Designing bedrooms:
A few Considerations
- Priya Janardan
|
The bedroom, the most private room in one’s house, is a clear reflection of the individuality of its owner. It is probably the only room ideal for various design styles, which may not be practical or durable for other rooms. With urban India waking up to new styles of interior designing, the bedrooms too have become stylish and elegant. In an exclusive interview to CMP, Susan D’Souza and Divyang Joshi discuss various aspects of bedroom designing. Epitome of the young breed of talented designers, the duo stresses on the point that desired look is possible despite the budget and space constraints |
|
|
|
As a designer, what according to you is the main aspect of designing a bedroom? Susan: The first and foremost thing a designer has to take care is client’s requirements. A client has different requirements. Sometimes he might have specific requirements. The design he has in mind might not go well with the space and area available. So, a designer has to communicate with his client to understand what type of aperson is he and who is going to use the bedroom. If it belongs to young couples then it should be blended with romance. If it is a child’s bedroom then care should be taken to make it more spacious and if it’s a guest’s room then it should be designed in such a way that the guest should feel comfortable. The other important thing is the budget. After understanding the client’s requirements one should tell him what type of materials are available in the market that fits his budget. You should win his trust and that will take place if you make frequent visits to his place, it will win your confidence and that will make things easier for you. |
Divyang: I think budget plays an important role in decorating a bedroom. Bedroom is considered to be the private room in any house and care should be taken that the client is given the privacy he requires. For, that purpose it is equally important to understand client’s personality. If he is a loner then the bedroom would be designed in a different way,but if he likes company or is a voracious reader then the bedroom will have book shelf, study table etc.So,according to his personality the bedroom should be designed in various styles like contemporary, modern, traditional etc. For that purpose interacting with your client is very important. While designing a living room, it is designed in such a way so as to give an impression to the outside world while bedroom should be designed in such a way that it doesn’t affect your private life.
|
Once the requirements are met, what next? Susan: Budget is very important and needs
to be settled. Once the budget is ok. The designer needs the client
to understand what type of materials is available in the market
and what will look good with available space. The rapport with the
clients is very important. Once the client understands your creative
ability to deliver what he wants, |
|
Divyang: Once I understand the budget requirements of my clients. I try to give my client value for money apart from giving him creativity. So, I read the personality of my clients like his lifestyle; age his family members, his taste and buying habits. If he is a spend thrift etc, then his bedroom will have different types of things like perfumes, clothes etc and needs space, so his bedroom should be designed accordingly. This makes my creative thinking easier clearer.
What kind of creative liberties do you get from your clients?
Susan: Fortunately, for me all my clients have given me free hand in designing the interiors of the house. They have never interfered with my work. It happens once you develop good rapport with your clients. I never try to compromise on my designs and materials I use. Every house I design is different from the other. I believe in delivering the dream house to my clients. For, that purpose total involvement of the clients in the project is required. At times, the client just leaves to the designer to design his house. Though the designer will design the house, the personal touch which is required while designing the house when he takes care of small things will not be there, so total involvement of the client in any project is a must.
|
Divyang: After listening to my clients, usually I try to guide them as to what will suit their taste and liking. Once the client began trusting you, he will like your suggestions. If a client has some suggestions for designing his bedroom, listen keenly and then explain him the reasons as to why this suggestion will not suit his requirements. Most of the clients like some designs they have seen at their friends or colleagues place or in some foreign magazines and want the same type of designs for their bedrooms. So its better to explain to them what is their area and what type of furniture will suit in their bedroom and why. Once your client is convinced with the suggestions given by the designer then job becomes easier for him. Also, show him your earlier projects, project plan and the type of materials available in the market, which suits his budget. I try to guide them as to what will suit their taste and liking. It helps in getting creative liberties from your clients also. |
|
|
|
In designing the bedroom, what are the main factors that a designer should always keep in mind? Susan: The designer should always keep in mind that it is a private room, so should be comfortable and cozy. For that purpose a designer should take care of the bed, mattresses, lighting, paints on the walls, proper ventilation, proper fitting of the air conditioner, windows etc. If the surroundings outside are pleasant then the designer should try to bring that environment in the interiors of the house . For e.g. if there is greenery outside then recreate such atmosphere in the interiors also. By having wide widows etc. |
A
bedroom is also a storeroom, where a person keeps his clothes, perfumes,
books and other accessories. It is also his workstation. So, a designer
should take care of all such needs while designing a bedroom. Also make
optimal usage of the sharp corners.
The main important thing while designing the bedroom, however, is the bathroom adjoining the bedroom should be designed in such a way that it looks more spacious and clean. Bathroom is a place where a person spends minimum 15 minutes for shaving and showering, so while designing the bedroom care should be taken by the designer to see to it that the bedroom floor tiles matches with the bathroom tiles, making it more spacious especially if it’s a guest room, to make the guests feel comfortable. As far as possible avoid putting carpets in the bedrooms as it is difficult to maintain and is not suited for the bedrooms.
Divyang:
A designer has to keep in mind the color scheme,latest trends, functionality,
circulation space, and wear and tear of various furniture and many more.
Space plays the most important role in any design. The shape of the room
also determines the ultimate look of the bedroom. However, the minimal
look is the in-thing today. People want spacious bedroom, so care should
be taken to have more space and less furniture. Bedrooms are meant to
be private rooms, so care should be taken that privacy is maintained while
designing the bedroom.
The
bedroom should not only have soothing ambience but also eclectic room.
It’s a place where a person wants to relax in privacy, away from the outside
world. In houses where space is not a constraint, it has several bedrooms
like master bedroom, children’s bedroom, guest room etc. But when space
is a constraint then everything is rolled into one. At times bedrooms
also have study room with writing desk and computers.
So a designer has to take into consideration every such aspect while designing the bedroom without breaking the line and contours of designing.
How
can lighting do wonders in the bedroom?
Susan: Many people are not aware of lightning effects. Lights can do wonders in a bedroom. Like in the daytime it is better to have natural light coming into the room. If one of the partner has reading habit during the night then lights could be fitted under the bed that the other partner is not disturbed by the light or the lights can be put in such a way that it has cozy ambience and also a person can work during the night time. Some of the lights can also give romantic feeling to the room. Lights in the children’s bedroom, however, should be bright to give the room a lively atmosphere.
Divyang:
Different types of lights are used for designing different styles of bedroom.
While designing traditional bedrooms, you need table lamps which give
you ethnic look, while designing contemporary you need lights which give
you comfort feeling and a modern bedroom design have lights lamps which
are wacky and suits the modern ambience.
What about the current trend of Vaastu and Feng Shui?
Susan:
Yet a times your client wants your bedroom designed as per vaastu, but
if your building is not as per vaastu then designing the bedroom according
to the vaastu doesn’t help. Here comes your feng shui, which can be applied
in the bedroom.
Divyang: I don’t believe in the concept of vaastu or feng Shui. But if the client demands then we go for it. But I think the house should be designed in vaastu rather than going by the feng shui style.
What kind of look do you prefer while designing the bedroom?
Susan: I prefer giving contemporary look to the bedroom. Also, I prefer ethnic and radical designs. It blends well with the Indian bedrooms. I like to design bedrooms on shoe string budget with all the accessories available there itself instead of buying new ones. I can design a bedroom with budget starting from Rs 500 and upwards.
While designing a children’s bedroom care should be taken that it is painted with bright colors and should be more spacious so that kids can move around freely and do not trip.Bed sheets and curtains should be in bright colors to give them lively feeling. Also, it should be designed in such a way that if grown up kids enjoy being there. Like you can stuff it with toys, study table etc. Proper lighting is a must and it should be bright during the daytime.
Guest room should be done in such a way that there should be less furniture, and lively and comfortable exuberance should be maintained throughout.
Divyang: I like to design bedrooms in contemporary and traditional styles. A bedroom should be simple and cozy.
Traditional bedroom has one double bed and simple table lamps. The paintings on the walls are mostly adivasi paintings and Wari paintings are preferred. Curtains are without frills and scollips. If it is a master bedroom then light colored floor tiles are preferred. And all the traditional furniture is preferred.
Contemporary: If your bedroom is designed in contemporary style then it always has a new look. Beds can be designed in a contemporary style and it gives a relaxing feeling. Besides contemporary bedrooms never look out of fashion. Soft furnishings, which complement the bed covers are put.
Children’s Bedroom: Avoid gaudy things in children’s bedroom. Large windows to bring light and fresh air inside. They should be well lit rooms. With granite flooring and bright colours. You can also use good wallpapers in the bedroom.
Modern Look: Modern bedroom designs need lot of creativity. Abstract paintings on the walls look the best. Beds should be designed in such a way that it gives entirely a new look. At times I like to blend modern bedrooms with contemporary designs.
What is the latest trend in designing a bedroom?
Susan: People now have become more cautious while designing the bedrooms. They want pastel shades for their walls; abstract paintings is in fashion, large windows, flooring and lighting. Besides they need spacious bedrooms.
Divyang: People have started going for imported furniture like Durian, Victorian in their bedrooms. Most of them like the blend of contemporary and modern. Like French windows with frill curtains and scollips. They prefer cream colored floor tiles for their bedrooms.They want more space to move around and less furniture.
 |
Home |  |
Next Article |