We all have certain things in our lives that qualify as themes. Maybe you are an enthusiastic sports fan, or love fishing? Gardening? History? Movies? Usually when we have a part of life that intrigues and captivates us, we like to have it around us by way of images, keepsakes, souvenirs, trophies and the like. And such persuasions are very familiar to Interior design professionals with clients who want their special interests incorporated into the design for their Interior space – business, professional or residential.
In recent years, some rather new terms have been applied to some ideas that really are not new at all! Today’s “man cave” was yesterday’s den or study – or maybe just a home puttering shop for the guy –and a sewing room for the woman. In those spaces, their favorite themes were played out with pictures, trophies and awards, nick knacks and mementos – maybe even a few trophies with antlers!
So, theming isn’t a new concept. However, tastefully incorporating a client’s favorites into an Interior design that is appropriate for commercial or professional Interior space – where ones clients, customers, suppliers and colleagues can observe – must be done with careful consideration. And that is a skill you can depend on from your Interior design team.
When once somber, sterile and subdued institutional environments finally realized that color, art and beauty might just improve well being, overall, Interior design took the cue and accelerated the foray into significant changes and choices. In hospitals, for instance, color invaded and brightened, rooms, uniforms – and patient’s emotions.
Across the spectrum of venues, theming took people’s lives and interests into consideration when planning Interiors. Where children were a significant factor, children’s interests were part of the Interior design considerations. And, the affect on them became tangible. Instead of scared kids, those kids had to be pried away from delightful distractions — and associated going to the dentist with things like a beautiful aquarium or furniture and distractions scaled to their size and interests.
Retail sites, where customers browse, may see an owner’s themes of choice reflected not only in the environment’s appointments, but even in the offered merchandise! Creating the just-right merchandizing base for that theme of choice can become a visitor’s incentive. Intriguing space facilitates a sure win promotional: word of mouth!
In past decades, professional services Interior environments have traditionally been pretty much limited to conservative colors, soothing wood trims and furnishings and the required wall of the professional’s curriculum vitae and framed awards. Well, even that has warmed up to innovation by theming. You yourself might notice a subtle change from, say: “my attorney, John So-and-So, to: My Attorney – who loves horses!”
Building your personal interest themes into your commercial Interior environment gives your customers or clients a special insight to other aspects of you! And, it’s an easy way to facilitate conversation – or give a new contact a way to override unfamiliarity or nervousness, by noticing something about you and your Interior environment to ask about.
This approach can be fun, interesting – even educational! It’s not for everyone, but for those who may wish to share a little of their life that is not part of their chosen commercial enterprise, it can be a really interesting adventure. Your Interior design professional will help you selectively approach how (and with what) to showcase your theme, and balance it appropriately with your overall Interior design plan.
It is not etched in stone that one’s personal and business lives must be clearly separated! And, there is a way to do it right. And, help is on the way!
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book at Business Design Services.
