What Does The Term Home Redesign Mean In Interior Design?
When was the last time you updated your interior design? Did you know you can give your home a new look without buying a single new piece of furniture or décor? That is the beauty of home redesign. It is a fast and easy way to give any room an affordable makeover, and it can be a lot of fun! During a home redesign, we take items you already own, like family treasures, furniture, or favorite pieces of art, and rearrange them in a fresh new way.
This post will examine the difference between home remodeling and home redesign.
Remodeling or Redesign?
At Debbe Daley Design, we tackle two types of design projects; remodeling and redesign. The start of each is similar. The client knows they want to change something about their space. They come to me to help them turn their ideas into reality. We get to know each other and discuss their project – their budget, wish list, and ideas. Based on our discussion, I might introduce them to a contractor I know or arrange a meeting with a contractor they may want to use. We all work together to establish a scope of work, price, and timeline. Then we begin making selections of materials and finishes needed for the project.
Home redesign usually doesn't involve a contractor. I might find someone to install wallpaper, create custom window treatments, shop for pillows or bedding, go to my upholsterer, painter, flooring installer, or electrician. The general goal is to take your existing space and possessions and give your room a facelift. I might work with some of these various professionals to achieve my client's vision.
Home Remodeling projects often require structural changes like removing a wall or installing a load-bearing beam. Remodeling projects typically take longer and are more involved than redesign. I might be working with the contractor, or several subcontractors, in different areas of the home. Remodeling can often uncover unexpected issues, especially in older homes, requiring revisions or even taking the design in a completely different direction.
What is Home Redesign?
A redesign is the art of arranging furniture, creating focal points, and accessorizing, often with the homeowners' existing items, to create natural traffic flow and visual interest. A redesign can incorporate new pieces, but it typically involves rearranging existing items. A home redesign is a more economical option than remodeling or traditional design, and it is much faster. You can achieve that designer look using what you already have.
A home redesign is a great choice if you feel bored with your home's look but do not want to take on a big-budget project or tolerate weeks of disruption. Giving your home a refresh will add excitement and help inspire you. A redesign is also great if your space is feeling cluttered. When your home is cluttered, you might feel anxious or unable to focus. My job as an interior designer is to help my clients to create a calming, inspiring, and functional space.
Five Principles of Home Redesign
When I am redesigning a home, I incorporate five essential principles to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I will often shop my client's home to find pieces with meaning, family heirlooms, and antique treasures to feature in my redesign. Understanding these five principles allows you to transform any space to look fabulous.
Repetition
Repeating design elements like color, texture, and shape can create a consistent visual experience. Different colors, mismatched window treatments, or carpets can all create confusion in a design. Elements like paint, tile, carpet, and wallpaper are all excellent ways to incorporate repetition.
Balance
Balance is the even distribution of weight leading to evenness or symmetry (or sometimes asymmetry). A balanced design does precisely that. It creates equality and symmetry. However, like any of these principles, if you apply them too strictly, it can become tiresome. Try enhancing your balance with other elements in your design to make it less formal.
To do this, try to find the focal point in your room. It can be your TV, a fireplace, or a large piece of art. Then evenly arrange objects on either side. Make sure they are identical or of equal visual weight (weight depends on size, texture, and color, for example, black has more weight than grey). This can create a sense of balance in your design.
Harmony
Harmony in your environment puts you at ease and creates unity. Harmony provides the full stop to any interior design. When harmony works, your space should feel complete because all parts relate to and complement each other. Harmony directly results from balance, proportion, scale, and repetition.
Scale
Scale refers to the relationship between two or more objects. This is a primary principle used in architecture. These disciplines incorporate standardized measurements, including bench heights, chair sizes, and hallway widths. Playing with and offsetting these standard-sized elements with other elements in differing sizes and heights can create visual interest in a space. Think about the size and scale of artwork, plants, and negative spaces to give the eye something to highlight.
Proportion
Proportion and scale go hand-in-hand, but the proportion is subtly different. The scale describes the comparison of objects to one another. The ratio is about how furniture and things look in space in relation to one another. Getting proportions right can be tricky and is often an attribute of having an eye for design. Proportion results in a feeling of comfort and harmony.
If you're considering a home redesign, hire a professionally trained expert. They will know how to make the best use of your space and have the advantage of looking at your home with fresh eyes. Whether you are remodeling or redesigning, the end result is a great space that is more functional and visually appealing.
Debbe Daley is New England’s leading interior design expert in the fields of design, decorating, and styling of interior spaces. She is a professional speaker, educator, influencer, and business coach in the field of interior design. She also educates and coaches creative interior designers, home decor enthusiasts, and change-of-career-minded individuals at her School of Interiors through courses, mentoring, and hands-on training.
