At DesignIntuit, we talk often about what is happening in interior design and show many examples of products, resources, and craftsmen. All of these resources are helpful but truly don't convey the totality of what it takes to successfully design our living spaces. Providing pieces to the puzzle doesn't explain the design process. Even as we focus on the process (particularly in this issue) and follow along the steps, the tangible finished product is what really validates all this theory. In other words, since we have extensively covered the means, now let's look at the end.

To look at the work of the elite designers, we need to see the spaces they transform, in three dimensions. Viewing a well-designed space includes a look at spatial arrangement, texture and pattern, structure, flow from one room to another, lighting, and hard- and soft-material choices. Photographs can't really tell the whole story or allow one to experience the design. Additionally, the real learning and awe-inspiring results are best seen from project beginning, through the design process, and to completion. To really understand interior design, you must see design up close and in person.

Alas, the world's best interior design is not as accessible as the world's art collections. Most of the best and most distinctive interior design resides in private homes. Of course we can see examples of great interior design in restaurants, hotels, clubs, etc. But access to the most spectacular interiors is usually not possible.

So how do we experience real interior design?

Since we are not invited into the actual homes of the elite designers' clients, we recommend an alternative where you still can see the real homes, rooms and spaces designed by the world's top interior designers.

Visit the work of the world's top interior designers in rooms and houses all around the world by attending Decorators' Show Houses, DesignCenter Showcases and Idea Houses. Each type of event provides countless ideas and endless inspiration for interior design. In this issue we will focus on

The Decorators' Show House

category and explore what really goes on behind the scenes. We are fortunate to cover one of the most prestigious, the National Symphony Orchestra Decorators' Show House. From the beginning through the unbelievable transformation, we will learn from the masters and watch them use all their tools and resources. This is an exclusive look at how interior designers create, design and really do it!

Other Places to explore
Design Center Showcases - In many of the nation's design centers, annual and bi-annual events include showcases. Usually designers are invited to participate, much like a non-profit show house. During these events, the public is invited to the design center to tour the showcase and learn more about the merchants of the design center. This is a great way to see the new fashions by the vendors. Additionally, regional styles are prominent, so the event's fashion varies greatly across the country.

Idea Houses - This is typically an architectural and interior design collaboration sponsored by a design magazine and their advertisers. Accomplished builders, developers, architects, interior designers and landscape architects all participate. Southern Living magazine is typically a sponsor of these events. National sponsors include Kitchenaide, Rust-Oleum, Hunter Ceiling Fans, Chrysler, Pella Windows and Doors, Kohler, Andersen, Jenn-air, and many others.

Intro / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 /Next

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