Communicating your design ideas
A picture is worth more than 1,000 words

by Richard Morrison, AIA, ASID

Communicating ideas about design is one of the most difficult and sometimes frustrating aspects of a remodeling project. Some of my clients have trouble explaining their "vision" of what a space should look like; others can't visualize what I've proposed, or a husband may have no idea what his wife wants the kitchen to look like, even though they've talked about it incessantly.

One problem is that our language is not very good with communicating visual concepts. And we usually don't get much practice talking about design.

"Contemporary" to one person means high-tech Italian design, while to another it may conjure up images of Danish Modern. When a client tells me that her favorite color is blue, I know that she usually has a fairly specific type of blue in mind; maybe a deep cobalt blue or a light robin's egg blue. Generic "blue" is not enough information.

How can we be more clear when we communicate about design?

One useful strategy is to use pictures as a reference point. I often recommend that my clients buy a stack of home-remodeling magazines and start compiling a scrapbook of images that convey what they're trying to achieve.

The pictures may illustrate just one tiny aspect of the project: a specific type of wine rack, a cabinet door pull or a ceramic tile design. Other pictures should illustrate the overall "feel" of a space, for example, "light and airy," "cozy and intimate" or "intricately detailed."

Equally important are pictures that illustrate what you definitely don't want. Maybe you've never liked the idea of chrome faucets in your bathroom, or a "country" kitchen.

It's a good idea to make notes (you can use Post-It notes) to remind yourself of why you cut out a particular picture.

These pictures will help you discuss your project with your husband/wife/partner and hopefully get an agreement on what the space should look like. If you're working with a design professional, such as an architect or interior designer, you will be able to save an enormous amount of time (and possibly fees), and avoid mistakes by using these pictures to communicate your ideas.

Another tip: If you're having a hard time understanding a floor plan or sketch that a design professional shows you, take additional time to understand it before proceeding further.

Sometimes a more three-dimensional drawing may explain the idea better. Even better is a 3-D computer-generated "walkthrough," almost like "virtual reality," that many architects and designers use as standard practice. Consumer-grade software to do this yourself is now available fairly inexpensively. (Better Homes & Gardens has the best, for my money.) Or you may need to make a little cardboard model. Although it may take more time or cost a little more money, extra drawings, computer renderings, or small-scale models can avoid very expensive misunderstandings.

I've even had some clients build a mock-up of a proposed kitchen using large cardboard boxes. I've never had clients who regretted taking the extra time to understand their design or communicate their wishes more clearly.

Richard Morrison, AIA, ASID, is a Menlo Park architect and interior designer, specializing in home remodeling and additions. He teaches remodeling classes at the Palo Alto Adult School. He can be contacted at 650-321-3729.