Alidad’s process

Alidad's Process

A blank canvas is the best place to start. For an interior designer, taking a look at the previous home of a client can be very helpful.

My goal is to avoid imposing preconditions on any new project. It makes no sense. Instead, you should start from scratch, working for yourself and your clients.

Photographing is Key

You can begin by looking at pictures of rooms and houses you like. Take photographs of the details you like. Begin with a large number of images, and then start editing them. Visit the home frequently and take as many photos as you can.

Get the plans drawn up and see what you can fit in. You need to think about colours and fabrics - think about what colour you like. Do you prefer warm or cold colours or both? If you don't assign a colour, it won't happen.

Buy Samples

Buy small paint samples and paint them on cards or boards. Make sure to try them samples in the rooms. When you are satisfied, start looking for fabrics.

You are allowed to completely change your ideas. With these cards in hand, go to fabric shops. You will be amazed by how quickly things start rolling in.

Initially get plain fabrics. Worry about pattern later on. The pattern is what makes things more difficult.

Make some plain fabrics that are textured like chenille and velvet

Your Assignment

Ask yourself the following questions:

• How are the rooms going to relate to one another?
• How do you want to live there?
• Where are the bedrooms are?
• Where the bathrooms are?
• Where the reception rooms are?

Process Checklist

This checklist is a great way for you to stay on track with your project and to know the logical next steps.

• Take pictures of the interiors that you love.
• Make a huge collection of images and start editing them from there.
• Create a floor plan for your space or have a professional draft one for you.

Colours, Patterns and Textures

• You should ask yourself what colours you like. Are you drawn to warmer or cooler colours?
• Start assigning colours to different rooms.
• Buy small paint samples and paint them on cards or boards; an A4 card or board is ideal.
• Make sure to and try the paints in the different rooms.
• When you are satisfied, start looking for fabrics.
• Initially buy plain fabrics.
• Make sure your plain fabrics are a variety of textures, from chenille to velvet.
• Go back to the fabric shops if you can. Make sure your patterns are different scales.