a home can be an intimidating proposition, and if you donít know the
lingo, it can be downright confusing.
profession, there are certain watch words within the interior design
profession that arenít necessarily easily identifiable to outsiders.
We asked four Milwaukee-area interior designers to interpret a handful
of buzz words within the industry in an effort to demystify the
Abigail Klode Interiors, Thiensville
Philosophy: A home cannot be truly beautiful unless it functions in
harmony with who we really are. I believe it is important for people
not to be intimidated by the buzz words used within the interior
design industry. Think of them as simply a tool to describe.
Koehnlein, Collaborative Design, Waukesha
Philosophy: I believe interior design can enhance your life; as a
designer I focus on what the customer wants. A room can feel like
walking into fresh air (even) when you have been inside all day. Your
senses can feel comforted and refreshed with good interior design.
Delafield Design Gallery, Delafield
Philosophy: To make a home/room "comfortably elegant." I
feel that by combining all of the "buzz words" below is the
way to achieve comfortable elegance.
Greg Ross, Ross
Philosophy: Customer loyalty is based on creating great rapport with
your client. If you donít build trust, youíre done.
AK: It means
using luxurious materials judiciously.
VL: I feel that
"selective indulgence" is that "must have" item
for the room. It can be the piece that has seasonal flare or it can be
something special or unique that accessorizes your whole project. For
example, the room can be complete with a new sofa that came with
pillows, but that fantastic accent pillow with the right contrasting
texture, color or pattern is just the right finishing touch.
GR: My attempt
with each of my clients is to create a space that sparks emotion. From
colors to fabrics to layout, itís important to make sure the design
appeals to each member of the household.
AK: It means
remaining true to yourself, and not being concerned with the opinions
of others. Whether it be an orange crystal chandelier or your
grandmotherís favorite chair, surround yourself with what brings you
WK: It means to
create an authentic space that is true to you. That may mean your past
or what gives you peace. For some they prefer art pieces, for others
it is the touch or feel of an environment.
VL: It is being
genuine and original. When used in design itís a compliment to the
designerís workmanship and shows their creativity in each design.
GR: When dealing
with my clients, itís essential to be authentic, real and most
importantly honest. Truthfulness builds rapport and trust, the two
most important aspects of a design job.
AK: It means
realizing that you have used a solution to a design problem you have
WK: How the
environment feels, that is the experience. It is the first impact and
each nuance after that. When walking into a space what do you notice
first and each thing after that. The experience can bring someone
comfort and also enlighten them to the artful environment around them.
WK: It is the
natural flow of the environment. How does the space function? How many
steps are there to commonly used things? How many turns are made? What
is used most often and how is it used?
means natural. In design, the term natural can go into a multitude of
facets. Natural can start with the furniture manufacturer and its
craftsmanship, layout of a room, the paint selection or even just a
certain look to a room the client is desiring. There needs to be
special attention to the use of the word organic because organic in
the truest sense involves all of the elements that make up the final
AK: People often
confuse energy with bright colors and bold statements when really itís
any feeling an entire space emits.
WK: How does the
environment make you feel? After several hours of being in a space do
you feel like staying or are you anxious to move on? How the space
functions is critical about its energy. A dining room should have a
particular energy vs. a transaction counter at a store.
energy is a feeling that you get from the space. Given the right
energy it creates a comfortable, relaxed feeling. Designers can use
this "energy" and achieve the feel of the room desired. This
same "energy" will literally be transferred to the client.
positive and a knowledgeable attitude is essential in creating a space
with a positive energy. Whether the space is serene, energetic or
functional, design needs to focus around the clientsí needs. m