How to begin creating an initial room design
Are you struggling to know where to start when planning a room?
The great antique dealer and designer, Robert Kime was famously known for starting his designs with a beautiful, antique rug.
What makes interior design so complex and exciting is how each designer will approach room design differently. Below, Tori and Stina discuss their own personal starting point when designing a scheme.
What is Stina’s starting point for an initial room scheme?
“Once the room layout is confirmed, I like to start a room scheme by considering the lighting design.” Lighting is one of the first things you notice when walking into a space, so for Stina lighting is something worth spending that little bit extra on when budgeting for a room.
Also, layers of lighting create the desired mood and atmosphere in a room. Good lighting entirely transforms a space. Used correctly, wall lights can for example lift a ceiling or enhance dark corners or recesses.
Where possible Stina likes to source unique antique lighting for clients, especially chandeliers, lanterns and wall lights, as these can really elevate a room design and provide a natural focal point. In particular, Stina has worked closely with antique lighting specialists, dealers and restorers Jill and Maurice Perry of Norfolk Decorative Antiques on several projects.
The craftsmanship and quality of antique lighting gives a room a unique, romantic feel. “Nothing is as beautiful as light streaming from an old cut crystal chandelier - it’s just magical”, Stina says.
“For me, everything is about chasing light - be it natural light streaming through tall sash windows, or soft light in a dark library on an autumn evening. If you get the lighting right, everything else will follow.”
How does Tori approach an initial room design?
“Often a room design starts with an antique mirror or piece of furniture and the design concept evolves from there. The patina on a piece of antique furniture or the shape of a table leg might inspire the entire room palette, including wall finishes and soft furnishings.”
Tori likes to mix and match eras and styles of furniture and art, to create a home that feels timeless and elegant, yet well ‘lived-in’.
Incorporating family heirlooms or personal collections into interior design creates rooms which are authentic and sustainable. “It’s a joy to have a client who has or is building a collection of art or objects which can provide a truly personal basis for room design.” Tori is equally comfortable incorporating a collection of fine art and furniture into a room design as she is a collection of vintage magazine covers or kitchenalia.
What role does Art play in room design?
A piece of Art can inform the design and create a strong focal point. If a client has acquired a piece of Art to hang in a prominent position in a room, then this would be a great place to start the design process. Art often reflects the owner’s favourite colours or textures, and those details can be echoed (though often subtly) in the choice of soft furnishings and decorative objects.
However, sometimes the presence of a piece of Art requires the immediate interiors to be more “quiet”, or, where appropriate, the piece can be beautifully juxtaposed with unexpected colours, other pieces and furniture.
Art sets the tone for a room, whether that be tranquil or dynamic, organic or geometric, reflective or as a conversation piece.
At Bellamy & Single we work closely with artists and art dealers - locally and beyond - to source or commission beautiful pieces of art for your home, or to arrange for quality framing of existing art and picture hanging as part of an interior design scheme.
What mantra do both Bellamy & Single designers share?
Whether the room design is based on an antique chandelier, an antique French mirror or a piece of Art, both Stina and Tori concur that every room needs a strong focal point to draw the eye and make your heart skip a beat.
The choice of furnishings and fixtures must reflect the individuality of the client, to bring the rooms alive and make them sing.
Stina and Tori will work closely with you to decide when to splurge and when to save when sourcing furniture, lighting or a piece of Art for a scheme. Few of us have the luxury to buy exactly what we want, so deciding on your priorities early on is important. Whilst we love incorporating quality antiques and Art into our interiors, affordable vintage finds can also provide that all important patina and charm to make a room interesting.
“It’s where the magic happens”, Tori and Stina agree.
Stina and Tori would love to hear from you if you have an interior design project that you think they might be able to assist you with, or you would like help with sourcing a piece of Art or furniture. Get in touch here.
