My wife frequently makes fun of me-for finding the hardest possible way to do things. Each project I take on in our home takes more time than any simple solution and leads to some head-against-wall moments, but the results speak for themselves. When I stripped the old carpet off the stairs and upper bedrooms, I had new carpet put in upstairs and could easily have had them do the stairs while they were at it. But, I had a vision of hand stained wood stairs with integrated LEDs and motion sensors. Sure, it took a significant number of weekend hours, and I had to adapt to a few challenges along the way, but we’re both pretty pleased with the result. Sad to say I approach many projects this way.
Quality design takes time. Most spaces will be adequate if approached by using standard thinking for construction and detailing. However, making a truly impressive statement requires finding a new way to solve a problem. Not all spaces need to make a statement, and indeed too many statements all at once can overwhelm the senses. There is power in arranging the design elements to reach a natural crescendo. So, be strategic about approaching design elements in a new build, let most spaces be simple, and go to town on one or two elements so they can shine their brightest.