Why every home should tell a story

Why every home should tell a story

Rudolph Diesel, an interior designer based in London, explores the role played by storytelling in creating exciting and relevant interiors.

Why storytelling? 

Building a narrative around the property owner’s life gives structure and meaning to an interior design. In his book, The Place of Houses, author Charles Moore shares his view that you should “bind the goods and trappings of your life together with your dreams to make a place that is uniquely your own.”

From the moment I enter a client’s home, I start to assimilate information that can be used to tell the story of the people who live there. Before making any design suggestions, I want to learn everything I can about my client’s preferences and lifestyle choices.  While the home will offer clues about the colours, textures and objects my clients love, I will also bear in mind the fabric of the building itself - its history, and what materials are used in its construction.

Exploring possibilities

My first task as the designer of a house interior is to dig a little deeper into my client’s tastes.  This usually takes place over several meetings, as I show them samples or take them out to shops and showrooms.  

During those meetings I’ll also try to open their mind and invite them to consider new ideas and possibilities.  If someone mentions yoga classes, for example, I might suggest incorporating a zen space for yoga practice into the design. Through these informal chats I can also identify artworks and other household pieces that hold a strong emotional significance for my clients. Such objects can either inspire an entire room design, or provide a unique focus within a particular space.

If you are looking for a luxury interior design firm to transform your London home, I would be delighted to help. Why not begin your interior design story by calling Rudolph Diesel Interiors?