In recent years, intentional spaces have gained prominence in interior design. The days when our homes’ design and layout were solely determined by aesthetics are long gone. Today, designers combine aesthetics and intentionality to create spaces that encourage concentration, calm and meaningful living.

According to Lisa Staprans, a well-known interior designer and author of “The Soul of Design,” purposeful environments transform us rather than merely our environment. “Neuro-aesthetics profoundly impact modern interior design,” she says. “By choosing items that hold meaning and with each piece having a positive intent, we create spaces that resonate with our core.”

Growing knowledge of the influence our environment has on our well-being is causing this trend towards deliberate design. Staprans asserts that “our brains and bodies crave thoughtfully made items that bring joy.” The minimalist style, which is growing in popularity, reflects this idea. “Less is more” is more than simply an idea; it’s a method of developing a close relationship with our environment.

Italian-based interior design firm Officina Magisafi, founded in 2012 in Val Seriana by co-founders Claudio Acquaviva and Debora Bordogni, blends tradition and innovation to craft enduring architecture. Rooted in Bergamasco identity, the designers champion tekne — mastery (i.e. a mastery of technical and transversal skills) of materials and space. Through local artisans and a human-centric process, they create timeless, functional designs shaped by precision and quiet intent. The design duo emphasised, “Style is not a word representing us; rather, the design ethos of Officina Magisafi is all about executing technique; every detail is never simple decoration but hides constant study and research for a functional solution that makes the environment timeless.”

For their D128 project, the client’s brief was to connect spaces and areas lacking natural light while shaping each space around the homeowner’s needs. The designers honoured the home’s history by removing concealments to showcase its original character. They stripped away the superfluous, revealing a layout that brings more light and openness.

The intentional design focused on questioning every detail of each space, working relentlessly to achieve the project’s core objective of creating a relevant and purposeful home. The designers carefully selected materials, balanced light and shadow and included surfaces that allowed the space to breathe — never overwhelmingly but always in harmony with its occupants.

Another well-known personality in interior design, Albert Hadley, stresses the significance of designing areas that represent people’s everyday lives. He says, “The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. ” One can start creating aesthetically pleasing, functional and significant areas.

The use of nature is one of the main components of deliberate design. It has been demonstrated that incorporating natural elements into the house, or biophilic design, lowers stress and enhances well-being. “Incorporating plants, natural textures and earthy tones can help us stay connected to the planet, even as policies move away from protecting it,” Staprans says. This connection to nature makes our living areas feel more like sanctuaries, which promotes peace and tranquillity.

Sustainability is a key component of deliberate design. Designers increasingly use reclaimed wood, repurposed materials, and vintage treasures to create aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly homes. “Reclaim and repurpose: Use furniture constructed from recycled materials, recovered wood, or antique findings. “It’s a simple yet effective method to lower the demand for new production,” suggests Staprans. In addition to lessening our environmental impact, this emphasis on sustainability gives our houses a distinctive and individual touch.

In addition, changes in society and culture impact interior design. Designers are becoming more conscious of creating varied, inclusive settings representing their clients’ ideals. “Support diverse creators: Look for décor created by craftspeople from marginalised groups. Your selections can have an effect, whether they are unique ceramics or handcrafted rugs, Staprans explains. By selecting items that honour various cultures, we add tales and customs from around the world to our homes.

According to renowned TV personality and interior designer Nate Berkus, your house should reflect your identity. “Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love,” he states. Starting this process entails adding unique touches and objects with sentimental value. Such pieces can include artwork made by loved ones, trip mementoes, or family antiques, giving your space a distinctively personal feel.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of lighting in deliberate design. “The most important thing? Perfect lighting at all times,” Oscar de la Renta adds. Proper lighting can transform a room, creating a cosy, welcoming ambience that encourages concentration and relaxation. By layering several lighting styles, such as ambient, task and accent lighting, you can highlight essential components in the space and create a variety of moods.

Apart from these components, purposeful areas frequently have multipurpose furniture that optimises the use of compact areas. Modular storage units, foldable workstations, and convertible couches are a few instances of how design can change to meet our needs. Because of this adaptability, our dwellings can adjust to suit our shifting tastes and lives.

Another critical factor in the development of interior design is technology. Voice-activated assistants, climate control, and controlled lighting systems are examples of smart home appliances that improve the usability and convenience of our living areas. We can design contemporary and user-friendly spaces by skillfully incorporating technology into the architecture.

In summary, the shift in interior design toward purposeful areas reflects our shifting priorities and beliefs. Designers are assisting us in living happier and healthier lives by establishing spaces that encourage concentration, calm, and meaningful living. Lisa Staprans states, “Intentional spaces infused with beauty and purpose don’t just change our surroundings — they change us, making us healthier and happier.”

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