Introduction

For a long time, it was thought that “more space” equaled “more comfort” in interior spaces. Therefore, houses of a few years ago tried to be as generous as possible in square meters, although perhaps not as well thought out in terms of layout and furnishings. The furniture we used was what we needed and not what we wanted, and changing a piece of furniture could take several generations before it happened. There was no interior design culture like there is now, where it is very important to have a space designed for each of our needs.

Changes in space availability

Nowadays, the amount of space we can get in an average property is considerably less than in the past, either due to the high cost of acquiring a home, personal taste, or the current market offer. The average apartments that are most commonly found in the middle class range from 30-40 m² to 90-100 m². This has forced interior designers, interior architects and other related professions to be creative and fast when it comes to offering furnishings that fit into today's spaces. They use multifunctional solutions that can have two or more purposes: consoles that become dining tables, sofas that transform into sofa beds, storage furniture behind mirrors, and even the use of technology to include automation and robotization to household elements.

The importance of coaching in interior design

In the world of design, coaching stands out as an exceptional tool that goes far beyond simple visual aesthetics and is very useful in helping to select what is necessary. It is a vehicle that allows us to dive into the depths of the human being, exploring his most intimate desires and fundamental needs: the search for security, the longing for connection, the desire for recognition and the constant aspiration towards self-realization. Life itself is a journey full of changes and transformations, and interior design has the unique privilege of accompanying people at every stage of this journey. From the exciting moments of the arrival of a new member to the family to the periods of reflection and personal growth in adulthood, each life experience leaves a mark on our perception of the space we call home.

The theory of House Coaching

The House Coaching theory, developed by renowned Danish decorator Kirsten Steno, emphasizes the deep connection between personal life and the domestic environment. According to this philosophy, changing a situation in life begins with transforming the space in which we live. Our home, far from being simply a physical place, reflects our deepest emotions, attitudes and aspirations. It is a mirror of our lives, where situations and challenges find their echo in the layout and design of each room.

Tips for purchasing and furnishing a space

Detail your activities

After the pandemic, the house became the place of multiple activities that we are not fully aware of. It is important to list them from greatest to least importance to be clear about which places you should adapt for each one: work, rest, consultations, leisure, study, cooking, etc. This will allow you to prioritize the spaces to be intervened.

List the people who interact in the space

It sounds simple, but sometimes we take the activities of those who live with us for granted. This list will allow you to understand the individual and collective actions that can happen in a space (for example, workspace at home, recreation, cooking, reading, etc.) and thus provide the appropriate solution. House Coaching theory says that to reconcile the different tastes of another person who may live with you, you can apply the 40-40-20 rule. Both of you must agree on the 40% of “choice” that each will make about the space and the final 20% together. In this way, everyone involved will have had a say in the choice.

Get inspired

Finding inspiration in reference images that describe what you imagine is crucial. Through images, you can find colors, materials, shapes and layouts that will become the source of inspiration for your own designs. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube are great for this.

Budget

Just as it is important to have a general budget for the investment in space or furniture, you should also allocate an estimated budget for each area you want to intervene in. This will help you prioritize in case you decide to do your project in stages.

Seek advice

There are experienced professionals who have been training for a long time and have accumulated years of experience with other clients. You can capitalize on this by making your purchasing process easier and more fun. Don't be afraid to ask questions; you can always learn something new from an expert.

Color

In interior decoration, it is important to choose the right colors according to the activities and sensations you want to convey in the space. For workspaces, neutral and soft colors are recommended due to the extended dwell times. For the living room, you can choose a main wall and give it a warm color such as red, orange or yellow if the climate is cold, or colors such as blue, gray, mint, etc., if the climate is warm and you want to create a more fresh feeling.

The invitation to the world of design

The invitation to dive into the world of design is open to everyone. Everyone has their own tastes and needs and can express them through what they see, what they feel or their feelings. A well-decorated space is a space more likely to make someone very happy.

Camilo Barrios
Industrial Designer & Interior Decorator
Specialist in Commercial Management
camilo.barrios@gmail.com

The invitation to dive into the world of design is open to everyone. Everyone has their own tastes and
particular needs and can express them through what they see, what they feel or their feelings. A well-decorated space is a space more likely to make someone very happy.

Camilo Barrios
Industrial Designer & Interior Decorator
Specialist in Commercial Management
Camilo.barrios@gmail.com

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