Design Vibes Mash-up: K+M Flex Space

I created "Design Vibes" when I realized how limiting design styles are for my clients. Design Vibes encompass the look, feel and experience that can be created in a space. By highlighting a handful of words, my clients help me understand what they're drawn to. If there is more than one decision maker on a project, I have them both fill out the design vibes sheet. I then have to find a way to blend both of their vibes together, see how I can incorporate each of their vibes into the home. My friend Brooke came up with the term "mash up" to describe this process and I love it. I'm doing a mini series where I solicited 5 couples' help so I could show all of you my process behind mashing up vibes. Last in this series, are my friends K+M.

K chose: comfortable, decluttered, interesting, nature-

inspired, organic.

M chose: botanical, calm, colorful, comfortable, interesting, relaxed.

 In doing this exercise with couples, it's nice to see where the overlap is happening, what they have in common. These two actually have a lot in common, and both lists pair so well together. Honestly, there isn't anything from their list that wouldn't mash well, which makes things a lot easier!

Here's what I came up with! I decided to create a flex space mash up: a plant room/sunroom, with a comfy reading area a small desk area. I've been into this flex space idea--sometimes we have multiple uses for a space. I have a current client right now who didn't really need their formal dining area. Sometimes they might (a few times a year for hosting), but what they need daily? A reading space, a work space, an area to hang out with friends. So we are creating a flex space for them to maximize the function. That's what I'm doing here as well. K+M both want a concept that incorportates botanical + nature-inspired. I felt like having a room they could put multiple plants in, but also hang out in, would be ideal. A comfy chair + ottoman for enjoying a good book (or add another chair and it becomes a lounge spot). I like the terrazzo type flooring and light wood desk for the organic feel. And what a calm and relaxed work space! Rugs that pull from the terrazzo flooring colors; the rugs are also washable in case their dog wants to hang out, too. I usually think of sunroom/plant rooms as being light, but I love the touch of moodiness I was able to put into this with the darker leather and green rug for the reading area. The earthy colors help make the space feel grounded, which would help anyone to relax here.  I, for one, would want to hang out in here!

 In a client project, I'd use this as a starting point, a jumping off point to help me make a design and select all the details that go with it. This design mash up isn't really meant to be THE design, but rather help see where there's overlap and also how to incorporate what each person cares about. Getting those vibes right is so important!

Need your copy of my design vibes sheet? Get the updated version here.

See Design Vibes in action here.