It’s more about feel than style
Styles abound for designing interiors. Popular design styles include industrial, rustic, traditional, modern, bohemian, minimal, contemporary, transitional and eclectic. Some are certainly more common in specific geographic areas; however, if someone is obsessed with French country style, they will not be concerned that they live in South Florida or the hills of Santa Fe, and that may very well be how they decorate their homes.
Most people who seek the services of my design firm have a good sense of what they like and what their style is. While many people I have worked with did not have specific words attached to the style of their interiors, that is not important to me. I am more interested in how the space, when complete, will “feel” and support or nourish the client while expressing their individual style.
Beauty and inspiration are the keys to unlocking anyone’s design style. Through the ages, there have been many breathtaking examples of architectural and interior design that are stunning to see. The “style” of these is as varied as the number of examples, raising the question: What makes them so appealing to the human eye and psyche?
In the practice of interior design, we adhere to principals that connect us to what we see, such as balance, rhythm, emphasis, scale, proportion and harmony.
Italian philosopher and psychotherapist Piero Ferrucci said, “Beauty is a primary principle that touches all parts and functions of our being. It opens us to the world and brings harmony to our relation with others and with nature; it helps us reach out
and touch the entire universe.”
The suggestion here is that seeing beauty is a very primal instinct. At a very fundamental level, we as humans are genetically predisposed to seek survival and pleasure.
I do not want to get too deep in the weeds with this discussion of neuroscience and its connection with beauty (which fascinates me beyond explana- tion); I simply wish to explicate a strong belief that is the basis of my work as an interior designer.
Simply stated, style is simply a “mode of expression.” Regardless of whether you choose modern design or rustic design as your specific interior design style, it does not matter; I am suggesting the composition and execution of that style is what will make it beautiful and nurturing to you. The skill, knowledge and talent of the interior designer will determine the success of expressing your personal style, period.
Lisa Samuel ASID, IIDA, is a Santa Fe native and principal of Samuel Design Group, located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. She is an award-winning interior designer known for creating unique interiors imbued with warmth and elegance. Samuel (info@samueldesigngroup.com) is passionate about good design that supports well-being.