The Invisible Value of Good Interior Design

Good design is not accidental; it transcends context and discipline, whether it relates to a building, a road layout, a piece of furniture, a garment, or the interior of your home. Its impact is woven into the fabric of daily experiences, yet, ironically, it often goes unnoticed. It quietly underpins our routines, making life smoother and more enjoyable.

Using the dead space under the stairs has created plenty of useful storage for coats and shoes.

Consider the humble chair. How many times have you sat down, expecting comfort, only to realise—too late—how uncomfortable it truly is? The difficulty lies in the design itself: you can’t always see or anticipate discomfort; you must experience it before its shortcomings become apparent. This principle applies far beyond furniture. Whether it’s an itchy jumper, a lack of storage space, the awkward placement of a light switch, or a jacket that restricts your movement, the true worth of design is often only revealed through use.

These details, often invisible at first glance, are the product of careful consideration and empathy for the end user. Bad design, on the other hand, makes itself known through daily frustrations.

Understanding and Appreciating Design in Everyday Life

Equally, buildings and public spaces can offer either seamless experiences or persistent frustrations. A well-designed building guides you intuitively—doors open the right way, hallways feel welcoming, and a blend of natural and artificial light is harnessed to create usability and comfort. In contrast, a poorly designed space can leave its occupants feeling uncomfortable, with their frustrations mounting with each encounter.

The influence of good interior design is crucial for our homes

Interior designers specialise in translating these broad principles into tangible improvements within your home. By carefully considering layout, lighting, material choices, and the specific needs of each household, interior designers can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also practical and effortlessly supportive of daily life. Their expertise ensures that good design becomes an integral part of your home experience, often in ways that might go unnoticed until you realise how much easier and more comfortable your home environment has become.

The Challenge of Appreciating Good Interior Design and Its Value

One of the persistent challenges faced by interior designers is ensuring that their work is truly recognised and valued by others. This difficulty arises because, when design is executed skilfully, it tends to blend seamlessly into everyday life, quietly enhancing experiences without drawing attention to itself. In such cases, the contribution of good design often goes unnoticed, as it simply enables life to flow more smoothly.

It is only when something goes wrong—when a space feels awkward, a room is uncomfortable, or a feature proves inconvenient—that users become aware of design and its impact. This delayed realisation is why designers often describe their most successful work as being ‘subtle’ or ‘invisible’. The real hallmark of excellence in design is its ability to support daily routines and improve quality of life without ever becoming the focus itself.

Good Interior design is not an accident or an afterthought; it is the result of thoughtful problem-solving and a deep understanding of human experience. Its true value emerges in use, often only when it is absent. If interior design were that easy, no homeowner would be complaining about a door or a light being in the wrong place, or the room feeling cold and unwelcoming.

Enhancing Your Home Experience

If you find yourself feeling frustrated with your home, it may be a sign that your living space is not supporting your lifestyle as it should, and is instead making daily life more challenging. This is where the expertise of an interior designer can make a significant difference.

Tailored Interior Design Services

I provide a variety of services that can be customised to suit your specific needs. One option is a design power session, during which we’ll explore ways to improve your spaces so they work better for you. After our session, you’ll receive a detailed write-up containing practical suggestions and a plan you can implement on your own. For those seeking more comprehensive support, I also offer full room design services, as well as options that fall anywhere in between.

Getting Started

If you’re unsure how I can assist, I recommend booking a free, no-obligation 10-minute call. During this call, we can discuss your design dilemmas and explore how I can help to create a home that truly supports your way of life.