3 Important elements to start a project
A home is one of our most important creations. It’s the place where we create lifelong memories, where we can be ourselves and nourish our bodies. Our home is a shelter, a space that needs to function in many levels, but most important, it’s our most intimate space to feel. Home is about care and sharing.
One of the things I love about interior design is that every project is unique. Different people with their own desires, needs, stories and ideas. There is no right or wrong. There is no manual, or formula. However, I have realized that there are three key points at the beginning of every project I tackle — whether it’s a remodel or a consultation — that help to focus on the soul of a project and its priorities.
1. Clarity
The most important thing to do at the beginning of a design project is to be clear about what you actually want to achieve. Create a brief and a vision based on your needs and objectives. Start planning early and ask a lot of questions. Take the time to conceive it in your mind. What will it look like? How do I want to feel in the space? What values do I want to reflect? How much money do I want to spend? What’s the timeline? Write this down and refer to it regularly. If you are not clear from the beginning, you will easily end up losing your way, and focus. A simple roadmap is going to help clarify your goals and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Make space and simplify
The spaces we inhabit are often too busy, containing THINGS instead of US. This is not about minimalism or stripping your house, and throwing everything away. Instead, it’s about removing what’s unnecessary and creating more space for what’s important: physical space and mental clarity. It’s about learning to simplify from the inside out. When we simplify from the inside out, rather than trying quick fixes from the outside in, the changes become systemic rather than just temporary and superficial. Take time to go over your relationship with the space you inhabit and the things you own, and create an action plan to surround yourself with the things you love and make you feel good.
3. Develop a sense of style
Inspiration and design ideas are everywhere. We are saturated with images and inspiration daily. In a world focused on technology, consumerism and marketing, we are at risk of losing our own identities and sense of self. But if we connect with our intuition, we can discover how we react to what is happening around us. What moves us? What makes us happy or sad? What impact does color have on mood? It is easy to become attached to the idea of creating a certain ‘look’ at home. But a home is more complex than that. The idea is to find evocative stories, personal stories that reflect who you we are, and how you want to live. Embrace what is unique about you, and the spaces you inhabit. Let these values be your guide, and listen to your inner visual voice. The art of creating a home is a work in progress, fluid and permeable.
A final thought — leave room for evolution and accept the unexpected. When a project is too focused on the end result, there is little room for serendipity. One of the most exciting parts of creating a personal space is learning to trust the process and benefit from the layers that come with life. Enjoy!
Natalia X
