WORKING WITH CLIENTS

Module 10

There must be someone you know who could do with the help of an Interior Designer. 

Meet with them for an hour or so, with them acting as your client.

Choose one room in their house that needs work on and treat the meeting as you would a first meeting with a client. 

As your assignment:

1.    Write a report on that meeting.

2.    Write up a suggested scheme for the room.

INITIAL REPORT

My client has called an Interior Design to help with the renovating of her spare room into a nursery for her expecting child. Before discussing ideas, I provided my client with different design magazines, pinpointing the ones she liked and the ones she didn’t.

At first glance of the spare room, it’s the perfect size to turn into a bedroom, with enough room to place a bed, drawers, a single chair, and there’s still space for toys and sleeping space for when the child is old enough for sleepovers. The floors are painted a stark white, and the floor has a grey carpet. Overall, the study looks very boring and mature, which is fitting for a spare room, not a child’s potential bedroom.

The wiring in the study does not need any replacing. The only thing the client has mentioned is changing the lampshade of the ceiling light. There are four power points around the study, so there is no need to add any extra when converted into the bedroom. The only natural light comes from one window facing northwest, which provides ample sunlight through the day and afternoon. Foe extra artificial light, my client has also requested a bedside table for a lamp if need be, and my client has provided her own electrician for this project.

My client has requested a small area for a desk, so that when her child is older, she can work on homework or other projects in that area. She has also included that she would like a feature wall in the room. Despite having a daughter, my client has chosen a neutral colour scheme, with splashes of pinks and reds. The neutrality of the colours will make it match the rest of the house.

Price wise, the client has stated that money is not an issue, and will be willing to pay whatever it takes to get the best traders in for the renovation.

After an hour or so of discussions, the client and I have come to an agreement. The room will have a grey and pink colour scheme, with the furniture being mahogany coloured, the room will  also include a blackboard feature well, as well as a small closet to hold clothing and extra storage. The closet will have sliding mirrors for doors, and consists of removable shelves for easy access to toys and clothes, and when the child is older, can be removed to make hanging space. The floor will be carpeted, which adds comfort, and walls will be decorated with framed art and the ceilings with glow in the dark stars.

SUGGESTED SCHEME

SAMPLE BOARDS

Module 9

You are to choose four rooms from your renovation, for example, the kitchen, the dining room, the study and the living room.  You need to furnish these rooms and upload four separate sample boards. Select furniture, artwork and accessories for your clients’ home that also complement the previous finishes selected. So be sure to tie in your scheme with your choices so far.

I chose an analogous scheme for the living room, as it creates a more welcoming tone to the space. The living room is a place that is frequented by guests and homeowners, which is why it needs to be more appealing and comfortable (achromatic and monochromatic schemes may be dull and boring).

The colour of the walls and ceilings are Resene White Pointer (N89-007-087).

The predominant colour in this design is Resene Fountain Blue (B72-053-208), with hints of beige, yellow, and whites. The blue used is complements the white curtains and walls, and the soft colours create a homely feel to the overall design, and it’s inviting to guests. The excess of white creates a somewhat calming environment, and also gives off a clean and crisp feel to the entire room. The added touches of yellow complete the analogous scheme.

There is a wall against the staircase that is filled with photographs of family, friends, etc. This adds a feel of home and familiarity. A stack of cubed shelves are stuck to a corner of the wall. This creates an aesthetic appeal, and also allows the client to add personal touches to the room.

The curtain I chose is Flirt (Christian Fischbacher fabrics). The floral patterns create a soothing, and the soft colours tie in with the rest of the living room. The designs on the curtain make it stand out against the neutral colour of the walls.

There are two type of light fixtures in the living room. The first one is a ceiling light, placed above the coffee table. The ceiling light is simple, and doesn't attract too much attention. The three bulbs will illuminate the entire area, and on top of the ceiling light, there is also a floor lamp. The floor lamp is intended to be place between the curved couch and the single chair. The single chair, as well as the cushions on the main couch, will have blue cushions to fit into the scheme of the entire room.

The coffee table is a neutral colour, with white legs & a wooden top. This ties in with the entire room, and makes everything more harmonious. There is also a vase of flowers on the coffee table, and the vase matches the colour of the cushions.

Finally, the television shelf will have drawers that are a similar shade of blue as the rest of the accessories in the room. This creates balance, and makes the room seem harmonious and eye catching.

Because the kitchen/dining room and living room is set in an open area, the colour scheme is the same throughout. This makes the entire area seem more eye-catching and easy flowing. The colour of the walls and ceilings are Resene White Pointer (N89-007-087). The predominant colour in this design is Resene Fountain Blue (B72-053-208), with hints of beige, yellow, and whites.

The dining room consists of a table that sits up to 6 people. The chairs all have an blue upholstery, and a single drop chord light hangs above the table, enough to illuminate the area at dinnertime. The dining table is made out of wood, which matches the countertops.

Since my design is an open living room/kitchen concept, I used the same curtain as the living room Flirt (Christian Fischbacher fabrics). The floral patterns create a soothing, and the soft colours tie in with the rest of the living room. The designs on the curtain make it stand out against the neutral colour of the walls.

The kitchen lights are a collection of built in ceiling lights. This provides sufficient light, since the kitchen is rather small. The splashback is made out of glass, and is coloured in blue to fit the rest of the design scheme. The fridge and ovens are built into the walls to save space, and all the larger kitchen appliance is stainless steel and silver, which complements the rest of the house's colours and designs.

The kitchen has a very calming feel, and the splashes of blue distributed throughout the area creates a sense of uniformity with the living room.

For the study room, I decided to use a monochromatic scheme, with an added touch of blue to fit the rest of the house. The colours of the doors, walls and ceilings are Resene Half Concrete (N91-001-126), and the skirting boards are Resene Double Concrete (N82-001-111). The study also has a feature wall, featured on the northern wall (behind the desk). The colour of the feature wall is Resene Foundry (N33-007-254). The dark colour of the feature wall is eye catching and makes the room stand out. Without it, the room will seem dull and boring.

The curtains are a shade of blue that matches the living room. The particular curtain I chose is from the Adobe collection from Zepel Fabrics. The curtains add brightness to the room, and blue is colour that's associated with wisdom. It also reduces stress, and creates a restful, calming and contemplative environment which is fitting for a study room.

Keeping with the monochromatic scheme, all the furniture in the room are in shades of grey. The desk is a darker shade of grey, and the chair is a typical office chair that's coloured blue to match the curtains. On the other side of the room, against the south wall, there is a two seater couch. The couch is predominantly used for guests, and there is also a small coffee table with a pot plant in front of it. The coffee table is made out of wood, and the vase that holds the plant has specks of blue to create harmony and balance in the room.

On the east wall of the room, there is a bookcase. The bookcase creates balance in the entire room and ties the whole area together. The study also has a ceiling fan attached in the centre of the room. The ceiling fan is white, which blends in with the ceiling as to not make it too focused to guests. There is a black wall lamp next to the couch, and there is a blue floor lamp next to the desk for when the sun sets.

The colour scheme matches the study room's, because it's connected to the study. Therefore, the bathroom floors and walls are both charcoal coloured, which fits most with the Resene Half Concrete walls of the study room. The only wall that is different from the rest is the wall that the bathtub is placed against. This wall features aqua coloured subway tiles, which contrasts against the rest of the walls. The ceiling of the bathroom is a pale shade of aqua.

The cabinet in the bathroom is a shade of grey that matches the tiled walls. This create a sense of harmony, and ties the entire bathroom together. Because the bathroom is rather small, there is only need for one artificial light source. The only light source is in the form of a ceiling light, placed in the middle of the room. When it's daylight, the window provides natural light.

The bathtub, toilet, and sink are all white porcelain, and the bathmat next to the bathtub is a shade of aqua that matches the rest of the colour scheme.

DECORATIVE TEXTILES AND FABRICS

Module 8, Part 3 — Wallpaper

For this assignment you are required to specify textiles for your client's home and document their use.

You need to select 4 curtain-weight fabrics, 4 upholstery-weight fabrics, and 2 wallpaper options. So 10 selections in total.   

• NAME: Alta Gamma Home 15865
• WALLPAPER RANGE: Alta Gamma Home
• STYLE: Pattern
• MAIN COLOUR: Black/Grey
• SECONDARY COLOUR:
• PATTERN MATCH: 0cm
• SIDE JOIN: No match
• ROLL SIZE: 10.5m x 53cm
• READY PASTED: No
• SCRUBBABEL: Super-washable
• REMOVAL: Strippable

This wallpaper is vinyl, which is a synthetic leather-look fabric. This wallpaper is easy to remove, and easy to wash, and there is no side join, which makes it easy to apply. The colour is dark, which makes it stand out against the lighter upholstery and curtain fabrics chosen. The wallpaper has a hessian texture, which is subtle and not too rough to touch.

• NAME: New Bellagio NBA-005-18-2
• WALLPAPER RANGE: New Bellagio
• STYLE: Pattern
• MAIN COLOUR: Cream
• SECONDARY COLOUR: Blue
• PATTERN MATCH: 16cm
• SIDE JOIN: Offsite
• ROLL SIZE: 10m x 70cm
• READY PASTED: No
• SCRUBBABEL: Super-washable
• REMOVAL: Strippable

This wallpaper is vinyl, which is a synthetic leather-look fabric. This wallpaper is easy to remove, and easy to wash, and there is no side join, which makes it easy to apply. It has an offsite side join, which makes it easier for the wallpaper to be in line with each other. The bright colours of the wallpaper makes it eye catching, and it draws guest's eyes towards the wall. A closer look at the design shows that the design has touches of blue, silver, and grey, which makes it stand out all the more.

DECORATIVE TEXTILES AND FABRICS

Module 8, Part 2 — Upholstery-weight fabrics

For this assignment you are required to specify textiles for your client's home and document their use.

You need to select 4 curtain-weight fabrics, 4 upholstery-weight fabrics, and 2 wallpaper options. So 10 selections in total.   

Decorative fabrics are loosely divided into two weights: upholstery weight and curtain weight. These two different categories have different requirements so they have completely different characteristics, which include different yarns, fibres and densities. Upholstery goods are heavier than curtaining, and curtain fabrics have to fall gracefully in folds. This is called the drape of the fabric.

Upholstery fabrics need to feel good when you sit on them, as rough or very extrude fabrics can feel sleazy. Style and colour are important considerations for the consumer, but durability will determine how well the fabric lasts. Curtain goods have to fall gracefully in folds. This is called the drape of the fabric.

Curtains and blinds are used to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They help control sun, light, heat and cold. In addition, they can provide sound insulation and privacy in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms.

• NAME: Pacte
• COLLECTION: Twin Set
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Geometric
• COMPOSITION: 75% wool, 25% polyamide
• REPEAT (cm): H4.5 V4.8
• WIDTH (cm): 135
• ROLL SIZE (m): 25
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 290
• RUBS: 50,000
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

I chose this particular colour so that it is not too striking. The colour is pleasing to the eye, and the geometrical patterns woven into the fabric make it stand out against the plainness of the wallpapers. 

Wool is the preferred fibre or preferred fibre blend for rugs and carpets, and is also used for blankets and fabrics such as flannel and tweed, which are suitable for upholsteries. Woollen fabrics can be used to provide both aesthetic appeal and insulation. The fabric I chose is only 75% wool, and 25% polyamide. Polyamide is a synthetic fibre, which means that it was made from chemicals. 

• NAME: Creek
• COLLECTION: Alabama
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Stripe
• COMPOSITION: 100% Cotton
• DIRECTION: Multi directional
• REPEAT (cm): H34 VStripe
• WIDTH (cm): 136
• ROLL SIZE (m): 40
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 290
• RUBS: 23,500
• PRODUCT USAGE: Multipurpose
• END USE: Residential & Commercial

This particular piece of fabric chosen has a geometric pattern. Stripes can either be woven into the fabric, or printed onto the surface. In this particular fabric, the stripes are woven into the fabric. The colours of Creek are once again, neutral and earthy, which prevents it from being an eyesore or clashing with the wallpaper / ceilings / floors and other furniture in the room. Because this design has a pattern, the placement of it must be railroaded, which means that the pattern or nap on the fabric goes from edge to edge (selvedge to selvedge) of the roll rather than up the roll.

• NAME: Arizona IV
• COLLECTION: Arizona IV
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• COLOR: D 252 06 18
• STYLE: Plain
• COMPOSITION: 100% Cotton
• DIRECTION: Multi directional
• REPEAT (cm): Nil
• WIDTH (cm): 140
• ROLL SIZE (m): 50
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 290
• RUBS: 25,000
• PRODUCT USAGE: Multipurpose
• END USE: Residential & Commercial

I chose the Arizona IV for an upholstery fabric because the colour and style of it makes it easy to match with the rest of the room's design. The lack of textures makes it comfortable to sit on, which is required for upholsteries.

• NAME: Momento
• COLLECTION: Calligraphy Of Life
• BRAND: Christian Fischbacher Fabrics
• COLOR: 14328.831
• STYLE: Plain
• COMPOSITION: 100% Wool
• REPEAT (cm): Nil
• WIDTH (cm): 137
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 435
• CLEANING CODE: 8
• COMPOSITION CODE: 63
• PRODUCT USAGE: Multipurpose
• END USE: Residential & Commercial

Wool is the preferred fibre or fibre blend for rugs and carpets. It can also be found in flannel and tweed fabrics used for curtains and upholstery, as well as blankets for bedding. I have chosen this dark blue design for furniture in the living area, and study, as well as rugs and carpets. The shade of blue is dark, and it makes it easy to colour co-ordinate with the surrounding walls and ceilings. 

Wool has the best sound insulation properties. Wool used as a curtain or upholstery fabric can have a structural elegance that holds up well to large architecture features. In classic and in modern interiors, wool tapestries add richness and variety. They also flatten sound and make a large space feel more intimate. 

Coarser wool is used for carpets, and finer, softer wool is used for fabrics. Many different types of woollen yarn can be produced to create fabrics which are functional and/or decorative. Woollen fabrics are often used in commercial interiors on furniture and wall screens, where their sound absorption and fire retardant properties are an advantage over synthetic options.

DECORATIVE TEXTILES AND FABRICS

Module 8, Part 1 — Curtain-weight Fabrics

For this assignment you are required to specify textiles for your client's home and document their use.
You need to select 4 curtain-weight fabrics, 4 upholstery-weight fabrics, and 2 wallpaper options. So 10 selections in total.   

Decorative fabrics are loosely divided into two weights: upholstery weight and curtain weight. These two different categories have different requirements so they have completely different characteristics, which include different yarns, fibres and densities. Upholstery goods are heavier than curtaining, and curtain fabrics have to fall gracefully in folds. This is called the drape of the fabric.

Upholstery fabrics need to feel good when you sit on them, as rough or very extrude fabrics can feel sleazy. Style and colour are important considerations for the consumer, but durability will determine how well the fabric lasts. Curtain goods have to fall gracefully in folds. This is called the drape of the fabric.

Curtains and blinds are used to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They help control sun, light, heat and cold. In addition, they can provide sound insulation and privacy in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms.

• NAME: Canberra
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Plain
• COMPOSITION: 100% cotton
• REPEAT (cm): H24 V32
• WIDTH (cm): 128
• ROLL SIZE (m): 40
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 290
• RUBS: 16,000
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Cotton is one of the most widely used textile fabrics, and is used for bed linens, upholsteries, curtains, and many more. During the manufacturing process, cotton ‘staples’ are graded according to length, then combed to straighten the fibres and remove impurities. Yarn made from the longest staples is strong, very soft, hard-wearing and of the highest quality. When used for bed linen, one must pay attention to the thread count. The higher the thread count, the more comfortable the fabric is.

The abrasion resistance, which is measured by a Martindale Abrasion Tester, is one of the factors that influences the durability of an an upholstery fabric. The higher the abrasion rating number, the better it performed in the abrasion test. Fabrics for commercial use need to have a ‘heavy duty’ rating between 30,000 and 100,000 rubs. The fabric I chose as an abrasion resistance rating of 16,000, which is fine for residential use (and curtains are not interacted with as much as upholstery fabrics)

The fabric I chose has embroidered textures, and I chose this specific colour because it stands out against pale walls, and it brings an earthy feel to the room.

• NAME: Parenthese
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Geometric
• COMPOSITION: 100% linen
• REPEAT (cm): H57 V40
• WIDTH (cm): 310
• ROLL SIZE (m): 35
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 229
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Curtains and blinds are used to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They help control sun, light, heat and cold. In addition, they can provide sound insulation and privacy in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms.

Linen fabrics are soft and luxurious. Coarser linen fabrics are harsher to handle, and depending on the type of yarn used, can be quite textural; suiting a more rustic or contemporary design scheme. Heavier linen fabrics do not drape well for window treatments. The disadvantage to linen is that it creases easily.

Parenthese has a very unique geometric design, which makes it suitable for the living area. The weight of the fabric is ideal for curtains, as curtains weight fabrics do not need to be as heavy as upholstery weight fabrics. The downside to using a 100% line fabric is that mildew thrives on natural fabrics in damp environment.

• NAME: Romane
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Geometric
• COMPOSITION: 100% linen (viscose and cotton embroidery)
• REPEAT (cm): H20 V20
• WIDTH (cm): 130
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 280
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Linen fabrics are soft and luxurious. Coarser linen fabrics are harsher to handle, and depending on the type of yarn used, can be quite textural; suiting a more rustic or contemporary design scheme. Heavier linen fabrics do not drape well for window treatments. The disadvantage to linen is that it creases easily. However, creasing is minimised when linen fibres are blended with cotton, wool, silk or polyester.

This curtain fabric is intended to be used in the bedroom. The dark shade of the fabric easily blocks out the sunlight during the day, and the geometric patterns, embroidered with viscose and cotton, adds more depth to the design. Without the embroidery, the fabric will seem flat and blend into the walls. 

• NAME: Flir
• COLLECTION: Romance
• BRAND: Christian Ficshbacher fabrics
• STYLE: Floral
• COMPOSITION: 55% linen, 35% viscose,10% silk
• REPEAT (cm): H63.5 V77
• WIDTH (cm): 137
• ROLL SIZE (m): 148
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 290
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Silk is a natural fibre, and aesthetically implies something different to the observer than either rattan or hand loomed cotton. The appearance, style and texture of the fabrics make them suitable for quite different end uses. Despite its luxurious, fine and fragile appearance, silk is actually one of the strongest natural fibres. However, silk fabrics will degrade if left in bright light, which is why it is not advisable to specify silk curtains for a north or west facing room.

I chose this particular fabric to be used as a curtain for the living room and study because it adds a sense of class to the entire room. The floral designs create a soothing feeling, and the soft colours makes the entire room seem more inviting.