How Lighting Affects Interior Design: Top Three Facts

You need to be aware of several things when designing and creating the ultimate interior design that will reflect your style and yield a place you would be proud to call home. One crucial element is lighting, and here we’ll discuss how lighting affects the mood, look, and feel of the space.Before we go into detail, we need to emphasize that lighting is vital in the overall design choices as it directly affects how your space comes together. Experienced designers like the Beyond Beige team know this, so they initially plan the lighting and make different decisions based on the lighting plan. Even the best color scheme and otherwise impeccable design elements could go to waste if you get the lighting wrong. Here are some of the key ways how lighting affects interior design.

Lighting Changes How Colors Appear (are Viewed)

Per fundamental physics, lighting is color, so the lighting you choose in interior design profoundly impacts the room’s colors. Basically, the more light hits a colored surface, the more vibrant the color looks, but too much light makes the color oversaturated and unpleasant to look at.When putting together the basic layout, you need to balance the natural light or aim for neutral artificial light so the colors you use in the other elements will be presented accurately. Plan to add dimmed lights to make the space more subdued, especially at night. But beware that too little light can adversely affect the space and even be dangerous to use (think of unlit hallways).

Lighting Makes the Space Feel Bigger or Smaller

Lighting can create the illusion of a smaller or larger space; brighter lighting makes the space feel larger and vice versa. Where possible, you should aim to use as much natural light as possible. It would be best to consider adding reflective elements and using full-spectrum artificial lighting where natural light is not an option.Where you place your lights is also vital, as you can create different effects with various lighting placements. Using a prominent central light fixture makes a space feel spacious, but sometimes using wall sconces can have a more creative effect.

Lighting Affects Functionality of Space

All spaces should be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Because the initial purpose of lighting is illuminating the space, you should aim to make a perfect lighting scheme that will have the added effect of making the space elegant and beautiful.Please note that the lighting you use is directly linked to the room you are decorating – a bedroom can have more mood lighting, while a kitchen should be well lit and inviting. The same goes for every room in the house, as each has different lighting needs per its utilization.The Beyond Beige team of interior designers are experts in utilizing natural and artificial light and combining the best design elements to create the perfect space for you. Feel free to contact us for more info and advice on the perfect décor that goes ways beyond beige. 

Designer Talks with Donuts - Julia

The Beyond Beige Team is a fantastic mix of people with different talents and personalities. They all bring their abilities, passions, and ideas to the table, aiding in creating unique projects and designs.Here we talk with Julia Lee, an interior designer here at BBID, and a true gem in our company.

She shares a few tidbits about what makes her a creative person passionate about design. Julia’s knowledge, experience, and creativity aid in each of our designs, to turn your home into much more than a collection of walls – but a full transformation into a space you’ll genuinely enjoy and be proud to share with your family and friends.We are donuts about our designers and hope you are too!

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Furnishing a Home

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Furnishing a Home

Maybe you think you have carte blanche when furnishing a new place, but we advise you not to rush into anything, as it is easy to make a mistake that may cost you a lot of money, headaches, and regrets. This is especially true for people who’ve never furnished or styled a space.We’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes people make when furnishing their homes. When you read through these, you will see how hiring an interior design professional is not always a luxury but often a necessity. Interior designers come in handy as they take your needs, wants, and ideas and translate them into a space that you’ll be happy to call home.

1. Not Understanding Your Actual Needs

You walk by a furniture store and see a staged room and think it would look good in your house. It is a nice feeling but is the curved glass designer coffee table really the thing you need or is that white sofa a good idea with three small children wreaking havoc at home.When furnishing a home, you need to consider your needs first, and your wants later. The needs will set the bar, and you can plan the space based on them and add the furniture that best works in the space. It is the only way to fully utilize all the available space and not worry or regret your choices later.Also, avoid asking other people like your friends about how to furnish your space. You and your immediate family will be the ones living there, so the space should reflect only your needs and style.

2. Buying Furniture Without Measuring Your Space

You’ve fallen in love with a lovely Chesterfield sofa and decided you must have it, but when you get home, you realize it does not fit your living room – this is common mistake among novices furnishing their homes. Before you go and look for furniture for your home, you need to take exact measurements of every room and confirm it’ll fit the general layout.Having the dimensions and layout will allow you to look only for pieces of furniture that will fit your space and will not obstruct anything like a window or outlets. It will allow you to utilize all the available space without overcrowding or underusing available space.

3. Not Considering Quality and Longevity

It is critical to invest in quality pieces right from the start. It is easy to go for the cheaper items and think you’ll upgrade later on, but this rarely happens and you are left with the annoying, poor quality furniture for much longer than expected.To save yourself the trouble and the extra expense later, you should consider investing in high-quality furniture from the start. That way, you can enjoy it much longer and don’t worry about the chairs giving way every time you sit down to dine.Also, All of these mistakes can be easily avoided if you hire professional help. At Beyond Beige, we are an award-winning interior design studio guaranteed to help you avoid every beginner’s furnishing mistake and create a space you and your family will enjoy

Designer Talks with Donuts - Jacqueline

The BBID Team consists of diverse and talented Interior Designers. Designer Talks with Donuts was created to give you an insight on their passions, ideas and overall personalities. We are pleased to Introduce our Project Manager and Senior Designer, Jacqueline!

Jacqueline loves understanding each unique project and creating an individual design that will add value to the client's life. She focuses intently on the details to ensure nothing is missed, no matter how large or how small, as each piece creates the whole. We are donuts about our designers and hope you are too!

Designer Talks with Donuts - Stefan

The BBID Team consists of diverse and talented  Vancouver Interior Designers. Designer Talks with Donuts was created to give you an insight on their passions, ideas and overall personalities.

We are pleased to introduce our Intermediate Designer, Stef! Stef strives to understand the juxtaposition between materials, to create thoughtful designs that expand the user experience, making your home more than just a room but a space you love and want to share with friends and family. We are donuts about our designers and hope you are too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What design services do you offer?

We offer design services for furniture and decor, commercial properties, residential renovations, and new builds.

What is the first consultation like?

In an initial consultation we’ll go over your aesthetic goals. We’ll lay out the process for developing your designs, and give you insight on how the project will unfold.

Do you travel outside of the lower mainland?

Yes! We work in locations all the way from Whistler to Kelowna, and even some areas in the United States.

What is your minimum fee?

Our minimum fee is $5,000 CAD.

Do you offer online interior design services?

Yes.

How do you estimate design services by square footage?

When providing design estimates we look at 3 factors:

• Square footage
• Client’s budget
• Estimates for similar projects

Understanding your budget, as well as the size of the space, allows us to develop an estimate that is in line with industry standards.

How many designers work at Beyond Beige?

We currently have a total of 6 designers.

• Reisa (Lead Designer)
• Megan (Senior Designer)
• Jacqueline (Senior Designer)
• Stefan (Intermediate Designer)
• Laura (Intermediate Designer)
• Julia (AutoCAD Technician)

What should you ask when hiring a designer?

When hiring a designer:

• Ask them if they’ve done projects similar to yours (and if so, how many)
• Specify your budget and ask whether they can accommodate it
• Ask for an estimate of how many hours yours or a similar project may take
• Specify your timeline and ask whether they can work within it

Are you a member of any design associations?

Yes! We are part of the Design Council HAVN Awards, and a member of the NKBA. Our lead designer Reisa has also been a judge on a number of design awards.Reisa has also been a part of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, the WYCA Women of Distinction Awards, and TED Talks.

How many years have you been in the business?

We have been in the design business for over 20 years.

Where are you located?

We are located in North Vancouver.

How big is your studio?

We have the largest materials studio in Vancouver. With over 3,000 square feet of space, it acts as a showroom as well as a studio.

How many awards have you won?

To date, we have won 53 design awards.

Tremendous on 26th Avenue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66mLDorvQ-g

The property at 26th Avenue is a project that lead interior designer Reisa has been working on for 6 years. The entire Beyond Beige team are very excited to see it finally brought to fruition as an example of incredible aesthetic design and attention to detail, on a truly groundbreaking scale. 26th Avenue demonstrates that the sky's the limit when it comes to Vancouver interior design.

In this video, Reisa walks you through the process of seeing this project through, from the client’s various specifications, to the unique challenges of bringing designs to life in such a massive space.

The video guides you through the expansive driveway and front yard of the Vancouver property, through the monumental foyer with dual staircases curving upward toward the second floor.

With 16,000 square feet to work with, lead interior designer Reisa had her work cut out for her.

She needed to design the home in such a way as to take advantage of the large, open spaces and also adhere to principles of good feng shui. With this in mind, it was especially important that fireplaces, lighting fixtures, and other spatial features be designed a bit “larger than life” – that is, on a grander scale than one might expect for a more standard-sized home.

As you’ll discover in the video, each element of this expansive home, from the private media room, to the gym, spa, and indoor pool, was created to be the pinnacle of modern aesthetics for a space of its kind. The media room features a dramatic ceiling dotted with lights to mimic a blanket of stars; the kid’s craft room combines neatly organized storage space with a central table, and a display board for future creations.

Throughout the process, Reisa consulted with the clients, and adjusted her designs to ensure that the rooms were not only beautiful, but functional, while also preserving good feng shui and a positive flow of energy from space to space. The property at 26th avenue is a stunning example of award-winning Vancouver interior design.

When it comes to interior design, North Vancouver is a hotbed of beautiful properties – it’s also where you can find Beyond Beige. If you have dreams for a future property, or if your current home needs a facelift, contact us today to learn how we can apply our award-winning interior design talent to your project!

Transcript:

REISA:

“Many people have been curious about this project, partly because we’ve been working on it for over six years, and also due to its size. There was many interruptions along the way that impeded the progress, COVID included.

“The clients are overseas and wanted a home built for their family. They had a significant number of interests that they wanted accommodated.

“So some people would ask, well, why would you need 16,000 square feet? But aside from the 9 bedrooms and the 13 bathrooms, there was a lot of things that they wanted to do that take space.

“For instance, they have a ballroom and an entertaining room. A full library. We have a craft room for the kids, we have a fencing room, we have a tai-chi area, we have a media room that accommodates performances. There’s a large wine area. There’s just so many things including their spa and the gym and the sauna and the steam and the indoor pool, and so, that’s how you get to 16,000 square feet.

“When you design a home this large, the scale is so different. A fireplace that you may normally specify looks like a tiny postage stamp in this home. So everything from the fireplaces to the lighting to many of the features have to be large enough to work on this scale.

“The client was also very concerned about good feng shui in the home. So, without being feng shui masters, we knew the principle elements and had to redesign aspects of the home to accommodate that. We added water features in areas and changed doorways for better practices.”

NKBA Designer Of The Year 2021!

Beyond Beige is thrilled to announce that lead designer Reisa Pollard has been awarded Designer of the Year 2021!The award was announced this December 2nd, 2021, at the Western Canada Design Excellence Awards Gala Hosted By the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) British Columbia Chapter.Reisa received the award for her work on the Queen’s Crown project, a stunning West Vancouver project that emphasizes elements of traditional Asian design, with luxurious gold ornamental touches, and a harmonious balance of pristine textures and deep, opulent accent colours.In addition to the coveted Designer of the Year prize, Beyond Beige won first place in Large Traditional Bath, and were finalists in Small Traditional Bath, Small Traditional Kitchen, and Outdoor Kitchen.We are incredibly proud of the work of our entire team in helping make Reisa’s designs a reality, as well as for everyone’s work in preparing our design statement and supporting materials for entry into the annual competition. We also want to thank our wonderful clients for choosing Beyond Beige to design timelessly beautiful custom interiors.This Designer of the Year award follows Reisa’s previous win in 2019.

The Real Life of Reisa: Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBx2n20yETQ

This week, we’re continuing to follow Beyond Beige lead designer Reisa as she goes about an average day on the job. Be sure to check out Part 1 if you haven’t seen it yet!

As Reisa’s busy day continues, we find her in a penthouse that is being built in Coal Harbour, Vancouver BC. Being a designer isn’t just about picking paint, wallpaper, and upholstery for a room -- in Reisa’s case it means working closely with contractors, and being involved with designing a space right from its construction. Reisa draws on her 20+ years of industry experience to communicate with workers and stakeholders at all stages of the building and design process in order to achieve the best possible results.

Reisa puts her clients first -- a value that is shared by everyone at Beyond Beige Interior Design. Whether over the phone, in-person, or via Zoom, Reisa likes to stay in constant communication with all of her clients. Though Reisa can guide her clients through the design process with her experience and expertise, final aesthetic decisions are ultimately in their hands. This is why it’s so important for Reisa to sit down with clients and let them see and feel each material so they know exactly how it will look in their home.

Once she’s finished talking on the phone, we see Reisa performing a final inspection of a beautiful finished space. This Vancouver condo is furnished with countertops, cabinets, tiling and a colour palette all hand-picked by Reisa and the team at Beyond Beige, and we’re very proud to show it off. At the end of each project, Reisa does a walk-through inspection to ensure that everything looks exactly the way the client wants. Finally, Reisa leaves a beautiful fresh orchid and a “Welcome Home” card to help make the client feel at home and leave them with a welcoming first impression of the space.

At Beyond Beige, we’re all about customer relationships and experiences. We want our clients to feel good inside their new homes. Each touch that Reisa adds throughout the process helps the final product feel more personalized.

We hope you’ve enjoyed accompanying Reisa through a day in her Real Life! Be sure to share the video with your friends, and contact Beyond Beige Interior Design for your next interior design project.

The Real Life of Reisa: Part 1

https://youtu.be/OfPo2lhAEM0

Have you ever wondered about a Vancouver interior designer’s real life? It’s not all glitz and glamour. We wanted to find some positivity in these stressful times, so we asked Beyond Beige owner and lead designer Reisa to bring you along for the ride, and let you experience a day in the life of a real interior design expert.

Reisa wakes up bright and early and gets her children London, Beckham, and Presley ready for school. A morning with 3 kids is hectic, but that’s just a warm up for an average day at Beyond Beige’s North Vancouver office. Reisa is known for greeting people with “Oh hey there!” -- we have a highlight on our socials just for her Oh Hey There’s, which our clients love, and there’s plenty of Oh Hey There’s in Reisa’s day, especially as she arrives at the office and greets the team. As she walks in, Reisa’s team brings her up to speed on the latest project developments and tasks that need attention.

Next, Reisa escapes to Beyond Beige’s newly renovated boardroom to get ready for a meeting with a client. This client is calling in remotely, all the better for Reisa to grab a doughnut -- or two… maybe three -- while she and her client discuss furniture and decor options. Everyone at Beyond Beige Interior Design loves snacks, and doughnuts are a fan favourite (when there’s some left over)!

We also wanted to share some processes in the video. This client is calling in to discuss furniture and decor, one of the many services we offer at Beyond Beige. Reisa also goes over some material options for a client in our materials room -- we have one of the biggest material rooms in Vancouver! If we don’t have a texture, colour, or pattern in our materials room, it probably doesn’t exist.

Reisa’s day as an interior designer is full of a diverse range of activities -- having meetings with clients and contractors, and working closely with every staff member to plan and execute projects and decide on materials. Our services include new builds, renovations, furniture and decor, and commercial projects.

We hope you have a laugh and enjoy the Real Life of Reisa! Stay tuned for Part 2!