Every client that we work with has different needs and different ways that they like to live. Interior design should always first consider the needs and lives of the clients. We don’t have a ‘cookie cutter style’, nor do we impose our own style upon people. We listen to what they need, how they want to use the space; the design is always inspired by our clients themselves.
When designing a home, we want to consider the use of the space to ensure that it is not only visually appealing but equally as practical in its design as it is attractive. Creating movement in a room, space for activities, storage for belongings, and appropriate lighting are some examples of elements that need to be considered whether it’s for a person living alone or a busy family of five.
Interior design for families
As a mother of three daughters, I have watched my own family grow from babies, to young toddlers to teenagers, and two of my daughters are now mothers looking after their own little people. When I’m designing a home for a family, a big consideration is always the age of the children.
Designing for families of young children
For younger children, open plan space always works well, so you can be busy in the kitchen at the same time as keeping a close eye on those that need it most. When designing a family home for young children it’s also important to choose appropriate materials to use in the space. For example, young children are often found sitting on the floor playing, so a timber floor may be preferable over cold, hard tiles, or consider adding underfloor heating for cooler months of the year.
Fabrics are also important considerations, typically ones that can be easily wiped down like leather/faux leather or material that is suited for both outdoor and indoors. Slipcovers on sofas that can be easily washed/dry cleaned to get those cheeky stains out from clumsy fingers.
Living with teenagers
I will always encourage (if you have room) to have a completely separate space for teenagers, a ‘teenagers retreat’. Not only does this give the young adults their own space in the home, but it also gives you the chance to enjoy some quiet, rest time of your own, when they have friends over to visit.
Designing for clients who love to entertain
Then there are my clients who love to entertain and need to accommodate guests frequently in their home. Here we would consider their needs for guests, could be a stylish drinks cabinet/ bar or a banquet dining setting, large dining tables or tables that extend to fit more people, and spaces that can flow with ease like the conversation. I’d highly recommend adding a separate scullery, which is an easy addition to the back of a kitchen, for those who entertain often. I work with my clients to understand how they will eventually use the space, so when they are in their new design they immediately feel at home.
Comfort, sophistication, luxury
No matter the age or who I am designing for, my interior design style always represents comfort, sophistication and luxury. But people do have different styles, even within the same family. One of my clients prefers contemporary design, whereas their partner prefers quirky and artistic. It is my responsibility as the interior designer to integrate those two worlds together into a design that will be pleasing to everybody. But always embodying comfort, sophistication and luxury.
Comfort
This is your home, so you need to feel comfortable in your space, in every sense of the word. And where better to feel comfortable than on your sofa or in your bed. We always consider these elements when we are designing and sourcing for clients. When creating bespoke furniture, comfort comes first, complemented by sophistication and luxury. Similarly how a wonderfully comfortable bed should be complemented with great quality linen (I always specify white linen for beds).
If you think that you would like to work with Marylou Sobel on your next interior design project then please call the studio on (02) 9360 5881 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you.
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