What Design Can Contribute

Adding Something: What Design Can Do For Your Life
There is a saying I found many years ago on the inside of an old book, "We change our skies but not ourselves who cross the seven seas." There is some truth to that but also with experience and with a fresh perspective, we do change in our lives. It holds for interior design as well.
From Throw Away to Keepsakes
There is a place for disposable furniture, for the pieces we bought in our first apartment, in the college dorm. However, its rather expensive to keep replacing things as we create our homes, whether our permament home as well as vacation homes. Instead, keep at least something from our past, and the historical past, along with something more of the present -- whether modern or tropical, in the case of Hawaii, is also a wonderful way to create a sence of place. Let us explain more.
A Design Suggestion or Two:
We see design becoming more practical (with comfort) and yet individualized (with unique fabrics and combinations of eras, including modern). On the practical side, here's a trend we certainly want to create with clients: buy fewer but nicer pieces of furniture.
Take sofas and chairs for example.
We recognize that furniture stores can sell based on looks and price, but what of comfort? A customer often doesn't get to sit for two hours on a store display sofa, reading a book, engaged in conversation, watching television, etc. Often the comfort isn't there because the construction and materials aren't designed for comfort, but to sell on impulse.
You test drive a new car but not a new sofa, nor side chairs, nor dining chairs.
"Excuse me, may I entertain with a dinner party in the store or stay overnight to see if I like what you are selling?" That is not what anyone might do, well, without being ushered out politely or otherwise.
In addition, we have become accustomed to uncomfortable furniture. That's what is filling up restaurants, hotels, airports, and, yes, friends' homes too. Its less expensive and its also what surrounds us, so we just put up with that sofa that gives us a back ache, the dining chairs that irritate us. We can do better than McMac furniture and homes.
Budget, Budget, and Value
Buy quality and you will sleep better, enjoy your entire home more in every room.
Now the question of budget is realistic. Once a husband asked us to not sell his wife any more furniture. I replied with a smile that was our purpose, n'est pas?
Our Contribution as International Interior Designers
The better answer to the above request reflects our mission and goal as interior designers: buy fewer but nicer furniture, with comfort and style. These are our suggestions.
No, this approach won't change lives, but will add a degree of serenity and sense of place and beauty to our surroundings.
Let's Live More!
With all of this said, a well designed home, whether condominium in the sky or estate with grounds can be stimulating, enjoyable, fun. So can the process.
We are available to new clients and existing ones too, who want to add a freshness to their lives, rethink how to live in a new era, surround themselves with a home that adds liveliness.
Referrals
One professional realtor on the mainland who we admire greatly has a saying on her business card that we want to express as well:

The finest compliment we can ever receive is a referral from family, friends, and clients. Thank you so much.

We welcome referrals, so we can help. How? The answer is in the process of choosing the right home, take on remodeling, add just the right materials and colors, and create a well designed and comfortable home with furnishings, lighting, color, and more.
We return back home, permanently, to Hawaii in April, and we look forward to meeting with existing and new clients.

With Aloha, Richard and Roger
Design/Build/Remodel/Interior Design
with over 40 years of international experience
www.furnishingsllc.com 808.225.5821