Intentional Design: Fad or Foundational?

Intentional design is a phrase you may be hearing a lot these days. What does it mean, and what’s all the fuss about? Let’s explore the meaning behind this design buzz word, and why we at SWI think there’s nothing trendy about it at all. Quite the opposite in fact, we believe intention inspires good design, and it’s been at the heart of our process since inception.  

By definition, intention is a plan, goal or target. It can also be described as a purpose. When we think about designing with intention, we think about a thoughtful, purposeful, mindful approach to a space that is centered around function. We begin by focusing on what matters (the purpose or intention of a space) rather than getting caught up in the details that will eventually bring the design to life. 

Your home is meant to be a reflection of you, not the latest design trends. As such, we encourage our clients to take time to evaluate their wants and needs so that their investment pays off by delivering on those key points, while also looking and feeling great of course.

Identifying the core purpose of a space can be trickier than you might imagine, but there are a few key questions you can ask to set you off on the right foot. Consider these thought-starters as you begin your intentional design plan: 

• Who am I and what do I need? 

• How will this space be used?

• How do I want this space to make inhabitants feel?

At first glance, the preliminary question may seem a bit silly. How does who you are impact interior design? What we’re getting at here is who will be using the space. Do you have children or pets, or frequent visitors that bring kids and four-legged friends in tow? Understanding who inhabits a space will influence various design choices from flow to finishes and furnishings. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice on the finishes of your dreams, it just requires extra attention to detail so your home will stand up to wear and tear, while still being functional and beautiful. 

Identifying your needs are priority one. A renovation or refresh is often sparked by frustration with your current space. When embarking on a design project, it is important to take stock of what’s working and, more importantly, what is not working, and then address those needs head on. Remember: your home should work for you, not the other way around. 

We have talked about functional design many times, but it’s worth repeating here. Taking the necessary time to consider how your space will be used is essential and should always be a primary focus. It’s easy to get excited and skip ahead to colour, fabric and décor, however, without intentionally (there’s that word again!) considering the purpose of a space, you won’t be satisfied with the result. And your investment won’t pay off. Knowing how the space will be used enables us to make sound design choices, whether that be material selections or décor and accessories. It’s not enough for your space to look good, it must make your life easier.  

The final consideration is the mood. Again, this thoughtful focus on how a room should make its inhabitants feel is a cornerstone of intentional design. The feeling a room elicits is often an extension of its function. For instance, if you’re designing an office, the space should make you feel energized and creative, rather than being so soothing that it puts you to sleep. Likewise, a bedroom full of bold colours and patterns can make it difficult to unwind and inspire restfulness.  

If a design project is in your future, before you begin pinning and tagging everything from sofas to sconces, take a step back and initiate your process with purpose. The results of thoughtful, intelligent design go well beyond meeting your needs and looking good. Intentional design has the power to impact your emotional and mental well-being by giving you a space that influences your mood while being comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. To achieve all that, we recommend starting the conversation with intention.

Interested in transforming your home with intentional design? Reach out for a consultation, let's discover how we can bring thoughtful, purposeful design to your space that perfectly reflects your needs and style.

Bren Petrunick

Founder, Creative Director

Simply White Interiors

Niagara on the Lake

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