Add value with interior design

Home is a multifaceted sanctuary that should shelter, nurture, and protect our wellness in all forms. Home can offer a sense of place and enrich our personal lives. A tremendous amount of money is spent on new-home construction, renovations, and remodels. Spending these dollars wisely is consequential, to be sure. I would like to discuss the many ways that interior design can add value on the books but also enrich your lives.

We have all heard many allusions regarding what Home really means and while I do not want to discount those sentiments, I want to approach this from a practical standpoint. Here are some aspects to take into consideration: Lighting and electrical needs Ever need to plug something in and there is no convenient electrical outlet? You wish you did not have to run extension cords and avoid tripping over them when moving around a room. Not enough lighting to easily perform tasks around the house can be a frustrating situation. Your interior is beautifully appointed, yet disappointing due to poor lighting overall. Skillful planning with a knowledgeable professional can add ease to your day-to-day living.

Thoughtful finishes appropriate to their use and function

Tile, wall finishes, and flooring materials should be selected with knowledge of the characteristics of the materials. Not all tile is appropriate for outdoor use, for example. Tiles of specific size and makeup may not be appropriate for flooring. With so many variables within products and the sheer number of what is available it can be confusing to select the right product for its use. Space planning Moving through a room comfortably is one thing, but planning all of the spaces in the home and the flow from room to room while completely functioning with furnishings and lifestyle is another thing altogether. A skillful space plan on paper before building or remodeling is invalu- able. A licensed interior designer will bring these skills to the table. This will be invaluable in the comfort of your living. Sources Interior-design firms with well-stocked libraries and extensive access to the latest and greatest resources can be valuable in saving you time and frustration searching for the perfect-looking and perfectly performing materials. Application of design principals An interior designer can effectively implement design principles to create a beautiful interior that suits you perfectly. Yes, as an interior designer, I can combine elements that look great, but there is so much more involved. How exactly does one go about achieving balance, scale, proportion, repetition, and harmony in a design? As a licensed interior designer, I am responsible for the safety of the clients in the projects I am working on. There are many building codes and stipulations that I must know in order tomake the space safe and in compliance with building codes. Interior design is absolutely about creating beautiful and functional living spaces, but the value added is calculated in many forms.

Lisa Samuel ASID, IIDA, is a Santa Fe native and principal of Samuel Design Group, located in 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.

COURTESY PHOTO Skillful use of materials will give this homeowner many years of pleasure, both visually and functionally