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Interior designers translate human needs into spatial solutions, balancing form, function and technical feasibility. Photo: Michelle Kroll.<\/p>\n
They have spatial planning skills like an architect, a builder\u2019s understanding of construction codes and, much like a structural engineer, can read a drafting technician\u2019s technical drawings, but interior designers might be the most misunderstood experts in the renovation process.<\/p>\n
Angela Bailey, an interior designer at Mark Sheppard Bathrooms & Renovations, says few people grasp the true scope of her job.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think most people hear \u2018interior designer\u2019 and figure I pick out cushions, or that my expertise is a luxury,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cInterior decoration is an art form that I formally trained in. But I moved into interior design as I prefer the problem-solving aspects of my profession.\u201d<\/p>\n
Interior design is the professional practice of shaping interior spaces to be functional, safe, and aesthetically coherent. Experts in the field are trained to analyse how a space is used, plan layouts, specify materials and finishes, design lighting, and integrate building services, all while ensuring the design complies with building codes, accessibility requirements and technical constraints.<\/p>\n
In other words, Angela thoughtfully considers both the function, aesthetics, and use of the home, guiding decisions ranging from the movement of walls to more personal details such as colour selection.<\/p>\n
Ideally, an interior designer steps in at the beginning of the renovation process, during the planning stage.<\/p>\n
Angela says there are major benefits to working with someone who has a deep understanding of spatial planning, lighting, material knowledge, and functionality, and can coordinate architects, builders, and tradespeople to ensure cohesion on the project from start to finish.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the beginning of a job, we spend a lot of time understanding how our client lives in their space, how they cook, how they like to unwind, entertain, and work. Generally, those details inform everything from how to configure a space to the materials and finishes used therein,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Often the first point of contact for clients, Angela balances clients\u2019 goals, the usability of their home, and their long-term satisfaction, helping them avoid costly mistakes.<\/p>\n
\u201cA client might see something on Pinterest and feel inspired. Our job is to look at it from a holistic point of view, sense test everything against liveability and to look for the synergies so we can avoid mismatched finishes and layouts that won\u2019t work well,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might be tempted to buy something on sale because it\u2019s a genuine bargain, but if it doesn\u2019t work for your space, it\u2019s not money well spent. Or you might fall in love with an expensive tile, but it will mean reviewing your spending elsewhere so you don\u2019t blow your budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cA good interior designer will help you work out what\u2019s worth it and where your spend will have the most impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Angela\u2019s line of work, success is often unseen and unheard \u2014 it blends into everyday life, like the silence of soft-close drawers.<\/p>\n
She says most clients aren\u2019t aware of the value of interior design until they experience a well-designed, functional and intentional space first-hand.<\/p>\n
And while aesthetics are critical, when choosing between form and function, for Angela, function wins every time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to work with a client\u2019s vision. I\u2019m all for something beautiful, but beauty is subjective, and functionality isn\u2019t,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe beautiful, enormous fridge you bought for half price will soon lose its sheen if the only place it fits is the wrong side of your otherwise perfect kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n