Over the last few months, I had the pleasure of visiting a number of people in Chicago and further afield. The visits are always fun and vary greatly; some were for business meetings as a Chicago Interior Designer, others as social occasions, sometimes a little bit of both. I love my family, friends, and dear clients so it’s especially great to visit and catch up over a good meal.
In the course of conversation the subject may turn to the arts or trends I’m seeing in interior architecture and design. Trends can be a novelty if you’re buying something for a season such as an accessory to go with an outfit or a fun throw pillow you will change out next season. Perhaps you’ll be inclined to file it in the closet, putting it into rotation at a later date. These trends are harmless as they typically do not involve a major investment.
Trendy items can easily be swapped out on a whim such as throw pillows or accessories.
The trend I find most alarming is the hesitancy to live without comfort. Now don’t get me wrong, I do not believe in spending money capriciously if this will cause a hardship. On the other hand, I can hardly condone people denying themselves of comfort in the place they spend most of their time such as their home or in their personal office. And let’s not forget the places you often use such as your club or the common areas of your historical building such as the lobby or corridors. So much interior design potential!
Standing the Test of Time
Chicago’s iconic Water Tower survived the great fire of 1871 while the Palmolive Building to the right was built in 1929. Both were designed and constructed with style and intention. Developers of today should take heed of the fine detailing. Although their styles are different, they are iconic and stand the test of time.
Great design and architecture, whether traditional or contemporary, is based on principles of design that have been handed down over centuries. Case in point, many private homes or residential developments built today have been inspired by great buildings built decades ago. When done correctly, they’re a testimony to architecture and design.
I’m a firm believer in doing things right the first time, it’s rarely a good idea to select the lowest bidder.
Many years ago, a colleague told me his client said she didn’t want to spend significant money on a good sofa, in her words she felt something at a retail establishment was “good enough“. That may be true, but it depends on who’s selling the merchandise, where/how it’s made and how it will be used.
If you’re concerned about the environment and want something to last longer than a few years, it may be better to splurge a bit. Chances are you’re going to have that sofa a long time, you can always recover it when need be. Believe it or not that’s often less expensive than buying a new piece of furniture. As I always say, if you do it right the first time, you’ll only cry once.
Go Big Or Go Home
I’m not suggesting robbing your kids’ college fund or your company’s pension plan to pay for these upgrades. What I am suggesting is calling on an Interior Design professional the next time you’re thinking about updating your environment. Once you carefully vet the right person you will be astounded and inspired. And shock of all shocks, they’ll help you spend your money wisely. This isn’t a dress rehearsal, it’s time to find your paradise.
And if you need an Interior Design Consultation in Chicago, please let me know.
Let’s make some magic together~
Ken
