. Or it's been so visually neglected you'd rather not spend any time there. Either way, making a list of the ways you use a room can really help you determine the design requirements necessary for completion. Whether it be furniture, lighting or an overall aesthetic theme, listing the types of actitities that take place (or should take place) in that room is the first step toward "actionable" decorating. And I AM NOT suggesting you go around calling your "Great Room" a "Multi-Purpose Informal Gathering Space with a Soft Tuscan/Urban Spanish Vibe." I am pretty sure your friends and family will think you've lost it. However, that is an example of an amazingly accurate INTERNAL environmental direction. Once the room is defined and you're well on your way to designing the space, which means you can begin the process of editing. Or, in other words...decluttering. Too often, interiors that are not defined/designed become a dumping ground for your visually weak elements. For example: Furniture that is not to scale and doesn't function, artwork whose only redeeming quality is the percentage of wallspace it occupies. You get the point. I will save you the "less is more" speech because that's not always good design. However, when spaces have a specific lifestyle purpose, they function and feel RIGHT. Yes. I know. The audacity. Well designed spaces can actually improve your quality of life. So, whether it's a room that allows for comfortable, large and formal gatherings, or one that aspouses relaxation, privacy and peace, spaces with a plan are more visually efficient. Every element of a well designed space has a purpose, and the introduction of a new element is measured in terms of it's functional and visual value. Design clutter is usually a symptom of a much bigger problem. The absence of a functional plan and cohesive theme. Unless of course the intended direction for your current Family Room is "Urban Chaotic Toy Store in Primary Colors." In which case decorative baskets are a good start. Trust me, I know. I've been there, you can have durable elegance. You just need to know the visual and physical limits of your space. So while you're making that list of needs for your next decorating project...remember...a room can become whatever you'd like it to be. As long as you realize that a solid design plan can mean the difference between an ordinary finished basement, and an authentic rural Irish Pub. More next week. Thanks for the curious click. -Philip Sassano (Comments: info@refinedrustic.com)
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