The Story Behind NayeRRa Novelty: Sharing Advice for the Interior Design Industry

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the form, colours, light, artistic lines, textures, and impactful patterns. That the form in interior design is an element of art. Form is the backbone of any interior design, which is the prime element in any design project. It helps to create an external impact on things like patterns, colours, and textures. Lighting is the ‘secret weapon’ of a stunning and practical space. It helps to create depth, height, and style while drawing attention to the areas that are most impressive. Especially natural light gives very good vibes and plays an important role in a human’s serenity. Also, enjoy using texture to create a specific feel in a room. Rough and coarser textures like reclaimed wood or terracotta have more ‘visual weight’ and create a cosy, rustic aesthetic, while smooth or shiny textures, including metals like chrome, reflect more light and create a more contemporary finish.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

Completing a high-profile project: We successfully completed a high-profile project. These projects often come with unique challenges and opportunities to showcase creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. Successfully completing such projects can elevate the designer’s reputation and open doors to further exciting opportunities.

Positive client feedback and satisfaction: we strive to create spaces that meet our clients’ needs and vision. Receiving positive feedback and testimonials from satisfied clients can be incredibly rewarding. It not only affirms the designer’s ability to translate clients’ desires into reality but also strengthens the professional relationship and can lead to referrals and future projects.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

Residential projects: Designing homes, apartments, or condominiums allows me to create personalised and intimate spaces that reflect the lifestyles and preferences of the homeowners. Residential projects often offer the opportunity for creativity and customization to create a unique space for everyone.

Sustainable projects: Designing spaces with a strong focus on sustainability and ecoconsciousness can be fulfilling for me because I’m passionate about environmental issues. These projects involve incorporating sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions, and environmentally friendly practises.

Commercial projects: Designing commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, or hotels can be exciting due to the potential for creating unique and engaging environments that cater to specific needs and target audiences. Commercial projects often involve considerations of functionality, branding, and customer experience.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

Cost management and time management are some of the challenging things to deal with as an interior designer – especially when clients have massive expectations! There may be times when designers come across clients that want luxurious designs at affordable costs. For interior design firms, time management skills are a must. There are only so many hours in a day and dozens of things need to get done. Organizing your time allows you to budget your hours effectively, prioritize projects, and stay on schedule to meet your forever looming deadlines. One of the hardest roles of interior designers is introducing the latest trends while maintaining a sense of timeless style. You don’t want your client to feel frustrated when a space is outdated after a few months. Staying on top of trends and knowing how to tastefully introduce them is one of the greatest creative skills for designers to master.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

I wish I knew about the history of design, the structural integrity of buildings, local codes, regulations, and standards, anthropometry, ergonomics, spatial concepts, psychology, and the execution of everything from the construction to the turnkey space. Interior designers, like architects, are supposed to be jacks of all trades. They need to have interpersonal skills because they need to interact with other interior designers, homeowners, builders, architects, government agents, etc. To become a good interior designer, one needs to be well-rounded.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

Make your own design sketches to be sure that your design is unique. Hone Your craft. The only way to improve your design skills and refine your aesthetic is through hands-on experience. Offer design assistance to family and friends; work on projects in your home, anything that will build your portfolio. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Become familiar with your local furniture and lighting stores: go inside, ask questions about where the pieces are manufactured, who is their target audience, what are the types of fabrics, etc. In the real world, these are the questions your clients will ask you. Learn about the cost of items. Once you begin working at a design firm, the first thing you will need to know is how to establish and follow a budget. Start learning now, so the selection process will be much easier.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

Sustainability and eco-consciousness: The focus on sustainability and eco-friendly design is expected to continue growing. Consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally responsible materials, energy-efficient solutions, and sustainable practises in interior design.

Biophilic design: Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements and a connection to nature, is expected to gain more popularity. Introducing elements such as indoor plants, natural light, and organic materials can enhance well-being and create a calming environment.

Technology integration: Technology will continue to play a significant role in interior design. Smart home systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and home automation are becoming more prevalent, allowing homeowners to control various aspects of their interior spaces.

Minimalism with warm accents: Clean lines, simplicity, and minimalism have been popular in recent years. However, there is a growing trend towards adding warm and inviting elements to balance the minimalist aesthetic. This can include the use of natural textures, warm colour palettes, and cozy textiles.

Being accredited as an interior designer by a recognised international organisation can provide a certain level of recognition and credibility within the industry. It signifies that the designer has met specific standards of education, experience, and professionalism, which can enhance our reputation and instill confidence in clients. Accreditation typically requires adherence to a code of ethics and professional standards set by the accrediting organisation. This can include principles such as maintaining client confidentiality, practicing sustainable design, and conducting business with integrity.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.