Every project has its quirks, its ups and downs, and its unexpected challenges. Interior design, while packed full of lots of principles and artistic concepts, is not always an exact science. Usually, there is at least one thing that throws the team for a loop, makes us change course a bit, or just adds a little spice to the process. Sometimes it’s just a backordered countertop, sometimes it’s struggling to find that perfect piece of art. And sometimes it’s something a little bigger—like structurally bigger. But there’s always a solution. I thought it would be fun to share my 5 unexpected interior design challenges I’ve had to face recently and what we did about them.
High Wall Niches that Have No Purpose
This category might also include high windows (like those above doors) that have large, unreachable window sills. What do you do with that space? How do you help it serve a purpose without adding a cleaning hassle (and danger) to the homeowner’s life?
I’ve handled these in the past by simply removing the niches by drywalling over them. If they are high up and hard to reach then using them as a place for decor might get tiresome. Additionally, they are awkwardly placed for decor, impractical for storage, and they also add an often unwanted break in a wall. Covering them to create a continuous, clean wall surface makes for a seamless look and a little more design flexibility. And it eliminates the need to ever try and dangerously reach these higher spaces.
The Uncentered Window
Not the biggest sin, but wow does it bother me (and homeowners) when I notice it. As a designer, being a perfectionist is kind of part of the job, so when something—especially something as big as a window—is uncentered, it’s hard to ignore. On top of that, it throws the symmetry of the room, and therefore our design plans, off just a bit. Which can force us to go a more asymmetrical route.
In the past, I’ve used custom window treatments to put some symmetry back into the space and recenter the focus, strategically choosing the length and how they are hung. Using stationary panels, we were able to create an optical illusion of sorts to remove the focus from being off centered. This, coupled with the placement of adjacent art, was a winning combination.
The Textured Wall
Not always a problem, but often the textured wall is not taken into consideration when choosing paint or, even worse, wallpaper. It’s not the end of the world, but it definitely adds a side project to the process, which can cause project delays. These are the sort of things I try to keep a keen eye out for when doing a walk through of a client’s home so I can take them into consideration when working on the design itself.
I’ve had to deal with textured walls in my own home. It definitely delayed our timeline. My advice here is one of two things: embrace it, or sand it down. You can easily embrace the texture and work it into your designs, making it an accent wall. But my favorite solution is to sand it down, smoothing out the texture, and then applying a primer or a skim coat specifically designed for textured walls to create a smoother surface. After that, you can continue with your original wallpaper and paint plans.
Small Rooms
Some people avoid small rooms when looking for a house. And I get it, they are hard to work with, offer little space for organizing, and can feel cramped. Usually, these rooms take an extra special amount of tinkering when it comes to the design. Which, for me, can be fun! But definitely a challenge.
I definitely suggest making small rooms multi-purpose, using things like Murphy beds and furniture with plenty of storage. Choose streamlined and easy-to-move furniture (like this console, turned desk) so when guests visit, things can easily be shifted to an adjacent wall or out of the room altogether. Ensuring furniture has casters for easy mobility will also make your life easier!
Small Closet Space
Next to the challenge of small rooms, is the challenge of small closets. As someone who has just recently downsized, I know the pain and stress of having to go through things, get rid of stuff, and take into consideration less-than-ideal closet sizes. However, do not despair, there are plenty of solutions to the problem of small closets!
My favorite: baskets. Baskets come in all shapes, colors, and weaves, helping to add intrigue and decorative flair to plain old closets. They can store a lot in just one basket, or you can get smaller baskets to add a little more organization and make everything easy to find. Compact hangers like these pants hangers are also great for bedroom closets. You can also use low cabinets in closets to create better floor storage in addition to upper shelf storage.
Low Ceilings
The primary problem with low ceilings is the fact that they make a room feel tiny and cramped. We can’t always adjust the ceiling height, but I’m not above asking contractors if it’s possible. If that’s not an option, though, then we have to get a little more creative.
Low ceilings are another problem solved, in part, by vertical striped wallpaper. Custom window treatments hung a little higher than normal are also a great option, along with lots of natural light, brighter colors, and more purposeful furniture—try and stay away from clutter!
Low Lighting
Whether the home is older or newer, builders tend to be conservative with ambient lighting. Over the years, I’ve found that in addition to updating dated fixtures like ceiling fans and chandeliers, clients had a need for more light, especially as we age.
The answer is often to have my electrician add recessed lighting to fill in the gaps of dark corners or overall poor lighting in a room. This is a great option for any room and we make sure every light has dimmers for the flexibility of providing strong lighting or softer lighting. Fun fact: lighting actually affects your mood, so the addition of these newer lighting options often makes clients feel better in their space.
No matter what your house throws at us, we embrace the adventure and brainstorm ways to creatively solve the problem to make your home everything you want it to be!
Worried your solution might not work out? That’s a great chance to try my 3D Virtual Design! Step into the room, take a look around, and get a feel for how your recessed lighting, wallpaper, or multi-purpose furniture will fit and feel in your space.
