Interior Design Archive

NOBLE UNIVERSITY | Interior Design
February 2009

PROGRAMMING

Our interior spaces play a very important role in our lives. Aside from offering shelter and a spot to stash belongings, interior spaces can provide an environment that makes us smile, a place to entertain friends and a personalization that makes a house a home. Many of our customers have remarked about the great feeling they get when they visit NOBLE. They like the colors, the scents, the music, etc. and none of that really occurred by accident. Before our doors opened in 2007, we analyzed our needs and then looked at how those needs could be addressed. While there is rarely only one solution, often there is an idea that stands out above the others.

The term “Interior Design” often stirs up the connotation of an extremely over-done interior that is to be viewed from the corridor but not lived in. That notion could not be more incorrect. Instead it is a series of steps that is taken to make sure the final outcome is functional for the individual and their family, has aesthetic appeal that can be maintained, and offers a timeliness that can survive more than a few years. With the popularity of HGTV, Martha Stewart, and an endless list of decorating magazines that are available at the grocery check-out, exposure to interior design (both good and bad) is no longer targeted at a single market, but captures the interest of the masses.

What many TV shows and magazines fail to mention is a very important first step. They wow the viewer with paint and some fun ideas that probably are good for the short term, but aside from that, the design often is weak. Before a paint brush can be lifted or a piece of furniture purchased, it must first be decided what tasks will be taking place in the room and what items will be necessary to complete those tasks. This step is referred to as programming, and even though it may not seem necessary at first, it saves time and money in the long run.

As an example, a family room may be the space that needs to be addressed. To begin with, a list of activities that take place in this room is generated along with what is needed to allow for that activity.

ACTIVITY FURNITURE | EQUIPMENT

Television & Movie Watching Television | Television Cabinet |

DVD Player | DVD Storage |

Window Treatment for Light Control

Reading Bookshelves | Lighting

Knitting Yarn Storage | Lighting

Playing Cards Table | Chairs | Lighting

Listening to Music Music System | Music Storage

Entertaining Company Ideal # of Seats

The above example is fairly straight forward, however every individual has needs specific to him/her, making the activity list and the requirements to fulfill the activity unique for each person/family. Your list may not include several of the listings mentioned but may have others such as E-mailing, Scrap Booking, Exercising, etc. Once the list is compiled, the next step involves gathering up information. Perhaps it is time to change the current television for a flat screen television that will mount on the wall. Research the various brands, sizes available, installation requirements and other specifics prior to making any purchase. The table & chairs that are necessary for card playing also needs to be researched for available sizes, finishes, styles and comfort. Think outside the box and research table options, such as flip top tables that can provide more surface space when needed but take up less space on a daily basis if space is at a premium. While the tendency to jump in and start buying, hoping it all works out for the best seems to be a good approach, a wrong decision in size or style will end up costing money in the end if it cannot be used and cannot be returned.

Not all items to support an activity will need to be new. Many existing items can reused as they are or with a fresh upholstery or finish. Record those items and their measurements as they will be needed when floor plans are reviewed.

How do I use Programming for kitchens?

We have been conditioned to think of rooms in our homes as single function spaces rather than the activities that take place in those rooms. Today the kitchen is not just for food prep and eating, but often is a message center, a place to do homework or craft projects and more. Perhaps it is time to change cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures. Programming focuses on the functions and equipment so that the needs are fully met for the space.

ACTIVITY FURNITURE | EQUIPMENT

Baking Oven | Stand Mixer | Baking Pans | Prep Surface | Lighting

Cooking Range | Pots & Pans | Small Appliances | Spices | Prep Surface | Lighting | Exhaust

Storing Food Refrigerator | Surfaces for items

Cleaning Dishwasher | Sink | Cleaning Supplies

Eating Dishes | Serving Pieces | Flatware | Drinking Glasses | Placemats | Seating | Lighting

The above exercise has been simplified and realistically an extensive inventory of all items should be collected (measuring cups, knives, specific small appliances with dimensions, etc.) When exploring various cabinet configuration, this list will ensure all items have a home that is convenient to access, especially the stand mixer that is both large and heavy.

How long does Programming take?

If an entire home is being reviewed, it could take days or even weeks to determine the activities and gather the information necessary for the support of those activities.

Single rooms can easily be completed in a day or perhaps a few hours. Getting all members of the family involved in the process also makes sure no element is forgotten and can be a great group activity.

What do I do with the gathered information?

Organize your information by room in a binder or files (with a separate file for each room). This information will now be used when you work on your floor plan, and can be taken with you when you go to select furniture and furnishings for your rooms. Any technical data that you have collected regarding installation will be extremely helpful when discussing specifics with contractors or other trades people.

When is Programming not necessary?

If you think you like everything about your current space and feel it just needs a new coat of paint, then programming probably isn’t needed. Use programming for those rooms that always seem cluttered as the right furniture isn’t being provided for the activity.

What should I do or not do when Programming?

Be realistic. A small room will never accommodate more people than it can hold, however benches that can be pulled out from under a console table or a couple of dining chairs from the neighboring room can add seating for the Holidays when family members don’t mind sitting a little closer to one another. It is important to only list activities that are enjoyed with frequency and not a once in a blue moon situation. Do consider furniture pieces that can serve many purposes and provide flexibility down the road.

Next Month: Floor Plan Basics

This Monthly Feature is written by Gene Galley, ASID. Gene is a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Design and former Eastern Michigan University Lecturer.