Sometimes, when visiting different homes it feels that daily routines in a particular home flow effortlessly amongst pieces of furniture that engage in a harmonious dialogue with each other and the space available. This may be the result of the work by a professional designer. What is most rewarding for the designer, is to create a harmonious design of good quality that makes the rooms more functional and feels right to the customer, says Henna Palonen, interior designer at the Artek Helsinki store.
"Homes are intimate spaces. They are sensitive and private. When meeting a customer or visiting their home, the designer's task is to listen and observe. The door that opens to us is a sign of trust. It is important for the design to resonate the daily lives and activities that take place in a particular home. Taking time to sit down with the customer and talk about their wishes, or make a tour of the home to scan potential challenges. It is important to understand the customer's preferences and needs to be able to design something new that will look and feel like my customer.
Who is the customer, what do they like, and what do they need to do in their rooms? What do they prefer and consider important at home? They don't always need to be very specific about the wishes and preferences; the designer can connect the dots and conclude on how to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the home.
When visiting a home, its materials, dimensions and character can be sensed all at once. For example, how people move from one point of activity to another, how much space there needs to be around a piece of furniture, and what kind of lighting is needed for various situations. The customer can show the inherited treasures or items of other importance which they would like to keep in their home. At the same time, it starts to become clear which items of the Artek Helsinki collection could best complement the home. At minimum, one rug can unite the decor into an integrated spatial design.
After the first meetings, it is time to start work on the design. Interior designers have wide knowledge of materials and products so that we are able to find the best-fitting furniture, lighting fixtures and textiles in our collection. Nearly always the final design includes items new to the customer but which they strongly identify with after seeing the visualized plan. Our material palettes and modelled designs help customers perceive the outcome.
What is most rewarding for the designer, is to create a harmonious design of good quality that makes the rooms more functional and feels right to the customer. The home does not have to be completed all at once. Even if the design were extensive, it can be realized piece by piece, by purchasing one item at a time. The best sign of confidence towards the designer is when the customer returns after many years to look for the missing piece for their home.”
– Henna Palonen, interior designer at Artek Helsinki
No wish or challenge is too small for us, and any new purchases can be matched with your existing furniture, materials and colours. You are welcome to contact and book Henna by email at henna.palonen@artek.fi or by telephone (the store) at +358 10 617 3480.
Artek Helsinki
Keskuskatu 1 B
00100 Helsinki, Finland
tel. +358 10 617 3480
artekhelsinki@artek.fi
Mon-Sat 10:00 – 18:00
