Designer: Design firm of D’Aquino Monaco Inc, more details below.
By Carl J. Dellatore
One consistent theme I hear when talking with designers is that the democratization of design facilitated by the internet has impacted professional interior designers’ respect and perceived value. With the proliferation of online resources, design ideas and DIY tutorials, anyone with an internet connection can access a wealth of information and inspiration. Instagram reels offer endless design tips and step-by-step guides, empowering individuals to undertake interior design projects themselves.
This accessibility has led to a rise in amateur design enthusiasts who are confident enough to bypass professional services. While I celebrate that creativity, it somehow undermines the expertise and skills of professional interior designers. As you are aware, successful interior designers undergo extensive training to understand spatial planning, color theory, materials, client psychology and computer programming—skills often overlooked or underestimated by the general public in favor of seemingly easy online solutions.
Moreover, the internet’s portrayal of design as an easy, “abracadabra” process diminishes appreciation for the rigorous work and creativity involved in professional interior design. The smoke-and-mirrors perfection seen online sets unrealistic expectations, leading to undervaluing the meticulous planning and execution required in real-life projects. HGTV programs simplify the design process, portraying it as quick, easy and inexpensive. By focusing on dramatic transformations within tight timelines and budgets, these shows lead viewers to diminish the complexity and effort involved in professional interior design.
Craftsmanship and technical skills have value, too. Realizing an exceptionally designed home involves attention to detail, extensive knowledge of materials and mastery of complex techniques. Artisans and craftspeople dedicate years to honing their skills, and producing beautiful and technically sophisticated works. This level of craftsmanship is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, deserving of admiration and respect.
And so, how do designers rise above the low-brow world of online design? In a word, creativity.
A few years back, an interior design magazine editor asked me to define creativity. After some thought, I said, “Creativity in the decorative arts is expressed in the ability to think outside the oft-clichéd box, to be imaginative, to celebrate curiosity and to come up with original ideas. It’s the creation of spaces that eclipse the predictable.”
Creativity is crucial as it transforms spaces into personalized and functional environments that reflect individual tastes and lifestyles. At its core, creativity is the driving force behind innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs that stand out and make a lasting impression.
This personalized approach ensures that each project is visually appealing but also practical and comfortable. By thinking creatively, designers find solutions to challenging spaces, making the most of limited areas and enhancing their functionality.
In addition, creativity is essential for problem-solving in interior design; it transforms abstract concepts into tangible realities. It empowers designers to innovate, push beyond the boundaries of the known and explore new horizons. Designers often face budget limits, space restrictions and client requirements. Creative thinking enables them to devise ingenious solutions that meet these challenges while delivering aesthetically pleasing results. This adaptability is crucial for ensuring client satisfaction and project success.
Turning my attention to this article’s lead image as an exemplar of exceptional creativity, Carl D’Aquino and Francine Monaco were commissioned to reimagine the interiors of a historic house in Tuxedo Park, New York. Their clients asked that the ultimate design pay homage to the house’s history, maintaining architectural integrity, but that the home should also feel contemporary and fresh.
They succeeded in spades, especially in the living room. With colors pulled from a floral crewel that nods to traditional motifs, they painted the room in 20 asymmetrical vertical bands, carrying them floor-to-ceiling across all its original moldings. The room instantly exudes the grandeur of the gilded age when the house was built, bathed in 21st-century modernity.
I like to celebrate that kind of creativity, and with all due respect, one rarely finds it in short-form internet content.
Stay updated on this series author, Carl Dellatore, by following his Instagram. About Carl Dellatore & Associates – provides designers, architects, and creatives with writing, editing, and copyediting services by an established team to effectively reveal your story.
