by Angela Chang | April 14, 2024 | Designer Talk
Hello, I’m Angela Chang, a passionate interior designer whose experience spans residential, multi-family, commercial, and hospitality projects. How many of you, like me, picked up everything and moved to a new state, or a new house during or after the pandemic? I understand the excitement and challenges of moving into a new place. As you settle into your new space, it’s important to think about how investing in a well-designed environment can benefit you in the long run. Let’s explore why thoughtful design is more than just aesthetics – it’s an investment in your daily life and future.
Uncovering the True Value of a Well-Design Space
Imagine walking into a home that not only looks beautiful but also meets all your needs. That’s the essence of a well-designed space. As we shared in our previous post, each project begins with getting to know our clients – their lifestyles, hobbies, needs, and any future plans. Whether you love hosting gatherings or need extra storage for outdoor gear, your home should reflect your unique personality and lifestyle. When we moved into our new home in Nokomis, the first thing my fiancé did was order custom-built casework for his flyfishing tying setup, something that apparently requires a lot of customized storage spaces.
Everyone is unique, so when the builders mass-produce the same cookie-cutter model houses, they don’t often work for individual buyers. Thoughtful layouts, colors, and furnishings tailored to you and your family can transform any house into your home, enhancing your daily life and overall well-being.
Financial Benefits of Design
Quality design is not only a personal investment but can also provide substantial financial benefits. Here are some key advantages:
Higher Selling Prices:
Homes with well-executed interior design often attract a higher number of potential buyers and can command higher selling prices. If you’ve ever removed a closet in one of your bedrooms, you might be aware that a room without a closet is often not considered a bedroom, which could potentially lower your selling price.
Quicker Sales:
Professionally designed homes generally spend less time on the market, leading to quicker sales. Another tip when selling your house is to remove all your personal items such as your family photos, and hire a professional home stager. We can talk about the differences between home stagers and interior designers in another post.
First Impressions:
Good interior design significantly impacts first impressions, which are crucial in the real estate market. Imagine stepping into a well-lit house with beautiful flooring, where every corner exudes warmth and style. Now, contrast that with entering a dimmed interior, where mismatched furniture pieces create a sense of disarray. The difference in ambiance is striking, showcasing the transformative power of thoughtful design choices.
Functional Appeal:
Interior design enhances the functionality and appeal of key home features, like kitchens and bathrooms, which are important to potential buyers. Take the kitchen, for example, often regarded as the heart of the home and typically the most expensive room to renovate. In today’s housing market, 60% of millennial homebuyers express a preference for a large kitchen with open floor plans, modern appliances, and adaptable layouts. Picture a family comfortably having breakfast at the island or friends gathering around it, engaging with the host while meals are being prepared. These functional and inviting spaces are highly attractive to prospective buyers, showcasing the importance of well-designed interiors in selling a home.
When shopping for a home, we often consider how we would use the space and if it will sustain our lifestyle. However, understanding how to maximize a home's value is something not everyone considers before starting a project. For example, a client purchased a 2-bedroom condo in downtown Sarasota. Although their adult son no longer lives with them, he visits during the holidays and stays with them. The wife enjoys her daily virtual yoga classes and wants to use their guest bedroom as a gym. To accommodate their needs, we designed a custom-built Murphy bed with built-in shelves and headlights, maximizing the room's functionality and flexibility.
Practical Benefits of Design
Imagine a kitchen that effortlessly streamlines your cooking process with the kitchen sink, refrigerator, and stove forming a perfect triangle for easy maneuvering. Envision a home office that enhances your productivity, equipped with an ergonomic chair, height-adjustable desk, and well-lit space that minimizes glare on your computer screens. These examples illustrate how design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that work seamlessly for you.
Design should always prioritize your needs and functionality before considering style and aesthetics. For instance, consider a living room transformation I recently guided. Initially, the space felt cramped and chaotic, lacking flow and organization. By designing built-in casework along one wall and adding a lift-top coffee table we introduced a blend of open shelving for display and closed storage to hide away clutter. This not only upgraded the room's look but also provided a functional solution that catered to the homeowner's lifestyle. The end result was a more spacious living area that enhanced functionality and comfort.
Emotional Benefits of Design
Your home should be a sanctuary, a place where you feel at ease and can truly be yourself. A well-designed space has the power to enhance your mood and create a sense of belonging. This is why some people refer to their home as a fortress – it’s a place where they feel protected and free to unwind.
“Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space.” Said Zaha Hadid.
The colors, textures, and layouts within a space can greatly influence how you feel, impacting your mental health and overall happiness. During my final year of grad school, each of us was tasked with writing a thesis paper and creating a design that reflected our research and theory. I delved into the study of color, light, and sound, exploring how these elements in design can affect our emotional well-being. I found that incorporating natural light, soothing color palettes, and personal touches, can significantly impact our mood and stress level. For instance, when designing areas to relax I like to focus on serene hues, and natural elements such as windows for daylight, and plants to create a comfortable and inviting space that promotes relaxation and tranquility.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a crucial consideration in today’s world. Just like COVID has become part of our new normal, so has the need for sustainable living. But why should we care? Sustainable design practices not only reduce our environmental impact but also lead to long-term cost savings. By investing in energy-efficient appliances, recycled materials, and eco-friendly furnishings, we can create a healthier home environment for ourselves and our families.
As we spend more time indoors, especially with the rise of remote work, the quality of our indoor environment becomes paramount. Spring allergies can be a real nuisance, making it challenging to enjoy time outdoors. This is where the materials we use in our homes become important. For example, paints, varnishes, caulks and adhesives should ideally contain low or no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs are chemicals that can vaporize and be released into the air at room temperature, causing irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. As licensed interior designers, staying informed about these issues and knowing the alternatives is crucial for creating healthier living spaces for our clients.
Case Studies and Examples
Let me share a wonderful story about an older couple who decided to redesign their backyard. The wife is a gardening enthusiast with a green thumb who enjoys hosting parties for family and friends. They enlarged their screened area to fit a separate deck above an organic-shaped pool, built a pond next to the pool for their koi fish, and created an outdoor dining area to savor their new backyard. What used to be a plain lawn was transformed into a vibrant outdoor living space, perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying intimate outdoor dinners. Their investment not only added value to their home but also brought joy and enrichment to their daily lives.
In conclusion, investing in a well-designed space is an investment in your lifestyle and well-being, more than just a financial decision. By considering the long-term benefits of design, you can create a home that is both beautiful and functional, enhancing your everyday life for years to come. If you have any thoughts or questions about your current space, feel free to share them with us. Who knows, we might even address your issues in a future post!
By the way, we are going to High Point Market tomorrow! This is the biggest semi-annual residential design tradeshow in the US. I and another designer friend of mine will be walking through showroom after showroom to find the newest and best pieces. Stay tuned and I shall share all my new finds with you!