On November 30, 2023, the Nandina team gathered in Greenville alongside friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate design and the closing of a prosperous year. Inspired by N Home Magazine’s latest issue, the event was titled, Elements of Design. Featuring tasty hors d’oeuvres, and mixologist-crafted cocktails, it was truly a testament to the creative process. Sponsored in part by Foster Victor and Atlanta-based Currey & Company, Elements of Design was additionally a celebration of the relationships we maintain with our clients and vendors.
Susan Victor and Aimee Kurzner at the Elements of Design event in Greenville, SC
Great vendors like Currey & Company are paramount to any successful design project. They provide our design teams with the quality products required to complete their clients’ visions and often share information regarding the ever-changing interior design industry news, trends, and knowledge. In this spirit, Susan Victor sat down with Aimee Kurzner, Director of Furniture at Currey & Company, to discuss her career and design. Aimee shared her invaluable insights, noting the significance of the design elements to her creative process.
What are the Elements of Design?
Interior designers use elements such as color, composition, texture, lighting, and balance to shape the ultimate aesthetic and practicality of a design. They are used to create artful layers that authentically and stylishly reflect a client’s preferences, personality, and lifestyle.
Here’s how the Nandina design teams use the elements of design to create beautiful, unique, and practical designs for their clients.
Proportion
Proportion addresses spatial relationships, or the relative size and scale of various elements within a room. Proportion enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality of a space all while fostering a sense of equilibrium and comfort. Achieving proper proportion is a key reason as to why many interior design projects often begin with taking measurements and snapping photographs. This is a fundamental step because designers must reference these when making furniture, lighting, and accessory selections.
Balance
Similar to proportion, balance is all about equilibrium. It can be attained through symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements. Symmetrical arrangements are cohesive and inherently tidy. Asymmetrical arrangements have distinct visual elements that are positioned on opposite sides of a design, yet the overall composition appears balanced.
Lighting
Currey and Company is known for its bespoke lighting fixtures. Beautiful lighting plays a pivotal role in imbuing a space with ambiance and mood. To emphasize this point, The Washington Post released an article last year regarding the importance of lighting selections, noting its ability to affect your psychological state and circadian rhythm. Lighting contributes to the overall design aesthetic, sometimes acting as an accessory or focal point.
Texture & Pattern
Our Nandina designers think of texture as just another color. The introduction of various textures and patterns in area rugs, furniture, wallpaper, and art adds depth and visual intrigue. Texture and pattern enhance the tactile appeal of a design, giving a room dimension through its palpable layers.
Color
Like lighting, color possesses the ability to transform the mood of a room or space. When skillfully chosen, color can set its intended tone. Bold colors, such as orange and lime green, bring dynamism and life to a design. Neutral palettes, on the other hand, tend to elicit feelings of serenity and calm.
Emphasis
Emphasis creates a focal point, directing attention to a specific area or element within a room. This attention-grabbing effect can be crafted through the strategic use of the other design elements, such as lighting, color, and accessories. Emphasis adds drama and flair. Think of emphasis as the exclamation point of design!
Well-curated Accents & Accessories
Accents and accessories heighten the visual allure of a design. Whether it’s artwork, sculptures, cherished heirlooms, or bold statement pieces, these details contribute to a space’s personality. Accents and accessories serve as the narrative essence in the realm of design, reflecting the stories and personalities of the homeowners.
Composition
Finally, there’s composition. This design element involves the harmonious interplay of the design elements within a single design. While it may be challenging to define, successful composition is unmistakable. It guarantees that every detail collaborates seamlessly.
Do you Need the Assistance of Passionate Professionals?
Interior Design is a multi-faceted profession that requires rigorous creativity, empathy, and technical expertise. At its core, interior design beats the pulse of passion. It is the heart of the profession and something worth celebrating. Like Aimee Kurzner, the designers that make up Nandina Home & Design are rich in knowledge and passion. If you are looking for interior design assistance, allow us to assist you. Our philosophy that designs should always reflect the “Real Life” and “Real Style” of our clients is practiced across all our passionate, talented, and experienced design teams.
