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5 Ways for Interior Designers to Keep working through COVID-19

Covid-19 is a global pandemic affecting each and every one of us – in all aspects of our lives. How we live, how we move around and importantly, how we work. Some businesses and markets have been forced to close. Others have taken this opportunity to adapt to the ‘new normal’ of isolation, self-distancing and quarantine.

For interior designers, this may mean that some projects have been ‘put on hold’. This doesn’t mean you have to stop working and offering a high-quality service. There are still things you can do during this period. This phase in time will be significant in many ways, both for you and your customers as everyone adapts.

Tips for Working Through Covid-19

1. Keep working!

Although times are difficult, as lockdown eases, interior designers can certainly get back to business. Quoting on new jobs is perfectly possible. You can proceed with designing and costing for new projects just as before. Designers will be able to progress further with some projects if social distancing can be maintained and all the materials easily obtained.

Floresy - colour chart

2. Source online

Although some of your suppliers may not have re-opened yet, it is possible to source many items including paints, light fittings and furniture from online companies with no supply chain problems. If you are looking for antique and vintage pieces of furniture, this is easy too. There are many antique shops with excellent websites. As for bespoke pieces, almost all craftsmen are already back in their workshops.

Reupholstery and curtain making is usually undertaken by people in their homes. So again, you will find that most are already back at work – if they ever stopped!

3. Keep up with creativity!

Many artisans have used lockdown to create wonderful new custom made wallpapers, light fittings and fabric designs. So it’s the perfect time to keep abreast of the latest ideas that you’ll be able to incorporate in your work. Several interior designers are currently looking at offering clients ‘decorative consultations’. A service where you can advise on colours, fabrics as well as accessories to give rooms a fresh new look. Budget is an important consideration as many people do not have so much disposable income right now.

4. Offer Virtual consultations during Covid-19 !

Communication methods have changed dramatically in the last few months and these changes are here to stay! You may well have been using CAD for drawings and designs, but you can show these to clients and discuss all aspects using Zoom/ FaceTime / WhatsApp and be able to give your clients digital presentations at every stage and minimise face-to-face meetings.

A number of interior designers are now offering house owners short, reasonably priced virtual consultations to advise them on how to make changes to their living space and these are proving very popular – especially those with clever recycling and upcycling ideas.

5. Time for marketing

Whilst you have more time at your disposal, it would be good to research the contact details of companies that could be interested in your services once lockdown has eased. Rethink or adjust your sales pitch accordingly and show that you are very happy to undertake projects of all sizes – especially those making socially distancing easier as health and safety will now have the highest priority. Consider whether your website is current and adjust the text to make reference to the last few months. It may well be worth exploring advertising opportunities that will reach the many house owners who have discovered through lockdown that they need to make modest alterations to their homes.

Lockdown doesn’t have to be an end to work. With creative thinking, this could be a new opportunity to develop your skills and your business.

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Nordic Design Ideas

The distinctive interior style known as ‘Nordic Design’ has been around since the 1950s, flourishing in the five Nordic countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. 

This style embraces three keywords:

  • Minimalism 
  • Simplicity
  • Functionality. 

Nordic design is currently proving extremely popular in private homes, restaurants and in the corporate environment because it is a look that is fresh, very functional whilst also welcoming. To execute this look, always create with an eco-friendly and sustainable approach in mind.

Having said that, there is no single Nordic Design.  Rather it is more of a state of mind and lifestyle choice that oozes understated elegance. It is best described by the Danish word Hygge; feeling of warmth, cosiness and well-being.

The nordic design definitely preceded minimalism and in fact championed it! The ethos of this style is that the space should look light and airy and that the focus should be on the simple lines of the furniture. Both light and air should be able to flow freely through the room.

Materials

Natural elements such as wood, stone and plants are really important. Wood is very popular and is used for cladding walls and ceilings to add warmth and texture. Instead of carpets, natural or painted wooden floors are much preferred. 

Colour 

The colour palette focuses on soft hues and plenty of natural shades such as white, creams, coffee shades and cool greys. Other colours used include the softest shades of pink and blue.

Furnishing

Furniture designs are very important as the piece must be stylish with clean lines and made with great craftsmanship. Shape is vital and each item of furniture should have a beautiful silhouette. In Nordic-style rooms, ‘a little is definitely more’ with few ornaments and absolutely no clutter. 

Soft furnishings are also in mellow tones, but texture is really important for cushions, rugs and throws. Introduce colourful accents with these items too – rich gold or strong turquoise being popular choices. 

Nordic Lighting

Light is an essential consideration as the room must be light and bright to achieve a livable finish. Windows are large and bare with no dressings to maximise the amount of daylight coming in. 

Artificial Nature 

One of the easiest ways to introduce a natural splash of colour – and one that is regularly used by Nordic designers – is to introduce indoor plants. Some types of indoor plants are perfect to use to complement this style as they soften the lines in a lovely natural way. Strategically place one or two plants, including a large dramatic plant with lush green foliage. 

Amongst the popular varieties to use for Nordic designs are:

  • Large orchids
  • Philodendrons 
  • Rubber Plants (Ficus Robusta).
  • Pots of Sansevieria Trifasciata – more commonly known as ‘snake plants’ or ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’.

These can help mirror the clean clear-cut lines of a Nordic style room perfectly. To create some interest in a corner or on top of a wall unit, Golden Pottos (Scindapsus Aureus) is a lovely leafy trailing plant that will do the job perfectly! 

You can accommodate these with the perfect planters.  Choose those in natural materials such as terracotta or wicker.

To complete the look in true Nordic style, add a couple of pieces of high-quality ceramics and some candles. After that, relax in this perfectly curated Nordic style room and enjoy the Hygge…