I’ve written previously about my Artistic 3D Renderings and even put together a little video showcasing many of my interior design renderings. I wanted to showcase a design plan I worked on recently which goes from architects plan, to built-space, to floor plan and interior design renderings and how each step in the process builds off of the prior one. The fact is, most people cannot envision how a space will look. We see architects plans, floor plans with furnishings and pretty pictures, or mood boards, of the furnishings planned for the space. But, most still cannot actually “see” it in their minds eye. And, with any building, remodeling or decorating project, we’ve paid for it before it’s begun and it’s pretty much all non-returnable. Such is the investment in custom design projects. The job of your design professional, be it the architect, interior designer or decorator, is to help you see your space so you know you will be happy with the outcome.
Architects Plan
This project included a new kitchen, renovated family room and a large sunroom addition off the family room. Here are typical architects drawings.
Now, don’t get me wrong, architects plans are the foundation of any remodeling and new build project. But, can you actually “see” the space? Where the furniture will go? And it’s at this point that you, the homeowner, are being bombarded with questions about placement of lighting, switches, outlets, windows, doors, flooring, finishes etc. This is crucial though, because these decisions that you’re making now can, and most likely will, dictate your decorating choices down the road. If you don’t do both – the architect/building plan AND the furnishing plan together – you can end up pushing yourself into a corner, or spending even more money changing things to accommodate your needs.
The Rendered Room
Wouldn’t it be nice to see your space this way? To see it “built” before it’s well, built? Many architects do of course offer 3D renderings, so take them up on it when offered!
Building out the room
This is very often the first time we really start to “see” our new space.
Looks so big, doesn’t it? Standing here, it echoed and felt so cavernous. Don’t let an empty room fool you into thinking it will fit everything!
I also wanted to point on an “issue” that arose with the sunroom. I wasn’t part of the original room planning, I was hired as a gift to the homeowners to help them decorate the space after the plans were in place and building had begun. Their initial thought and wish was to have a large comfy sectional sofa that would wrap around the back and right side wall of the sunroom (as you’re facing it above). The really wanted to be able to enjoy all the windows and back yard views.
There was a problem with this idea, however. Can you spot it? The issue is that the windows were placed too low on the walls. The back of a standard sofa would be higher than the window sill. So, opening and closing the windows would be very difficult (not to mention the strain on one’s back from leaning over the sofa to do it). The windows could have been installed closer to the crown molding, increasing the views and reducing furniture placement issues.
Floor Plans and Furniture Layouts
So, as you’ll see below, the clients wanted the original family room space (on the left) to include their existing cushy leather sofa and recliner for viewing of the tv set which was to be mounted over the fireplace, which is angled into the corner wall. They also wanted a dining area for up to ten people. So, their initial thought was the dining table/chairs would be the separator between the two seating areas. But, because I felt they would regret placing a large sectional in front of windows that would then be hard to open, we switched up the layout. Now, in truth, I still think this is a better layout, even if the two seating areas are right next to each other.
Decorating Concept and Mood Board
This is the plan I put together for the furnishings for the space. It gives a great idea of the style and what the individual pieces I am recommending look like. But, there’s no sense of scale or balance. Of how it will work in the room itself. This is why interior design renderings are game changers.
Interior Design Renderings
And so, with beautiful interior design renderings, we can “see” the space, which shows volume and scale and how each space will work together.
The sofa table and lamps behind the sectional serve to separate the two seating areas, adding good reading light for the sofa and something pretty to look at from the tv area.
The two images below showcase how I came to the decision on what size rug the tv sitting area needed. Would a smaller rug work? Or does the space need a larger rug? I recommended the larger rug, which pulls the space together and anchors it. I felt the smaller rug looked lost, more like an island unto itself. This was particularly important because there wasn’t going to be a coffee table because both the sofa and chair were recliners.
And finally, we have the overhead, aka birdseye, view of the room, also showing the two different rug sizes. After the initial concept was accepted, we went shopping and the clients didn’t love the rug with the big flowers, so we decided to use two of the same geometric rug.
So, what do you think? Isn’t it worth taking the step of getting good interior design renderings done for your project?
So far, I don’t have finished photos of this project, but will post them when I do get around to photographing the space. I do know that the clients love it! I enjoyed a lovely dinner at the table in the sunroom a few weeks ago and it really makes for a great entertaining space.
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