15 Factors to Consider When Choosing Decorative Items for Client Installations
Decorative objects can transform a space into a cozy, personal sanctuary that beautifully reflects the client's lifestyle and personality. Here are fifteen practical tips for choosing decorative objects that enhance and complement the overall design while maintaining functionality and practicality.
Incorporating Scented Objects Thoughtfully
- Minimize the overpowering scents by opting for scentless or mildly fragranced objects, especially in bedrooms and shared spaces. Unscented versions are universally appealing and can prevent potential allergic reactions. However, if a client prefers a specific fragrance, consider investing in soothing, natural scents.
Consider the Client and Room's Purpose
- Attend to the client's day-to-day routine, such as frequent tidying or entertaining guests, by selecting objects reflecting the room's purpose and ensuring they're easily cleanable and resilient. Opt for sturdy and washable items for homes with children or pets, considering heavy or top-heavy sculptures unsuitable in active households.
Adding Textural Layers and Emphasizing Scale
- Enhance a room's character by introducing a variety of textures, such as trays, wooden carvings, raw clay pots, linens, or tactile fabrics. This contrast creates visual interest and a feeling of warmth even in minimalist or monochromatic spaces.
- Create a visually stimulating display by varying heights and proportions of decorative objects. Place a tall vase near a low bowl, stack books with a small object on top, or set a large sculpture in a spacious room to make the eyes wander around the space.
Personalizing Spaces and Reflecting the Client's Interests
- Avoid filling shelves with random items and instead choose objects that align with the client's preferences, travel experiences, or personal interests. These personalized picks tell a story that reflects the owner's lifestyle and engage their passions.
Strategic Use of Books
- Books can serve multiple purposes, such as anchoring a vignette and adding color, scale, and structure. Arrange books that align with the client's interests, such as architecture, fashion, food, or travel, to give the space a unique and cohesive feel.
Prioritizing Maintenance and Accommodating Cleaning Habits
- Choose items that are easy to clean and maintain, particularly in high-touch areas like the kitchen and bathroom. While intricate, delicate objects may seem appealing, they can quickly become a burden for homeowners when it comes to cleaning and dusting.
Culturally and Contextually Sensitive Pieces
- Be mindful of symbols, art, or motifs that may carry unintended meanings or associations. Research and understand the cultural and regional context before introducing any potentially controversial items. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and omit such objects.
Balancing Negative Space and Organic Materials
- Don't overcrowd the space by sparingly placing objects that breathe and allow the room to shine. A single impactful object can often outshine a cluttered cluster.
- Incorporate organic materials, like stone, wood, or dried flowers, to bring a natural element into the space and make it feel grounded. These materials soften modern designs and have a timeless appeal.
Strategically Placing Reflective Surfaces
- Introduce reflective surfaces, such as metallic or glass objects, thoughtfully. These pieces can bounce light beautifully but can also create glare in direct sunlight. Be mindful of potential glare and aim for balance between reflection and light distribution.
Local Purchasing When Possible
- Support local artisans and businesses by sourcing locally-made pieces. These items often carry a sense of place and unique character, enriching the space with personal and cultural detail.
Mismatching with Purpose and Cohesion
- A perfectly coordinated grouping can feel boring, so consider mixing styles and materials to add depth and complexity. A consistent theme, like texture, color, or time period, ensures a cohesive aesthetic while making the display all the more intriguing.
Allowing for Client Personalization
- Encourage clients to personalize their space based on their interests and experiences. Leave thoughtfully-placed spots for clients to add their unique touch, such as a shelf for travel memorabilia or a corner for their artwork.
By carefully considering these factors, you'll create beautiful, functional, and personal spaces that resonate with the client's lifestyle and values. These carefully chosen decorative objects tell a story, engage the senses, and create enduring spaces that feel like a true reflection of your client's self-expression.
- To reflect a client's love for travel and food, consider incorporating books about exotic destinations, travel souvenirs, and unique kitchenwares into the home-and-garden design.
- For a client with an interest in interior-design, the perception of their lifestyle might be greatly enhanced with statement pieces like artisanal furniture, one-of-a-kind decorative objects, and design magazines scattered throughout the space.
- In a client's home that frequently hosts news-based discussions, strategically place a decorative object or two focused around the theme of journalism, such as antique typewriters, news headline art, or vintage edition books, to reflect the client's interest and lifestyle.
