Why does interior design matter?

We are surrounded by interior design. If you’re reading this from your office, local coffee shop, or living room sofa, everything from the color scheme to the lighting was a design decision. Many people interchangeably use “interior designer” and “interior decorator” but there are critical ways in which the professions differ. Decorators focus on furnishings and embellishments that adorn a space; while designers evaluate the function, ergonomics, and psychological use of the space, as well as, the occupants. Now don’t get me wrong, designers may be decorators but decorators are not designers — but more on that at another time.

Interior design also has a level of “luxury” associated with it. We see amazing Pinterest boards, world-class hotels and industry magazines constantly plaster images that seem to display a level of unattainable beauty (clearly children, pets, and day-to-day life has no effect there — but we live in the real world). I’m here to tell you that you can have it — all of it. Your home or office can be beautiful, functional, sustainable, and affordable.

Did you know, on average, 90% of our day is spent indoors?
Why not spend that time in a space that works for you?

Interior designers actually protect the public.
We are responsible and knowledgeable for critical features that protect your health, safety, and welfare. Some areas of expertise include:

• Universal Design which combines the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, as well as, accommodations needed for our aging population, which according to the U.S. Census Bureau will double by 2050.
• Placement, accessibility, and compliance with fire safety and other local, state, and provincial building codes.
• Specifying ergonomic, sustainable furnishings to enhance human health; which by the way is the fastest growing segment of our industry.

So when deciding if you need/ want a designer to assist you with your home, office, or any living space please consider that design is all around us — what happens today in interior design affects how we will live, work, and play tomorrow.