7 Ways to Craft an Intentional Home Design

Growing up in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota, Sarah K Conti spent much of her youth in nature. As the inspiration behind her approach to interior design, the sounds, colors, and textures of the natural world impacted her greatly. The simplicity of light reflecting off the surface of a placid lake, the gentle sound of the water lapping against the shoreline, and the shades of soft pink in a wild rose all play key parts in Sarah’s style. Bringing the beauty of nature indoors requires intentional design. Here are seven ways she aims to accomplish this in your home. 

#1: Balance 

The goal of bringing intentional balance into your home design begins with equalizing the visual weight. This can be achieved by incorporating a wide range of shapes into the room, which creates contrast and interest. A harmonious balance can be crafted when you combine organic and modern elements. Individual pieces such as a square coffee table and a playful light fixture can stand out on their own and still contribute to the overall cohesiveness of the room design.

#2: Scale

Next, understanding and establishing proportions is very important for intentional home design. As a designer, Sarah can visualize how each element - from furniture to light sources - can fit together in a specific space. It takes skill and experience to fully perceive the appropriate sizes for each element of the room.

#3: Contrast

Another way to be intentional with home design is to create a juxtaposition by blending artifacts, vintage pieces, and newer elements together. This not only introduces contrast (such as polished edges and rustic pieces), but it also cultivates a unique atmosphere that everyone will notice. A great example would be to use a variety of coordinated metal finishes to enhance the contrast within the space.

#4: Rhythm

The goal behind purposeful home design relies heavily on a natural flow. In other words, these details should be consistent throughout the home. Each individual space - from the living room to the hallways - should be given equal consideration. This can be accomplished by decorative light fixtures that enhance the rhythm of the overall design.

#5: Color

The next thing to consider for intentional home design is color. It can be used to deepen the perception of the space. For example, using neutral, earthy tones as the base gives the opportunity to infuse bolder hues through lighting or artwork. Playing with saturation, brightness, and various shades helps to create a dynamic visual experience and unexpected pops of color.

#6: Texture

Using various textures within the space adds depth and interest. Organizing materials such as wovens, linens, and alabaster adds tactile characteristics, while imperfect materials for light sources enhance the dynamics of the room. It’s important to remember that living spaces are not static. An intentional design should encourage comfort and interaction. 

#7: Harmony

Finally, elements should be arranged for equanimity. While lighting can enhance the overall feel of a room, overly dominant fixtures should be avoided to maintain a harmonious arrangement of elements. It’s also important to craft enduring designs that can be maintained and enjoyed over time.

Bringing functionality and luxury together, Sarah is dedicated to her intentional design process. To learn more, get in touch with us today to schedule a Discovery Call.