FLOW: Interior design upside down

Written By Sofie M. Davidsen

FLOW an interior design series in 3 parts

FLOW PART 1: Introduction to FLOW and the process from idea to a workable concept.

FLOW concretes how the interplay between shapes and materiel can dissolve function. As a result, the design and interior are liberated from being determined by functionality. The question is, what happens to interior design when functionality is taken out of the equation? This phenomenon is already in play when we categorize interior design by styles such as Art Deco, Minimalism or Industrial etc. When we categorize interior design by styles it’s not understood from a functional point of view but instead a way of capturing an ambiance. However, classifying interior  and designs in general by styles is still driven by a practical perspective. It is a way to figure out what type of furniture you want to buy for your home. This way, the concept driving the classification of styles, is therefore lost in the practical use of these categories. It is interesting to notice that design-styles are linked to the same labels as used in art history, literature, and architecture. This indicates that interior design isn’t just a question of taste or practicality but is linked to something more fundamental. Like art and literature examines the lives of humans, so does architecture and interior design. The idea that homes aren’t just a style, or a practicality, goes a long way back. It is no news to architects that our environment affects our life’s from how we sleep to our social life and happiness in general. Furthermore, architecture can build communities and lives on its own. Think for example of urban planning. However, I am in no way an architect or have the knowledge they do, and this post is not academic in any way. (Shouldn't we also be able to enjoy art, literature, music, dance, etc., without it being academic). FLOW is a general term for  how I understand and what I think of interior design. More specifically,  my approach to interior design will be presented in 3 parts. 

The 3-parts of FLOW

Part 1: Introduction to FLOW and the process from idea to a workable concept.

Part 2: Dissolution of functionality by form and materiality

Part 3: Presentation of the lifestyle of the non-physical space evoked by the interior design.

To those already interested in interior design, yes Japanese design is relevant and so is Kim Kardashian's house. But I’ll get back to that in another post. To conclude the introduction of FLOW I present an example of a design that has dissolved functionality by the interplay between form and martial:

FLOW PART 1:  A Stream of Thought

I had to move out of the apartment where this concept was envisioned, due to strong noise issues, before I could make it come true. The problem is that you have no reference-photo to show, when you want to do something new. If I should try to describe what I wanted to achieve physically with the apartment, my best attempts would be: A studio with round and soft shapes, light colours and a brise. A place that feels like living on a cloud. In the early phase, I used the following keywords to capture the essence of the vibe I wanted to create: The dessert Île flottante (the aesthetic of the dessert and of the sound of it’s name) and an oatmeal flake in the golden hour (the light).  Not to be mistaken with the energy of a golden retriever and basic bitch style (Uggs) - which as a genre, is valuable as well - but just not the thing I’m trying to imprison.

Defining what elements create which feelings. 

First, I tried to determine the texture and colours from a colour-scheme. More specifically I tried to figure out if my vision demanded a warm or cold tone and if the base of the studio should be light or dark. Metal is for example cold and light, and the colour white can both be warm and cold. Furthermore, I added that the feeling of warmth isn’t solely determined by light and dark or cold and warm tone, but also by shape. This led to the following brainstorm on texture and materials. 

First attempt to choose textures and materials of the feeling of the oat flake in golden hour, a warm brise, cloud and Île flottante

I worked from: The simple og light design of B&O, but without the black and white aesthetics. Danish design, but with more light and less defined. Materials that connote air, light, warm, soft, and welcoming, but also industrial and sculptural in an airy way. I wanted it to feel like a hug though - despite the martial, the colour choice and the simplicity. It should be cute, sweet, and nice. For this to work, it is necessary that only light nuances are used such as yellow, white, a little bit of orange, a little bit of beige, metal, light wood, and a lot of textures. The darkest colour should be wood with a warm note. ( Even though darker colours and cool toned colours look cooler in general).But no matter how much light colour is added there will automatically be something in more dark nuances. Therefore, I had a focus on adding lighter pieces. Clay is also an option as a martial as long as it’s the lightest option alongside with ceramic and fabrics as martials. This needs to be white with a warm undertone or a warm light grey. Noma-coloured wood is too orange-ish. If wood is used, then it needs to be a cool tone but without any grey undertones. The balance between cool and warm should be within the wood type itself. The overall feeling should be a warm breeze.

A sum-up of the shape and form from the brainstorm on texture and material

The warmth shouldn’t come from round shapes of glass or organic forms. Instead, it must come from round squares (the corners) and soft metals. In general, it’s good to incorporate metals and things that shine (silver). And in theory concrete as well. But the studio can’t stay airy if there are too many different textures. Therefore sand, plaster, concrete and polystyrene is not possible. There is only space for quirky things if there aren’t too many things to begin with. If the balance between the furniture is correct there should be room for eccentric stuff – as long as the space stays sculptural and doesn’t transform into a home. The space as a result is not basic (due to the design being stripped down) but not design either.  It is pure space. A place to be. A vibe. Somewhere you can walk around. Something that creates a frame, a place to breathe . Not something that holds you down. But flow and movement. And a few things. The first attempt to capture this vibe looked like this: 

The brainstorm was a result of the struggle to find inspiration-photos that captured what I wanted to achieve. As a result, I started the process of figuring out how to build it on my own instead. And this was step one.  Step one made it clear for me, how to navigate between texture, colour and forms when creating this vision. What furniture I chose and what my vision board ended up looking like because of these considerations, you will see in the next part of FLOW.   For an overview and more examples for the versions, I had in mind, you can look at my  Pinterest board: Click here

Before you do that, note that the creation of this studio wasn’t about decorating a space but  nevertheless that’s the limit of the Pinterest board. If you have come this far, thank you for hanging in there and kudos to you because no matter how much I try to ease this subject it is still, at its core, complete and chaotic, so thank you.

Sofie M. Davidsen
Next

Seas 2: Lejligheden i det 19. arrondissement (som jeg senere kom til at elske. Meget senere).