Living Canvas: The Designer’s Approach to Painting Life into Spaces By Rtn. Arul Malar
As an interior designer, I’ve learned that creating the perfect space is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about understanding the heart of what the clients want and translating that into a tangible, liveable reality. When I hear words like “colours,” “shapes,” “patterns,” and “texture,” I know I’m embarking on a journey to craft someone’s dream home.
The challenge lies in decoding what clients truly desire. It’s not uncommon to hear a mix of requests: “kid-friendly,” “elderly-friendly,” “more storage,” “minimalistic,” “eco-friendly.” Each family member has their own vision, and my job is to weave these diverse needs into a cohesive design.
Today’s trend leans towards minimalism, but with a twist. Clients often seek simplicity in overall design while craving complexity in textures and patterns. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful consideration of every element.
Health and comfort are paramount in my designs. In the kitchen, where many spend significant time, the height of counters and shelves can profoundly impact well-being. Flooring choices affect everyone in the household – hard stones might look elegant, but they can take a toll on your body over time.
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. By choosing the right materials and methods, we can make a substantial difference in conserving energy and protecting our environment. I always encourage incorporating greenery – plants bring life and essence to any space, big or small.
Creating a comfortable space doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. It’s about making smart choices: selecting good furniture, placing it thoughtfully, and choosing the right colours. Mix-and-match approaches can help achieve a great look without compromising on health or exceeding budgets.
As an interior designer, my goal extends beyond making spaces look good. I aim to enhance lifestyles and promote health through design. A well-designed home can transform daily living, making it more efficient, comfortable, and joyful.
When renovating or designing, it’s crucial to consider every aspect of the environment. The fresh, breezy, and calm atmosphere we all crave for comes from carefully orchestrating multiple elements. It’s not just about changing a few things; it’s about creating a harmonious whole.
In my years of practice, I’ve learned that architecture and interior design are powerful tools. They don’t just change the appearance of a space; they have the potential to revolutionize how we live, work, and interact with our environment.
So, the next time you think about redesigning your space, remember: it’s not just about following trends or picking pretty colours. It’s about creating a sanctuary that reflects your needs, supports your health, and enhances your life in every way possible. That’s the true magic of thoughtful design.
Rtn Arulmalar is the founder of the design studio Big Concepts and Project Management consultant at EPMCR an IIT Incubated company. With more than a dozen years of experience in interior design, she now concentrates more on designs to keep health for women and sustainability in the construction process.
For more details- 9840152328, arulmalar123@gmail.com , arulmalar@bigconcepts.com
