u·nique
yo͞oˈnēk/
adjective
- 1.being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else."the situation was unique in modern politics"
synonyms: distinctive, distinct, individual, special, idiosyncratic; More
noun
archaic
- 1.a unique person or thing.
To me, great design and the word unique go hand in hand. Sometimes the need to be unique is my greatest downfall as a designer. Coming up with "one of a kind" designs doesn't always happen over night. And, getting a client to buy in to one of my "unique" ideas can often be super hard. This takes trust, trust and more trust! But when that trust is achieved and a client buys in, their house suddenly becomes something spectacular and something they're very proud to show their friends and neighbors.
I'd like to hear the conversation between designer/client when this idea was pitched. "I've got it! Let's build a mini greenhouse inside your kitchen and use it as a room divider!" Sounds bizarre, right? But aren't the results stunning?!
"Let's build a bookshelf out of plus signs with tons of negative space. I promise your books will fit!" says the crazy designer.
"No, your bookshelves don't have to have books on them. Let's style them with balls, pyramids and cubes. It'll look great, I promise!"
"I know it's industrial and immediately you think warehouse, but that's what makes it so cool! And, yes, those doors are supposed to look beat up."
"Honeycombs! Honeycombs are totally in right now. Let's slap some up on your walls and use them as a shelving option."
We can certainly sound crazy sometimes with our off the wall ideas, but I think it's safe to say the pictures above prove that a little trust can take your room to the next level and result in great design. One of my favorite things to hear a client say is, "I never would've thought of that!" I know I've done my job when those words come out of their mouth. After all, that's why you hired me, right?
What's the takeaway from this post, you ask? Next time your designer throws you a hairbrained idea, reach deep down inside and allow yourself to take the journey towards something unique and fabulous.
designers know best. word.
ReplyDeleteI guess the trick is choosing a designer whose style you're attracted to, and then trusting him or her to create that uniqueness in your home.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Dana! I love it when my clients say, "I trust you" or "whatever you decide..". I would add that I have not done anything like your pics depict - not yet, anyway :)
ReplyDeleteLove that gold industrial shelving unit! I can think of a lot of designers I'd give free rein if I could afford them! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing thiis
ReplyDelete