January 5th – I can’t believe 2024 is over. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone lived well, loved and enjoyed time with friends and family. The end of each year seems to bring with it a sense of optimism, renewal and resolutions. Often it is about the desire to take stock and take a general look at our surroundings. Recently, my friend, colleague and interior designer Steffany Hollingsworth of Pare Collective and I met for an adult libation and discussion about career considerations. Topics discussed included the widespread and culturally timely desire to see what's out there, what's available! As consumers and lovers of the promise of beautiful and artistic living spaces, we particularly enjoy the platforms Pinterest, Instagram and HGTV.
Steffany puts it so well: “We all spend hours burrowing down the seductive rabbit hole of images and interior design 'porn,' longing for transportation, inspiration and motivation to improve our work or our own “To elevate our environment beyond what we ourselves do.” and what we have immediate access to. It costs nothing, is so accessible and there are no calories!” I love it! And it's so true. I often find new resources that I didn't know existed when I'm down this rabbit hole. How can we as a culture and consumers make the most of these platforms?
Best Uses and Applications:
As we drank and discussed how we use these platforms, Steffany and I agreed that EXPOSURE seems to be the driving – and fascinating – force that so enchants us all. The wealth of information, possibilities and wonders that these platforms offer expands our knowledge and awareness of the endless possibilities that the design world offers far and wide. We learn more about new sources, latest trends, new applications, innovative materials and out-of-the-box solutions. Steffany suggests that this can provide new approaches to design situations that are not often found, particularly in our very specific region and typical vernacular; We open our world to the countless options for furniture, lighting, paneling, etc. We both believe that this and other platforms are an excellent source for finding INSPIRATION for your own interior design. For me, it's usually 2 a.m. when, sleepless and way down this rabbit hole, I often find tidbits that spark ideas and a flood of scribbled notes by the bed. I love it! Although often very inspiring, there is still the inevitable “reality check”.
Check yourself:
So hours of scrolling and excitement about the possibilities can turn into the sobering moment of “Okay, now what?” It's so blissful for a moment when we find THE perfect living spaces on these platforms. We design professionals love it when our clients can articulate their design style, wants and wants/needs. We love images, color patterns and inspiring backgrounds. We love it even more when you can show us the “feeling” that you want your interiors to radiate and breathe. Save these posts and share them with us. However, this is also when we start asking the reality check questions. And if you're a DIYer, now is the time to ask yourself these questions—before you dive down the other rabbit hole and frantically buy everything you see in a particular post. For example, ask yourself: Does the desired look and feel of the space actually align with and support the reality of my lifestyle? Does the space you are applying allow for this new look to enable the overall application of the inspiring room/area? Is the budget realistic and does it achieve the desired result? These are just a few of the fundamental questions that should be thought about before achieving the desired end goal of a space.
Version:
So execution. Where do you start? All of us, even seasoned design professionals, rave about the spaces we see on these platforms. As design professionals, Steffany and I are very aware that the beautifully designed spaces we covet on these platforms are mostly designed by professional interior designers. (Keep in mind that they are often additionally styled, “framed,” and photographed by professionals.) Steffany points out that these images are almost always shown without products on the bathroom counter, without cooking equipment on the kitchen counter, or without children's and teen furniture /or pet supplies lying around. It is likely that these spaces are a reflection of curation and collection over months or even years. Even more likely, these spaces have been designed to reflect the reality of lifestyle or changing use of space. DIY is definitely possible and often works. However, we both note that achieving these spaces requires introspection, fortitude, and a certain level of commitment. They are constantly changing and evolving, and they should. Attempting to emulate or copy interiors in social platform images could result in missing the opportunity to achieve the personal pizzazz and self-love we all need to feel in our interiors. Relying on the assistance of design professionals to achieve such results can often lead to greater success. (And just a reminder that now is a good time to meet with your interior designer to get late spring and summer results.)
I hope our champagne discussion gives you all new food for thought when using these platforms. Steffany and I toast you all and wish you a happy and fulfilling New Year.
Buffy Kline can be found at WGD Interiors in Santa Fe. She is an ASID Professional Member and holds an NCIDQ certificate. She is also a licensed interior designer in the state of New Mexico with over 25 years of experience. She has worked in design and real estate development, with a primary focus on high-end residential homes. Customer-focused design is the heart and soul of what Buffy and her highly valued collaborative artisans, vendors and partners bring to the Santa Fe community. Contact them at: bkline@wgdinteriors.com.