Designing from the inside out

First impressions going deeper

Cohesiveness between exterior architecture and interior design is something which can often be overlooked. In many cases, interior design comes after – making the best of the space available. But what if the construction and design were seen as a combined process? Offering a comprehensive, unified experience for all those who approach and enter the building brings a new dynamic. Imagine being able to read the feel of the space and understand the way the property is split or organised from the outside.

Photo: Foster + Partners restores “iconic” glass Apple Fifth Avenue

Deliberate aesthetics

From residential to business properties, the exterior is responsible for painting the picture of what the brand or architect is all about. The exterior should match what the interior is trying to achieve. There is an opportunity for buildings to reflect the brand and tell a story. Often businesses can become landmarks and pillars in the community. Residential design can also shape a community by offering new facilities or services. With a strong focus on integrating and highlighting the neighbourhood, when designing modern builds, the chance to show what to expect from a building is possible by thinking about working from the inside out. Libraries which have open-plan designs and large windows showcasing the resources available attract people from the outside by allowing them to see clearly what is on offer. Warm interiors glowing on a cold night suddenly become a haven – somewhere which draws people in and provides comfort to those passing by.

Coloured walls or painted images to define the individual floors or depict what happens on each layer also helps to share what the property is about. Exteriors can reflect the style within but also become part of it. Large windows to style and light an interior can also become picture frames for beautifully placed furniture or art. Companies can utilise the opportunity to share their brands using oversized pictures, clear brand colours or even logos that are visible from the outside.

The bigger picture

Interior design is intended to provide an experience to those who enter. If the interior is a space with fluid lines and open spaces then the exterior should assist with this. Larger windows or curved exterior walls will allow for the interior to maximise the space and tie in with the architecture. For interior designers, being able to incorporate external features opens a whole new dimension. To consider the angles, heights, lengths and placement of walls, means a freer design space and grander statements. The intentional inclusion of thought-out bay depths to maximise the practicality and room efficiency, or the inclusion of large casement windows to flood a particular room with light or frame an external view – opens a whole new level of design.

Working together

With this method of designing, a question arises – should interior designers be involved earlier in the planning process? Could architects and interior designers help one another to create the perfect spaces? With many combined skills, both still have unique insights into certain areas. Furniture size and the plan for a layout could influence the room size, equally structural supports may dictate the space around them. With new builds continually growing in popularity, it makes sense to design with economy and purpose at the heart.

If you’d like to speak to us about how to incorporate interior design into your external architecture, please get in touch at hello@sceneinteriors.com or call 0161 327 3045 for more information.