Designed Life Challenge, Day 5

Understanding Your Design Rules

Writing prompts:

Take a look at your wardrobe. What rules are you following?

Think about your favorite hotel room or restaurant. What rules from these spaces would you like to apply to your own home? What’s stopping you?

What’s a design/wardrobe choice that felt risky but turned out perfectly? What rule did it break?

What do all the rooms in your home have in common? Is this a rule?

Vault:

Gigi Restaurant

Understanding My Design Rules

Designing a space or curating a wardrobe often comes down to a set of rules. This may be conscious or not. This rules may shape our choices. But what happens when we take a moment to reflect on these rules and question them? Let’s dive into today’s design challenge and uncover the patterns that define my style and approach.

Function Over Form

In my world, practicality takes precedence over aesthetics. A wardrobe filled with simple black t-shirts, jeans, and trainers reflects my belief that time spent deciding on outfits could be better used elsewhere. This same philosophy translates into my design process: functionality is the foundation of good design. While my personal approach might not influence the artistic side of my work, it makes me highly attuned to aligning with my clients’ unique needs.

Is Simplicity an Universal Language?

Simplicity is subjective, varying across cultures and personal experiences. My admiration for Japanese minimalism and iconic pieces like the LC4 by Le Corbusier shows how simplicity can carry depth and sophistication. However, as a designer, I do understand that simplicity for one person might feel stark or overly complex to another. By tailoring each project to the client’s vision, I strike a balance between universal principles and personal expression.

Taking Risks 

In both style and design, stepping outside comfort zones can lead to unexpected results. A suit jacket might not feel comfortable, but it represents a mature shift in how I do approach personal choices. Similarly, I do embrace risk in my design work, especially in commercial spaces. This willingness to experiment with unconventional ideas is what often turns my projects into memorable, standout spaces.

Openness to Other Perspectives

My personal “no-rule rule” fosters openness and adaptability, enabling to embrace the diverse expectations of my clients. This flexibility is crucial in understanding that every project is an opportunity to reflect the client’s true needs. However, I do also notice how some clients struggle to identify their needs, prioritizing external validation over self-reflection. Helping them uncover their authentic vision becomes an integral part of my creative process.

Reflection

Design is more than just rules. It’s about finding the balance between personal expression, functionality, and the stories spaces tell. What do your design rules say about you? What happens when you bend or break them?

Missed out on Day 4? Take a stroll through the reflections on creative spaces and intentional walks. See how moments of observation shape my design journey.

Missed Challenge Day 3? Discover how colors from childhood and personal memories influence design choices and how they can inspire your next project. Read Day 3 here!

Ready to bring serenity into your space? Dive into Day 2 of my design challenge, where I did explore how nature’s beauty can influence your home with calming textures and harmonious elements.

Curious about more design inspiration? Don’t miss Day 1 of my design challenge, where I dive into the fundamentals of creating spaces that truly reflect your personal style.