Exploring the World of Interior Design: Is It Worth It?

Today, we delved into the exciting realm of interior design with Brigita Lengenfeld, a renowned interior designer based in Spain. Brigita, originally from Lithuania, brings a wealth of experience and insights into the industry.

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#How To Start Your Business With Curtain

Embarking on a career in interior design involves more than just a leap of faith. It requires a deep understanding of the industry and a solid educational foundation - Brigita advises.

Together, we explored eight key lessons for those intrigued by the world of interior design.

1. Understanding the Roles: Decorator vs. Designer

Brigita clarifies that there's a distinct difference between interior decorators and interior designers. Decorators focus on aesthetics, colour combinations, and room embellishments. In contrast, interior designers need formal education, as they delve deeper into architectural concepts and structural planning. Brigita's journey began with formal studies at the University.

2. Passion Meets Profession

Success in interior design isn't just about having an eye for style. It requires a blend of architectural knowledge and a natural flair for colour, spatial arrangements, and texture.

As Brigita puts it, Finding your spark is the first step to a fulfilling career.

3. Beyond Colors: A Designer’s Diverse Skills

Interior design is a multifaceted profession that extends well beyond mere aesthetics. Brigita Lengenfeld emphasizes that a competent interior designer is not just someone who can create a visually appealing space; they are a composite of an artist, a technician, and a psychologist.

Material Mastery: A key aspect of interior design is material selection. This involves understanding the properties, durability, and aesthetics of various materials. Designers must be adept at choosing the right fabrics, textures, and materials that not only look good but also function well in the intended space.

Spatial Dynamics: Furniture placement and spatial planning are critical. It's about creating a flow within a room that is both practical and visually appealing. Designers must consider the room's function, the movement of people through the space, and how the furniture interacts with other elements in the room.

Structural Understanding: A profound understanding of the structural integrity of spaces is vital. This means knowing how alterations might affect the overall stability of a building, and working in tandem with architects and builders to ensure that all designs are not only beautiful but also safe and sustainable.

Historical and Cultural Insight: Understanding historical design concepts is essential. This knowledge allows designers to create spaces that can either echo historical aesthetics or blend modern and traditional elements seamlessly.

Ergonomics and Comfort: Designers need to have a firm grasp of ergonomics. This ensures that the spaces they create are not only beautiful but also comfortable and functional for the inhabitants.

Ethical Practice and Psychology: Adhering to ethical practices is key in interior design. Designers must navigate client expectations, project budgets, and environmental impact responsibly. Furthermore, understanding the psychological impact of spaces on individuals is a crucial skill, allowing designers to create environments that positively influence mood and well-being.

Brigita points out the vital role of technology in this diverse skill set. Tools like InterioApp are revolutionizing the industry, particularly in specialized areas like window treatments. This app simplifies complex curtain calculations, a task that traditionally requires significant time and expertise, transforming it into a streamlined, efficient process. "With InterioApp, designers can focus more on the creative aspects of their projects, knowing that the technical details are efficiently managed," says Brigita.

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4. The Financial Aspect

A designer's income can vary widely, influenced by factors like educational background, work experience, and the sector they work in. Brigita shares her challenges with curtain design, a skill that can notably increase a designer's marketability and income.

5. Understanding Client Needs: The Art of Balancing Visions and Realities

In the world of interior design, navigating client relationships is as crucial as the design itself. Brigita Lengenfeld shares that every designer has their share of challenging client interactions, but the key to success lies in understanding and managing client expectations effectively.

Client Vision vs. Practical Realities: Clients often approach designers with a specific vision, sometimes inspired by trends or images they've seen. However, these visions may not always align with the practicalities of their space or budget. Brigita stresses the importance of respecting these visions while gently guiding clients towards realistic and feasible design solutions.

Effective Communication: Clear and consistent communication is vital. It's essential to establish a mutual understanding from the outset, discussing the client's needs, preferences, and budget constraints. Regular updates and transparent conversations throughout the project help in maintaining clarity and trust.

Educating the Client: Part of a designer's role is to educate clients about design principles, materials, and the practical aspects of implementing their ideas. This education can help clients understand the value of certain choices and why some of their initial ideas might need to be adapted.

Managing Expectations: Brigita notes that managing expectations is a delicate balance. It involves being honest about what is achievable, setting realistic timelines, and being upfront about costs. This approach helps in mitigating disappointments and builds a trusting relationship.

Collaborative Approach: The most successful projects are those where the designer and client work collaboratively. This partnership allows the designer to inject their expertise while honoring the client’s personal taste and preferences. Brigita believes that this collaborative process can lead to innovative and personalized design solutions.

Dealing with Dissatisfaction: Handling dissatisfaction is an inevitable part of the job. When clients are not happy with a certain aspect, it's crucial to listen, understand their concerns, and provide alternative solutions. This shows commitment to their satisfaction and often strengthens the professional relationship.

6. Showcasing Your Work

An interior designer's portfolio speaks volumes. For newcomers, Brigita suggests undertaking projects at minimal costs to build a robust portfolio and network with local suppliers and manufacturers.

7. Staying Ahead of the Curve in Interior Design

In the competitive world of interior design, distinguishing yourself requires more than raw talent. Brigita Lengenfeld highlights several key factors for success:

Dynamic Portfolio: Showcase a range of styles and projects in your portfolio to demonstrate your versatility and skill.

Continual Learning: Stay updated with ongoing education and be proficient in the latest design tools and trends. This not only enhances your skills but also keeps you adaptable to changing market demands.

Trend Awareness: Keep an eye on emerging trends, particularly sustainable and inclusive design, which are increasingly important in modern interiors.

Professional Networking: Cultivate a strong network with other designers and industry professionals for new opportunities and insights.

8. Guiding, Not Dictating

Designers can propose various styles, but the final choice always rests with the client. It's about finding the balance between professional guidance and respecting the client's taste.
Brigita Langelfeld's insights offer a window into the rewarding, yet challenging world of interior design. Whether you're considering a career switch or aiming to refine your skills, understanding these aspects of interior design is crucial.