Creating Beautiful Interior Design Schemes

As a designer, we are incredibly privileged to share a totally unique experience with each client. From project concept to completion, it is imperative that a designer understands, excites and enhances a client’s vision and ultimately lifestyle.

A sample board is a key element in this journey. It not only brings a scheme to life for a client at the initial stages, but it is an incredibly useful reference tool for the whole project team including builders, lighting specialists, landscapers and so on. It really is essential and can be used anywhere, from ‘a site meeting to assist in the selection of architectural materials’ to ‘going out and about uptown in the search of those all important finishing touches’.

In our studio we tailor their specification to individual project parameters and client requirements, so we have a myriad of board styles. We have therefore put together just a small selection of some of our work, which we hope gives you a unique insight into our design process.

Conceptual Board

Single or multiple images can be used as an emotive tool at the beginning of a project to conjure up a mood, sense and ambiance.  We used this stunning Pierre Frey “Grand Canyon” wallpaper to introduce a boy’s bedroom concept to our client. Not only did we propose the wallpaper, but drew inspiration from the exquisite hand drawn elements to inspire a scheme of striking colours and materials.

Material Trays

A presentation tray is a fantastic option, when touch and feel are important. It enables a client to experience products and materials; particularly architectural elements where is it essential that ergonomics, function and aesthetic are in good balance. Weight, temperature, shape and texture are just a few of the factors which come into play with the use of just a single door handle!

This proposal was made for an outside pool area and combines a conceptual image with a selection of key materials, ironmongery and fabrics. The Holland & Sherry towelling fabric was a genius upholstery selection for some lounging units; it not only offered essential comfort and durability but also drying power!!!

Fabric Schemes

We love to create three dimensional fabric boards, which are often key to adding a sense of personality to a project.  Traditionally softer elements are sourced at the later stages of a project, but we always advocate they are explored at the beginning. For our studio it is imperative that a space flows with a cohesive design, whether in unity or with contrast. We therefore always recommend that flooring, paints and other architectural elements are considered in conjunction.

We prepared individual boards for each room in this project, where beautiful fabrics from curtains to the piping of an individual cushion were selected. We particularly love the rust and khaki hues of De Le Cuona’s linen, which punctuated each scheme with a gorgeous pop of colour.

Furniture and Lighting Boards

We usually summarise the finer furniture and lighting details on a detailed specification document to ensure that all variable elements such as material, size and price are considered, but sometimes it is useful to have a board where the key elements are summarized.  This beautiful pair of Anton & K armchairs were pivotal to our scheme and simply ooze country cool. We also often include hand drawn sketches at this stage, that can be read in conjunction with the plans and are vital in bringing a scheme to life.

This is only a small selection of the boards we produce, but we do hope you have enjoyed a little taster of our design ethos.

Notes

It goes without saying that in the preparation of these design elements, we are never without a plethora of design essentials including pantone pens, drawing pens, a good 5mm white or black foam board, spray mount, presentation boxes, trays… A trip to London Graphics is equivalent to a trip to the local fudge shop in Stow for our boys!

For more inspiration on becoming an interior designer, read more in our blog here or browse our other featured articles here.