I can’t remember where or when I came across this quote, but it made it to my “ideas to write about” folder. This folder contains things as menial as “favorite taco combos” along with gems like the aforementioned quote. One of the best parts of our team at Two Hands is that we don’t always agree! We have a really healthy studio dialogue about all things design and we follow a robust vetting of client work across our varied preferences and skill sets. Oftentimes this filters down to a pretty simple question - whether to prioritize function or aesthetics in design? Of course the standard answer is “both!” Easier said than done, and Lorna Crozier’s sentiment (she’s a Canadian poet) captures the essence of that dyad.
So, how do we define logical and intuitive in regards to the home? Intuition guides us to know what feels good and right, and logic is hopefully there to remind us of the pros and cons of any intuitive approach. (A philosopher I am not, so don’t turn this in for a college grade or anything!)
How do we create enough moments in an interior to allow us to follow our intuition with color and design so we avoid formulaic spaces? The easiest selections with which to allow intuition free rein are indeed with color and art. What palettes or artistic subjects get your heart racing or feel intuitively like you? Knowing the feeling you want a space to bring (energizing, cozy, calming, orderly, surprising) should be an intuitive exercise and I would argue the place all good design starts. We can swing the hinge on the door easily to introduce logic here - perhaps stick with the performance fabric in a forgiving shade for the often-used sofas, but swing for the fences with the pillow fabric that makes your heart sing. Invest in the best art you can afford and love living with, and let that side table be a retail work horse in the best possible way.
Perhaps this captures my ideal job description for what we do every day as designers - helping clients discover what brings them joy in their homes, and help them mold that into a practical environment that also serves them functionally.