In my Blog this week I would like to share with you the importance of the Interior Design Brief. Why is it so important that you create one?

What is an Interior Design Brief?

It doesn’t have to be a long-winded document. Going through the process of creating the Brief and having a series of bullet points to give to your Designer or being able to answer your Designer’s questions clearly is the most important aspect.

Why do you need a Brief for your interior designer? 

This process helps you think clearly about the objectives of the project you are about to embark on. The more clarity you have around what you want to achieve, the more likely the outcome will be what you are looking for.

The more detail that you can provide your Designer, the better the job they can do for you.

What do you need to include in your Design Brief?

Key Objectives – what would you like to achieve? How would you like it to look, function, feel?

Budget – a guide on budget is very important as it helps your Designer select the right solution for your design

Timing – when do you require the work to be done?  Is it realistic? Do you need to move out of your home if it is a major renovation?

Sustainability – how important is this issue to you?

Usage – How do you use, or intend to use these spaces? Do you have children? What age are they? Do you have pets? Do you have many guests come to stay? What hobbies to you have?

This is not an exhaustive list, but will give you starting point. The more detail you can add the better.

How do you prepare your Brief?

Think about the final outcome of the project. List down your key objectives and then prioritise them.

Visualise as much as you can about how you will use the spaces, how you will feel in the spaces.

Research. Look at websites such as www.houzz.com, www.pinterest.com, www.trendsideas.com. Look at magazines, cut pictures out. Visit open homes and show homes. When you are at your friend’s houses look at their spaces and see what would suit you and your lifestyle and what wouldn’t work for you.

Even if you are not going to use an Interior Designer for your project and are going to do it yourself, the Design Brief is still an invaluable process to go through, to help you clarify your needs.

Think about the final outcome of the project. List down your key objectives.