I once wondered, “What problems do interior designers solve?” When I started my career in the field, the answer became obvious. My team and I encountered many challenges, such as unrealistic client demands. Yet, creative interior designers like me can usually come up with the right solutions. Read on to find out more.
What Problems Do Interior Designers Solve?
Professional interior designers solve a wide variety of problems related to the aesthetics, functionality, atmosphere of interior spaces, and mostly about the basic elements of interior designing. Some key problems addressed include making the most of awkward room shapes and sizes, fixing bad lighting, incorporating accessibility features, revitalizing old buildings and materials, and balancing classic and trendy styles. Our solutions require creativity, technical skills, and strong communication abilities.
Seven Common Interior Design Problems and Solutions
Interior designers like me find creative solutions when others can only see limitations. Below are seven common problems I encounter in the field and how I solve them.
1. Making the Most of a Cramped Space
It can be a pain to live in cramped spaces for a prolonged period, especially now that we have exited the era of the pandemic. Most of us are sick of staying cooped up in small rooms.
Yet, small spaces only feel stuffy if you don’t make the most of them. This is why space is important in interior design. With the right approach, cramped spaces can be cozy, as supported by the Washington Post. Some of the best fixes for small spaces are:
- Using a variety of light or neutral colors to make the room feel larger
- Making use of textures that give the illusion of space
- Using hidden storage solutions
- Working with multifunctional items and furniture
- Letting in lots of natural light
- Avoiding a single, focused light; instead, use layered lighting techniques
2. Filling up an Awkwardly Large Space
Having to make the most of huge spaces is also a common challenge. Oddly, it’s in sharp contrast to my previous point. Dealing with this always makes me scratch my head a bit.
The problem isn’t how to best fill up the space.
It’s how to manage filling it up in the first place. It’s hard to make a large room feel complete without overstuffing. That is unless you have my level of expertise. Below, I list some of the ways I solve this problem:
- I break up the space into several zones. I’m not afraid to push furniture away from the walls to create mini-areas.
- Also, I take traffic flow into account and ensure there’s a clear path through the room.
- Then, I include several focal points. A single one will be lacking for such plentiful space.
- I check that there are no dark corners; lighting should travel around efficiently.
- Also, I fill the large wall spaces with equally extensive statement artwork and mirrors.
- I use ceiling fans. They’re a great addition to large rooms.
3. Balancing Timeless and Current Trends
As an interior designer, I do my best to keep up with the times. This way, I can connect more with clients and often know what to expect. Client requests always have a bit of current trends so I always ensure I know how interior design trends develop. The range can go from modern furniture to comfortable aesthetics.
That said, it is also essential to use failsafe designs. These are foundational design techniques that people always like. Whether it is 1965 or 2040, you likely will not go wrong with these:
- Leather sofas
- Marble kitchen counters
- Cotton, velvet, and linen fabrics
4. Having to Revive Old Buildings and Features
Dealing with old, dilapidated buildings and items can be a bit of a struggle. Despite that, I like this challenge the most. Seeing a space go from outdated to brimming with life brings me absolute joy.
For me, it’s like seeing history transition into the present. That’s why I love being able to breathe life into old pieces. Below are some of the ways I do it:
- I usually update the vents of a space to a more pleasing appearance.
- Also, I turn exposed, rusty pipes into an opportunity for an industrial theme.
- I upgrade small yet impactful items, such as handles and frames.
- Moreover, I cover irreparably damaged floors with thematic carpets.
5. Fixing Bad Lighting
When it comes to interior design, lighting is one of the most essential elements. Even more so when people intend to use the space for work. Whatever the case, I always need to strike a balance with the amount of light I use.
Clients have different light level preferences, so my solutions here vary. Still, below are some of my most common moves.
- I make the most of mirrors. Mirrors are essential to psychology and interior design. They also help reflect natural and artificial light.
- Also, I use a light-color theme for the walls, which helps with light reflection.
- Additionally, I make a habit of avoiding singular light sources. Artificial light should come from different directions.
- I pay attention to the angle of the shadows. Shadow is light’s sidekick; it brings depth to a room.
6. Tackling the Need for Accessibility
We live in a modern era. It’s an era of freedom and equality, and as an interior designer, I have to keep pace. So, I need to decide on each design, placement, and color with care for those in need.
It’s a good thing I love ensuring that my designs are a good fit for all. Whether someone has a hearing, sight, or movement impairment, I want my designs to be friendly to them. I try to do this by doing or applying the following:
- I always try to avoid having too many sharp edges in a room. It lessens the chance of someone getting injured.
- Durable, reliable railings are a must, and so are non-slip stairs.
- For families with movement-impaired members, I combine essential rooms.
7. Fitting Everything Into a Tight Budget
For our last problem, I want to give some background information. Interior design fees worldwide have increased steadily since 2014, according to Statista. Despite that, many clients still assign me small budgets. Relative to their demands, of course.
Not that I blame them, yet it’s a bit of a challenge. Sometimes, it’s just hard to get a hold of expensive materials. Below is a list of how I try to handle this situation:
- I try to make use of any existing furniture the client has. I only have to redesign and freshen these items up.
- Simple repairs are more than enough. Repainting, tile replacement, etc., are all low-budget maintenance.
- The ability to mimic expensive materials through paint and prints is a godsend.
The Indirect Way Interior Design Solves Problems
Now, interior designers don’t help with just design solutions. Sometimes, my work involves solving other types of problems for our clients.
For example, I have prevented marriage conflicts from arising before. Now, isn’t that surprising? I’ve encountered this not only once. It happened several times.
Sometimes, married couples’ design preferences don’t meet halfway. That’s when I step in. I help create a design that satisfies both parties.
Helping Unpack Sentimental Baggage
Aside from that, having to help my clients handle items with sentimental value is not far from my line of work. Sometimes, a client would want the perfect spot for their dead parent’s lovely pendant. In that case, it would be up to me to find the right frame, wall, and height for them.
In this regard, interior designers do more than design our homes. We also help people transition into the next new chapter of their life.
Skills, Creativity, and Communication Are All Important
That is why, as an interior designer, I need more than just design skills. I must know how to communicate and connect with my clients.
Also, I must understand their requests and what a room means to them. Through that, I can craft a design they can be in tune with.
Interior designers are not just skilled. We also have to be communicative, social, and empathetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Interior Designers Help Society?
Interior designers contribute to the physical and mental well-being of society. We do this by turning society’s homes and offices into the best possible environments. Our work crafting functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces improves quality of life and boosts productivity for individuals and communities.
What Is the Biggest Problem in Interior Design?
The biggest problem in interior designing is managing the expectations of clients. Juggling this with time and budget constraints is incredibly challenging.
How Does Interior Design Improve Quality of Life?
Through interior design, people can feel safer in their environments. It helps boost the moods and productivity of individuals. In fact, it’s also an aid to staying healthy when our environment is harmonious.
Conclusion
As an interior designer, I solve diverse problems like cramped layouts, bad lighting, and tight budgets to create beautiful, livable living space design Vancouver. However, my most rewarding work involves understanding clients’ deeper needs and translating them into inspiring, functional environments that improve their lifestyle.
Though demanding, interior design provides an outlet for my creativity while allowing me to enhance people’s well-being through the spaces where they live and work.