ARTICLE : DESIGN STRATEGY ON A BUDGET

 

Every design challenge requires a response that respects the client’s wishes while adhering to a given budget. In this article, we will explore six strategies which are very helpful in creating cost-effective comfortable spaces.

WRITTEN BY CEDRIC K. H.GOH, CGD Art Studio - September 6, 2023
© All Images Copyright 2020 by CGD Art Studio, Unless specified otherwise .

With the right combination of strategies, we can create effective comfortable spaces without spending countless hours and days toiling over the nitty-gritty details of a renovation.

1. CGD Art Studio 3P approach
2. Selecting the right style
3. Cost-effective carpentry works
4. Maximise the usage of design principles 
5. Designing with the right lighting
6. The principle of using white space 

1. CGD Art Studio 3P approach

PLAN : Good design is making the best possible use of the given space. A happy home begins with good planning allowing efficient space usage, resulting in a more functional and practical home. As Joe Sparano puts it, “ Good design is OBVIOUS, great design is TRANSPARENT ”. Effective planning is usually not noticeable until users experience the space repeatedly. That is when good design becomes apparent.
“ Good design is like a refrigerator, when it works no one notices but when it doesn’t it sure stinks. ” - Irene Au
PALETTE : The palette approach treats every home like a canvas, selecting a colour palette to craft spaces that speak to homeowners intimately. Colour, or the absence of it provides the identity and visual flow in defining a series of spaces, hence in the process creating a place. The creative use of colour and unusually bold artsy design details elevate the interior character of the spaces without needing a bloated renovation budget. By placing greater emphasis on design clarity, the use of natural finishes when possible will create chic and modern rustic style in creating cozy and comfortable spaces. Now everyone can have an affordable dream home.
“ Colour does not add a pleasant quality to design  -- it reinforces it.” - Pierre Bonnard
PACKAGE : Purveyor of renovation solutions with a creative touch, CGD ART STUDIO’s B.F.I. [ Boundary, Function, Identity } custom package provides an easy guidance for homeowners to craft their home hassle-free. How do we delivers packages? By measuring total output combining design and renovation, we are able to deliver ‘design units’ as packages. In other words, we do not deliver by square feet or foot run as that is for contractors who complete construction works with no design output. Through packages, we deliver design together with renovation.  
Our 3P approach [ planning, palette and package ] is truly a convenient way to create effective comfortable spaces without spending countless hours and days toiling over the nitty-gritty details of a renovation.

2. Selecting the right style

Choosing the right style provides design clarity and guides us in achieving good design outcome within the given budget. An ornate Parisian abode or a bespoke English classic home will no doubt requires a substantially higher budget than a simple modern minimalist concept. The key is finding a style that resonates with you and yet still practical enough to fit your budget. 

Due to the proliferation of air travel, many people are able to draw inspiration from many different cultures including their home design style and the way of life. There are many styles in recent times which are blurring the boundary and becoming increasingly eclectic. Japandi is an example of fusing Scandinavian philosophies with Japanese sensibility. Below are some concepts which we believe are affordable concepts which can provide good quality home interiors :

• Modern English
• Modern Classic
• Modern Monochrome
• Muji Comfort
• Scandinavian Hygge
• Retro Modernism
• Modern Minimalism
• Chic + Artsy Rustic
• Classic Cerulean
• Black + Bold

With so many different styles and concepts, it would be a daunting task to confidently identify one that would fit your budget and stylistic preference. However, we provide design assistance to address this issue. We will assist clients with a series of design iterations, selecting and integrating a set of custom designed ideas which will ultimately result in a well-designed home that will fit your renovation budget. Our innovative methodology strives to simplify the complex interior design process thereby saving precious planning and renovation time.

3. Cost-effective carpentry works

There are ways carpentry works that add value without costing an arm and a leg. We know a trick or two how small inexpensive details can influence the quality of design. 

• the selective use of moulding/beading
• the interplay between paint and carpentry details
• scale & proportion key to creating visual impact with less

The most critical part is understanding how the skilful use of colour, texture, lighting and materials can have major impact on the design outcome.

4. Maximise the usage of design principles

Designing quality spaces on a budget requires a completely different approach than a bespoke luxury interior challenge. As opposed to an unrestrained use of the highest quality, most expensive materials available, we have to find durable alternatives. Hence, the only way to  achieve a good design, use of design principles is paramount where every design element contributes effectively to the overall concept and spatial aesthetics. CGD Art Studio has a separate article focused on the importance of design principles. see article, “ design principles in interior design. ”

5. Designing the right lighting

Stunning spaces are non-existence without the right lighting, be it natural or artificial. Where there is quality light, there will be comfortable space. Without light, all spaces fall into darkness where no expensive materials or design elements can reveal its true beauty. Whether natural or artificially designed lighting, CGD Art Studio values the importance of illumination and will make great effort to bring spaces to life with the right lighting.

 The way to achieve quality lighting design is understanding and calculating the lumen requirements for each space, colour temperature needs and the outcome of various types of lighting combination. From ambience (general), natural, task and accent lighting, we choreograph each space with the right type and amount of lighting to accentuate the inherent qualities of each space.  

• Natural Light :

Natural light is one of the most critical element in designing interior spaces. Filtered through an air well, courtyard or windows and custom glass doors, they provide the most important source of light for the general comfort of our home. Natural light brightens and lifts the mood of interior spaces. We tend to be more positive and cheerful being in a well-lit room than a dark gloomy space. Designing for proper filtering of natural light is a challenge and requires professionally trained designers to seamlessly plan and manipulate architectural openings to work with interior space planning.

• Ambient ( general ) Light :

Ambient lights are typically used to provide general illumination to spaces. They can be light troughs/cove lighting or downlights positioned to reduce the chances of shadow and create visually comfortable spaces.

• Task Light :

Light fittings must be designed with appropriate positioning to provide effective lighting for appropriate tasks. Good examples are kitchen countertop. Many badly designed lighting have fittings placed right at the centre of each space when countertops are typically on the edge. Light intensity will be reduced and shadow will occur when under usage and hence giving ineffective and insufficient lighting.

• Accent Light :

Accent lights create varying colour temperate within a space providing visual interest and appropriate mood. 

• Wall washing :

Eyeballs or track lights placed along the edge of walls provide the right colour temperature that brings out the quality of the wall colours. They are sometimes used to provide selective accent light to paintings, or to articulate a particular corner or space.

• Decorative Light : 

Examples are pendants, wall sconces and chandeliers. They are typically employed to provide anchors and spatial definition to each space. Careful placement is critical to create comfortable spaces without making them obtrusive.

6. The principle of using white space

White space does not necessarily means just the colour white. The principle of ‘white space’ follows the idea that the subtlety of surrounding surfaces and texture will naturally shift our focus and attention to an element that has presence or is prominent. In essence, this method reduces the need to design elaborate details or over design every single wall or corner of the space. Visual interest can be achieved with sublet use of subdued adjacent elements to emphasise a particular focal point. 

Not all six strategies are required for every project. There are potentially more strategies that can be used but not explored in this article. Regardless, depending on each project design intent and planning challenges, we can at least be sure that there are indeed strategies we can draw upon to help us achieve the desired design outcome within a given budget.