Create a Sensory Experience in Home Design
A beautifully designed family dining room that seamlessly blends elegance and comfort.
Harnessing the Power of Sensory Design
Even interior designers get stuck. Where to begin? What does the space want to be? Sometimes that simple spark of inspiration can elude even the most seasoned of professionals. Ahhh… but we have tricks up our sleeves and this is one I discovered early on.
Good design engages all of the senses, and yes, some senses are easier to cater to. But when I’m stuck as to where to begin, I wonder to myself: If this room had a voice, what would it sound like?
Inspiration Through Auditory Imagery
A project for a family with older children ready to launch in life and parents who enjoyed quiet evenings alone as well as entertaining handfuls of friends was the project I first considered this simple, but abstract question – What do I want this room to sound like? The combination Dining Room and Lounge were immediately off the Entry and instantly set the tone for guests and family alike when coming in the front door. I landed on the following phrase:
Corks popping, crystal stemware ringing, quiet conversations punctuated with bursts of laughter.
That’s it! I had my starting point! That single descriptive line could be an evening of family board games. Dinners with close, comfortable friends. Occasions to be celebrated and remembered. To me, that was to be expressed in the arrangement of furniture, blurring the lines between the Lounge ending and Dining Room beginning.
Bridging Spaces with Unique Design Elements
A fun fabric combination on an interesting silhouette of a chaise was the perfect piece to bridge the two spaces. Square stumps of wood and crystal were intriguing – like a peculiar party guest you haven’t been introduced to. Yet. Unexpected textures of hair hide rugs and a live edge dining table were juxtaposed with simple caramel wool drapes. Over the dining table, reflective orbs suspended in mid-air were carefree in placements when compared to the formality of a strait-laced light fixture with glass envelopes in even columns and rows.
The best parties are the ones with a mix of colorful personalities. By bringing together quirky elements with expected pieces, the mix was eclectic. Unexpected. But to give a loose boundary to the overall design, a color palette of caramel, walnut, rich blues and creamy tones was used. Even when the room was unoccupied, it felt as if the furniture, drapery, artwork, and stunning light fixtures were already having a conversation! That’s when a room is a success.
Creating a Tranquil ADU Bedroom Suite
A current project has the same question being asked of an ADU bedroom suite. The sound for this room is that of a simple sigh. A complete relaxed exhalation of air. Wispy veil-like drapes of white will lift in the breeze when windows are opened. The same breeze has a Capiz shell chandelier mimicking the soft sounds of a wind chime.
An ethereal color palette of clean white pillowy bed linens, a ceiling in the truest of sky blues with just a hint of green. And light ash herringbone wood floors will add an easy-on-the-eye pattern that begs bare feet to walk across them. Night stands on high turned legs will be a few of the pieces included. Sparsely furnished, the room itself will have space to breathe. Space to sigh. Space to just Be. I can’t wait for this project to be complete!
Sigh…
Bring Your Vision to Life with KoVAC Design
Are you ready to create a sensory masterpiece in your home? Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refresh a space, engaging all the senses can transform your design process. At KoVAC Design, we specialize in crafting spaces that speak to your unique lifestyle and needs.
Imagine your home as a symphony, each room telling its own story through sight, sound, touch, and beyond. Let us help you find that perfect harmony.
Contact Sheri at KoVAC Design today to start your journey towards a home that truly resonates with you.