5 interior design advices - 1. before planning

Hello bloggers, non bloggers and curious beings about interior design!:)

I'm doing an interior design project for a friend/company (more info later) and since this is my first real project with a budget, a deadline and concept I've learned a few things that can be interesting for you. It's not that I was not aware of them but working on a project made me more concious about the importance of a few things along the preparation for the planning phase.

1. Measure until there isn't one inch left

Sometimes you may feel that "this area doesn't matter because I won't do anything here" but you don't know that for sure at that phase. Sometimes new ideas can transform your initial concept and then, that little niche could give you an unexpected solution. And be rigorous, 'cause you don't want to have a cabinet that doesn't fit a place because of half an inch.

2. Ask questions about the place you will be designing

You need to know more than what your client tells you. There's a lot of information important to you that your client won't share because he doesn't know it is important for your work and for accomplishing his interior design goals. No question is ridiculous, just ask it.

3. Be prepared

Have a measure tape, a calculator, a camera, a notebook and a list of typical aspects you should look at a room. The more prepared you are, the more you can control. In this case, information leeds to organization.

4. Be organized

One of the problems about dealing with many different stores, objects, prices, measures, design possibilities, etc., is that it can be easy to get lost in the middle of so much information. The key to avoid this is organization. Have your catalogues in place, research and store everything properly. Every time a new idea pops up just write it down; don't trust your memory alone.

5. Photograph, photograph, photograph

Images of the room you're designing in many different angles can clarify a doubt of something you didn't notice while at the room. Maybe you'll lose some time choosing from the many images you got but it is essential to have many photos because you have a tendency to forget little details.

photo from vtwonen

Hope you like the list:)

More to come later on this subject***

Illusion bookshelf

This is extremely cool. A bookshelf with a door with images of books in high detail. It was made for skitsch, an Italian company and designed by Front.

This collection is an example of a truly different piece that can stand out in a room. And the illusion versus the hidden storage idea is good, because you have the cosy feeling books give when exhibited but also protect them from dust.

And maybe you could do something to the doors of a billy's IKEA bookshelf. Just an idea;) 

The original cost around €2000 and you can buy it here.

Ryan Korban - Interior Designer

Ryan Korban uses touches of black in every design but he manages to pull the classic with a more urban yet refined mood to the rooms.

Images from his website at Ryan Korban

Clothing brands expand to home ware

Clothing brands are moving fast to a new market, the home ware. Now not only you can have your style of a certain clothing brand but you can also dress your home accordingly. In reality this is great for consumers. The more choice there is, the better. In terms of prices, the more cheaper and creative options we have, more solutions we can find that won't empty our pockets.

Some examples are Zara Home, H&M Home and now Diesel too, just to name the ones that pop at my head.Even high end fashion stylists see the advantages of creating lines of towels, fabrics, furniture, you name it. I'm not a fan when the looks clearly overwhelm the function but if there are consumers for it I guess there's a reason for those objects to be made.

Diesel got together with Foscarini, an Italian brand of lighting design and made these gorgeous cage lamps. They are truly stunning!
Images via Apartment Therapy

Wishbone Chair

Some of you may know this chair or seen it somewhere. It was created by Hans Wegner, a famous Danish furniture designer most known for his chairs.
There's now a new colour of the wishbone chair and I love it! This petroleum blue is really "it" right now. And as good design should be, it's really comfortable, I tested it:P

You can buy it upon request or just look through other scandinavian designs here.