Interior Design: Processes & Things to Consider

Interior design is much more than picking out colours and fabrics. I sat down with the lovely Juwana Abu-Zeinah, an award-winning interior designer & interior architect to discuss the depth of interior design. Juwana has a passion for evidence-based design. She enjoys researching and bringing a scientific approach to design. For Juwana, good design goes much further than just aesthetics. She is motivated to understand why things work or don’t work and how people’s lives can ultimately be elevated by design.

The 7 Elements of Interior Design

When designing a space, interior designers consider creating a balance of these 7 elements: space, line, form, light, colour, texture and pattern. When these elements come together in balance and harmony, you can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also offers a high degree of functionality. While all of these elements are important, Juwana believes space, light and form are the ones you can most use to your advantage when creating a good design.

Space: Distance, proportions and ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ space

Line: Structural features as well as finishes. Vertical, horizontal and dynamic.

Form: Shape – of the room itself and also what’s inside it. Geometric and natural.

Light: Natural and artificial. Filtering and layering of light.

Colour: Different colours influence mood and energy in a space. Light also impacts how colours are perceived.

Texture: Textures creates depth and interest.

Pattern: Adds interest – many options like floral, geometric, abstract, etc.

Going Beyond Aesthetics

Juwana points out that as humans, we spend a very large portion of our time indoors. It’s so very important to think about the space you spend most of your time in. It’s important to think about factors like safety, lighting, ventilation, ergonomics, accessibility and well-being. If these important factors are not considered, there will negative physical and mental outcomes for the occupants of the space. This is where a talented designer can come in to create a space that is just as functional as it is beautiful.

Stages of Design

A well-executed design consists of several stages before the final space is produced. Juwana breaks down the stages of a traditional design process:

1)     Programming: This involves asking important questions to define the goals for the space. This is where you will find out pertinent information on who is going to be occupying/utilizing the space and how it needs to function.

2)    Schematic: Once you have the information and data that you need, you can begin the schematic phase. Using the information, you have gathered, you start developing a concept. This is where the designer will use things such as pictures, mood boards, and samples.

3)    Design Development: This is where you take your concept and start developing the details of the design.

4)    Construction Documentation: In this stage, details are confirmed and finalized sets of drawings get sent out and contractors will bid on the project. The designer provides advice to the client on who to go with, but ultimately the choice is up to the client.

5)    Contract Administration: In this stage, contractors are selected, permits are secured, and building materials are ordered.

Juwana recommends that designs are well-researched, and that all the important stakeholders and professionals are involved in the project right from its initial stages. That way, if changes need to be made, they can be made earlier on. This saves on both time and budget. Designers are professionals who are trained to understand space and functionality. They are able to see things and consider things that the average homeowner usually isn’t able to. While doing a DIY design or renovation may be tempting, it’s important to understand the scope of what you are trying to achieve and whether you really have the knowledge and skillset to produce your vision effectively.  

Connect with Juwana and see her projects here:

Instagram: @juwanaabuzeinah

LinkedIn: Juwana Abu-Zeinah

Website: Juwana Abu-Zeinah