INTERIOR DESIGN: BETWEEN AESTHETICS AND FUNCTIONALITY
It goes without saying that there are seven elements of interior design : space, line, shapes, light, color, texture and pattern. Maintaining the balance between these elements is the key to creating an interior that is as aesthetic as it is functional, for the home or the office. Yet the goal of interior design is too often ignored, which is to ensure that a space fulfills its function - that is, a house is livable and an office is a good one. place to work.
While these points may seem obvious to many, problems arise when the two most important components of interior design are given unequal weight and attention: functionality and aesthetics. It is then up to the designer to use the 7 elements of interior design to balance these two elements in any space they are working on. In fact, this is the very definition of what it takes to be a professional interior designer.
Functionality and aesthetics : friends or enemies ?
Finding a balance between aesthetics and functionality can be very difficult, mainly because these two components have similar importance in the design process. For example, when this balance is favored in favor of aesthetics over function, qualities such as comfort and ergonomics can be compromised. On the other hand, when the balance tilts in favor of function, comfort and roominess become dominant, with little regard for beauty and style.
But before opposing these two elements, let's define them first !
Aesthetics : Aesthetics certainly rhymes with beauty and refinement, but you should know that this notion is largely based on a totally personal and therefore subjective judgment. However, there is a sort of consensus as to the aestheticism in that certain architectural and decorative elements are unanimous. We cite as an example the various historical works of architects such as Gaudi, whose beauty cannot be doubted. UNESCO's World Heritage has also established a charter listing properties of an exceptional nature, both in terms of their heritage and their aesthetics. You should also know that this notion changes as people change, depending on cultural and societal movements and also as the world evolves. The examples are legion, it suffices to recall that of plastic, which has long been adored, is today a disparaged material considered to be one of the most polluting.
Functionality : A simple but precise definition of the term "function" is: the ability to serve a purpose well. This is the purpose for which a design is developed. For example, a poorly designed house may be reasonably large, but it may not provide occupants with the space they need. In contrast, a small apartment can be transformed into a house providing adequate space for virtually all of the functions required by its occupants.
In this process where form meets function, rather than enemies, we will say that these are two crucial elements, singularly different. However, aesthetics and functionality are intertwined and interdependent, posing challenges for all designers, in all industries.
Can we reconcile them ?
Today, being teleworked and therefore spending a lot of time at home, gives rise to a real need to live in a space that can combine function and aesthetics. In addition, with the restrictions linked to the pandemic, we go out less, we go on vacation less, so it is essential that the interior is a haven of peace.
It is unfortunate that the emphasis on aesthetics seems to have taken over function to a large extent in recent times. In the age of social media and instagrammable photos, aesthetics can compromise the "comfort factor" in many designs, but that doesn't mean it isn't of fundamental importance yet. Aesthetic aspects such as the appearance, texture and finish of an object provide important information about its function and help to understand its quality and how it was made.
Thus, interior designers can start by creating aesthetic appeal in virtually every part of a home or office, keeping in mind its function. Starting with an appropriate design theme, an interior designer will provide color, paint, mood, textures, balance and symmetry to achieve a stunning appearance. This aesthetic quality will match the purpose and function of each room or space. For example, the appearance of the living room will promote relaxation, the design of the bedroom will encourage rest and a good night's sleep, while the home office space will encourage creative thinking and productivity.
Therefore, aesthetic features can not only be exploited to make an object attractive, but also to explain what it is and what you can do with it. So there has to be a balance between the two for a product to be successful. The classic "form follows function" design principle suggests that form and function should be balanced, while properly communicating primary function.
In other words, there is no need to sacrifice comfort for beauty, function for appearance, or tranquility for taste. In fact, for the best interior designers, the elements of interior design are only used to enhance both function and aesthetics in each project.
