Architectural elements and design principles are those areas that support the planning and philosophy of architectural design. These architectural elements will help you to have a more comfortable and functional home that supports your individual lifestyle. So what are these elements?

When I was in high school, I studied technical drawing for two years with a view to being an architect. I have computer designed over 300 houses, and love architecture and architectural elements, however interior design was always my true passion.

Even now, Plush Design Interiors designs home additions and renovations in conjunction with our sister business, Plush Design Renovations. However, architectural elements are of great interest and do affect my work as an Interior Designer.

Some people may think that an interior designer simply chooses wall colours, fiddles with fabric, and throws cushions around. Well, many of us do but that’s only one small part of creating beautiful spaces.

Interior designers must consider five important architectural elements BEFORE embarking on a design project. So what are these crucial areas?

1. Architectural Elements Begin With The Space

One room can appear different from another through manipulation of the space. Any room must be a quality space that best functions in relation to YOUR family and lifestyle. How will the space be used and by whom? What activities will take place? What architectural features are part of the space?

In our work at Plush Design Interiors, we consider the space and all its dimensions – vertical, horizontal and diagonal – and how the space will ‘work’ before we consider other elements.

For example, does the space need a picture window, a door, a wall removed or a wall put in place. It’s true – form follows function with architectural elements. Our expertise will help you to identify how best to utilize the space and make it work for you.

2. The View

Maximizing good views and minimizing bad ones is a key consideration. No one wants to look out onto a brick wall. Other considerations include how much privacy may be required, how secure and protected the room feels, and if you want to see who is approaching your home.

Many people miss this important element because they may assume that 'the view is the view' and not much can be done about it.

However, good views can be maximized for great enjoyment. Similarly, bad views can be disguised and minimized with a variety of good design ideas. Remediation will also enhance your enjoyment of the space... and the view.

If you have great views but small windows, then opening up your space with picture windows or bi-fold doors is a great option. Consider privacy if having a view also means other people can look into your home. Sheer window treatments, plantation shutters, or tinted window panes may help you enjoy the view but retain privacy.

Conversely, if you have a bad view then consider other ways to attract natural light or gain privacy whilst avoiding an ugly view. For example, installing a beautiful stained glass window or plantation shutters, planting a fragrant and leafy bush outside the window, or removing a lower window and installing a higher privacy window. High privacy windows will allow light and air to flow but restrict unsightly views.

3. The Air

Cross-ventilation and the movement of air is one of the key architectural elements. Heating and cooling affects your enjoyment of your home, and your budget. Houses that are more narrow and rectangular are easier to cool with fewer ‘dead spots’ of air. Whereas houses that are fatter and squarer are harder to cool with more ‘dead spots’ of air.

The air flow in your home is one of the important design decisions with which we can help. Heating and cooling are two elements. However air extraction - say from a kitchen or bathroom - is as important as the flow of fresh air.

Part of any interior design plan should include looking at these aspects to maximise natural air movement, retain heat and cool when needed, and extract moisture where it’s not wanted, such as in a bathroom.

4. The Light

As an interior design studio, we note how much natural light enters a room, the arc of the sun and the lighting needs of the space. The positioning of the room in the house and on the block is also highly relevant.

There are three types of lighting – Ambient (sometimes called general lighting), Task and Accent – each of which has a different purpose. A study will require different lighting from a kitchen, a dining room or an open plan living room, for example.

Ambient lighting is general lighting used daily and often for may reasons. Task lighting, as the name suggests, is for tasks such as reading, studying, cooking etc. And Accent lighting is mood lighting so may include strip lighting, wall scones, table and floor lamps, and other soft lighting.

5. The Sound

Often forgotten, sound is an area that really does impact the livability of a home. Is the home next to a railway line? Are there timber floors that clatter and echo? Will children need to sleep while adults entertain friends? Will children playing need to be heard from another room? The acoustic properties of a home can be manipulated and remedied with acoustic panels, fabric, books, rugs, even wallpaper.

To truly live in a home that you love, an interior designer will consider these five architectural elements before they begin to think about redecorating.

We'd Love To Help You Create A Dream Home

Whether you are building a new home or extensively renovating the home you have, Plush Design Interiors can help. From concept and design to demolition, renovation and handover, we'll be with you every step of the way.

Our sister business, Plush Design Renovations, designs renovations so you can obtain ‘apples for apples’ quotes from our builder or your own. Your new home or renovation could be closer than you think.

Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation chat. Please see what my clients say in their testimonials. I'd love to help you create a dream home.