We often wonder about the utility of creating life in an existing space, sometimes already furnished and frequently used; in other words, giving or restoring its soul. In quantum theories, if one looks closely, 99% of what makes up matter is energy, invisible and empty. This is a gigantic proportion when compared to the mass surrounding us. The same applies to a space composed of matter and emptiness, and therefore, of energy. In our profession, we are sometimes called upon at the final stage of an interior design project to bring life to a space, to give it a soul.
A strange paradox when looking closely at this phenomenon: despite the efforts of a project manager (often successful) and numerous trades, the result still lacks the touch that will bring to life a fully functional and vibrant space.
Here are some tips to make your already furnished space more vibrant than ever!
- Art awakens emotions; do not hesitate to call on painters of all styles. Pop artists are often successful in a workspace; their works bring joy and humor as well.
- It cannot be said often enough: incorporate greenery and raise your employees’ awareness of nature; if we cannot go to work in the heart of nature, we can nevertheless bring a piece of nature home or to the office.
- Color is also an important element in this approach. Even though guideline constraints often exist, nothing is better than a soothing, engaging, and motivating color… avoid aggressive tones, black, or red except in naturally very bright spaces; otherwise, one can quickly experience the opposite effect and end up hating a space because of its color.
- Speaking of lighting, workspaces are often dominated by white LED light—frequently a technical constraint, as this tone encourages working in front of a computer for several hours. Conversely, yellow light is warm and remains the most widely used lighting at home. If the goal is to create more intimate, cozy spaces that foster collaborative work, yellow lighting is regularly integrated.
In the end, it’s quite simple: everything that can awaken our five senses is an asset for bringing our spaces to life, for the greater well-being of human beings in their professional environment!
Harmony is the key word in interior design; finding a space’s harmony means giving it life and, consequently, endowing it with a soul. It is the magic wand of architects.
