Design Specialists on Room Dynamics: 'What Guarantees a Space Stays Engaging?' Here are Their Top 5 Strategies
In the world of interior design, creating visually compelling and unique spaces is key. Several renowned designers share their strategies to help you steer clear of monotony and embrace character-filled designs.
According to Genevieve Bennett, head of design at Liberty Interiors, the secret to an engaging design lies in experimentation. She advocates for bold color or pattern pairings and suggests never shying away from a bit of chaos, as long as it speaks to the designer.
MONIOMI Design, an award-winning interior design firm, is known for its eclectic, bold, and elevated approach. Co-founder Monica Santayana supports disrupting harmony in design to create intrigue, while her partner Ronald Alvarez emphasizes the importance of a space evoking a feeling, whether it's joy, nostalgia, or curiosity.
Camilla Masi, interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design, proposes starting with a calm, neutral palette and gradually adding unexpected color or pattern. This approach allows for a balance between comfort and excitement.
When it comes to texture, Manuela Hamilford of Hamilford Design suggests going beyond paint or wallpaper. Her distinctive style harmonizes classic elegance with modern sensibility, and she encourages the use of finishes like Roman clay, plaster reliefs, and limewash to provide subtle personality and movement without overwhelming the space.
Raili Clasen, founder and creative director at Raili CA Design, suggests using playful partitions to create impact. She also believes that painting an arched doorway can add fun and transform a space.
In open layouts, creating well-defined zones is crucial. This can be achieved through furniture arrangement, rugs, partial walls, or paint color differentiation. By improving flow and visual interest, while maintaining privacy and separation, these strategies help prevent a space from feeling boring.
Lastly, embracing authenticity and artisanal craftsmanship is a timeless strategy. Combining minimalism and maximalism elegantly with rich textures like marble and natural wood can produce long-lasting, elegant spaces that convey value without flashiness.
Incorporating bold art pieces can also add visual interest and prevent a space from feeling boring. Art can set the tone for an entire space and invite emotion and conversation, according to Manuela Hamilford.
The corner banquette seating area can work in harmony with bold patterns, creating a cozy and interesting space. By following these expert tips, you can transform your interior spaces into visually compelling and unique areas that truly reflect your personality.
- In the living room, experimenting with bold colors or patterns can result in an engaging design, as suggested by Genevieve Bennett.
- Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez of MONIOMI Design suggest disrupting harmony in design to create intrigue and evoke feelings.
- Camilla Masi proposes a calm, neutral palette as a base, then gradually adding unexpected color or pattern for balance between comfort and excitement.
- Manuela Hamilford advocates using diverse textures like Roman clay, plaster reliefs, and limewash to provide subtle personality and movement in the interior.
- Raili Clasen recommends using playful partitions or painting an arched doorway to create impact and transform a space.
- In open layouts, well-defined zones can be created through furniture arrangement, rugs, partial walls, or paint color differentiation, improving flow and visual interest.
- Embracing authenticity and artisanal craftsmanship, along with bold art pieces, can prevent a space from feeling boring and produce long-lasting, elegant designs that reflect your personality.
