By IDr. Katherine Anne Correa and IDr. Markee Madolaria
We are excited to open our doors to our friends and family to our homes as we continue to open up amid looser pandemic restrictions. Hence, this is the year when we anticipate a more welcoming and happier place – an abode that makes us smile more.
Here are some interior design tips to usher in positivity and inspire gatherings:
1. Adapt to your lifestyle.
Don’t be restricted to styles you see in printed publications, online, and other platforms. Mix your personality and address your needs that speak to you. For example, if you feel an open storage might add clutter but manifest your character, do so. You won’t regret it for it connects you to your comfort. Be the maximalist in the ocean of minimalism.
2. Stick with the classics.
The timelessness of design elements is a good investment. Reinvent the vintage structure with a modern twist. Use patterns in modern applications. Imagine using sintered tiles as wall accents in a room, taking into account the proper proportions.
3. Create a space that makes you smile.
Apply personality-driven designs. Add textures to accentuate a wall or a furniture piece. Design decisions that pop out to truly bring happiness.
4. Encourage sustainability and stability.
Build a space that nurtures comfort in knowing that the materials last long. Most resources nowadays come cheap. Yet there is always a question of “will this be ready for wear and tear?” One example is the fad application of self-adhesive accent wall claddings. These cost cheaper than using natural ones, but create future problems with adhesions, porosity or even fireproofing.
5. Use solar power and natural ventilation.
We are blessed to be living in a tropical country where we can experience a good amount of sunlight and airflow. Let’s maximize these by considering proper window usage and placement. The sun’s heat may kick in during summer. Use this as a source of electricity. The solar energy technology is a solid investment because it’s free, local, and green.
6. Design in harmony with the natural world.
Humanity has evolved rapidly. Technology has created a heavy carbon footprint. Choose natural materials that will grow along with the timeless beauty of a space. Be conscious of choices and how they were manufactured. We may be enjoying beauty in our space, but we are neglecting our ecosystem. Let’s use indigenous products and consider our cultural grassroots.
About the Authors:
IDr. Katherine Anne G. Correa is a freelance interior designer and an advocate of heritage conservation. As a designer, she is passionate about the splendor of the past and gets inspiration from art and nature. Her vision for architecture and design is rooted in Filipino culture. She is currently the Program Chairperson of the Interior Design Program of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. She finished her Masters of Architecture from University of the Philippines College of Architecture.
IDr. Markee Madolaria is a consultant, designer, and art director. His experience ranges from being a junior sales designer and visual merchandise officer to becoming a creatives department manager and senior designer. Currently, he heads the design team “markthatspace” and shares his expertise as educator of Benilde Interior Design Program. He graduated cum laude at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.