Interior design is always at the centre of change - Monday 08 June 2009
By Iris Dunbar, President of the British Interior Design Association
Interior design is always at the centre of change. Moving home, upgrading the office, new age leisure activities, innovative educational initiatives, state of the art healthcare. The list is endless. Whatever the requirement, design makes a difference to how people experience the space.
The property market is forcing people to re-assess their present circumstances and we find a renewed enthusiasm towards sustainable and ecological issues. There is a real sense of nesting and comfort in the use of natural materials. Residential projects have more of a sense of longevity with the use of architectural finishes.
Starting with a blank canvas to find your new home can be very daunting and there are a few key aspects that can help to achieve a perfect solution. Don't ignore the practical questions at the beginning with regards to location and aspect. The orientation of the building can make a difference to your lifestyle - if you like to wake up to the sunrise or enjoy a drink watching the sunset. Preparing a wish list helps to define a strong brief at the beginning of the project and it is essential to identify a realistic budget and programme. Be careful to find inspiration within the limitations of the brief or you can be disappointed with the end result. Consider the style and age of the architecture and work within the constraints. Look at styles that suit your personality and not necessarily current trends. All the preplanning is essential whether you run the project on your own or employ a designer.
Lifestyles have changed over the last decade and activities within the home demand freer planning solutions. Kitchens have become more integrated with cooking appliances concealed behind cupboards that merge into the living space. Progress in electronics allow greater flexibility and the environment can be controlled at a distance from a mobile phone. Bathrooms are being designed with more space to create space for relaxation.
The world of technology and the internet gives us all access to a vast array of choice, however, it is the experienced interior designer that will analyse the problem and work through the design decisions to produce a successful and workable solution. Good design can save time and money rather than the general perception that design is an expensive extra. The BIDA website www.bida.org is widely used as a search engine and database tool to find professional interior designers of the highest calibre to help you with your residential or commercial projects.
Iris Dunbar,
President of the British Interior Design Association
About the BIDA
The British Interior Design Association (BIDA) is the
Members must meet strict criteria at interview, which includes academic achievement, industry experience and portfolio work, combined with evidence of sound professional practice. Members are required to carry Professional Indemnity Insurance and abide by the Association's Code of Conduct. Other categories of membership include Associates, students, Affiliates, Friends and Corporate members who are approved suppliers of goods and services to the industry who form an important part in maintaining high standards of service to the general public.
To view a wide range of portfolios and contact details of members and information about the BIDA, please visit: www.bida.org, email: enquiries@bida.org or telephone: 020 7349 080
Iris Dunbar,
President of the British Interior Design Association
BIDA Ltd
109-111 The Chambers
SW10 0XF
