Interior Design Questions to Consider Before Redesigning Your Home

The architectural context of a home often establishes a framework upon which other design considerations build.  A trusted design partner can help a client understand exactly how their chosen space can be redesigned to suit their interior design needs—or indeed, help evaluate a potential property before it’s purchased.

For example, Is the existing space a listed building or are there other restrictions on what can be done with the space?  Are there particularly interesting architectural elements to highlight or make the most of? What spatial and structural considerations are there? What environmental or contextual considerations should be taken into account—is the home part of a conservation area, or in distinctive natural surroundings for example?

Is this a home for the longer or shorter term?  Is it used most of the time, or only some of the time?  What life changes or milestones might reasonably be anticipated that might affect how the house is used? An expanding family, growing children, changing professional circumstances, retirement, and the many other twists, shifts and turns of life could play a part in determining the approach to redesigning the interior design of a home.

Who will be spending time in the home, and how?  What is important to them? Spa-like bathrooms?  A gourmet kitchen?  A library or reading nook?  Space for hobbies or professional requirements?  

How often will guests be visiting the home?  And for what purpose? Does the space need to accommodate intimate gatherings, or grand celebrations?   Garden parties?  Family movie nights? Incorporating entertaining needs—such as seating, flow and entertainment systems—when redesigning an interior design can mean much greater enjoyment of a home over time.   

Other than guests and residents, who else might regularly visit the home? If the homeowners will have regular help with gardening, housekeeping or the children, how can the home be organised to more easily accommodate this?

And which areas of a home will experience the most demanding use and greatest levels of traffic?   Materials and finishes can be chosen accordingly to keep the home looking beautiful and luxurious over the years

If you’re an art aficionado or enthusiastic collector—or indeed, would like to be one—how might this influence the redesign of your home?  Are there particular pieces to showcase?  Would you like to accommodate potential future acquisitions?  

Perhaps you’d like to explore including more fine art in your home and would appreciate guidance on curating your choices. At Designed by Woulfe, we have particular experience and expertise in sourcing wonderful artwork from up and coming creators.   

Beyond the pieces themselves, how artwork is displayed is important—lighting, spatial arrangement, and architectural context must all be considered.   

In redesigning an interior design scheme, it’s also beneficial to look beyond paintings and sculpture.  Exquisite tilework, stonework, mosaics and other decorative elements from skilled artisan craftspersons can all add depth of creative character to a home.

The role of outdoor space is another important question to consider in redesigning a home’s interior.  

Is there a garden, or perhaps a rooftop terrace?  What is the larger environmental context?  Is it an urban oasis?  A country house nestled in distinctive surroundings? Is the outdoor space to be used for entertaining, recreation, simple relaxation? 

What indoor spaces connect with—or could be connected with—the outdoors? Does the kitchen need easy access for outdoor dining? Is a boot room needed to accommodate the accoutrements of country walks?  Would it be useful to have a changing area nearby the pool or hot tub?

 A home’s potential for enjoyment can be considerably enhanced by including the outdoor elements in the interior design scheme, seamlessly blending the boundaries between indoors and out.