Windermere Re Utah - Park Ave
Jim Kelley, Windermere Re Utah - Park AvePhone: (435) 901-1262
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Modern interior design: Essential tools of the trade

by Jim Kelley 03/13/2023

If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a modern interior designer, it's important to get acquainted with the proper tools. Technology has changed and added many tools used by modern interior designers. However, the basics remain an integral part of many designers' processes. Tools like measuring tape, drawing materials, fabric samples and other physical objects are just as indispensable to planning a design as the more complex aspects of color theory and inspiration gathering.

Every professional designer is different, but most can agree on what they find essential. Here are some of the other most-used tools in modern interior design today:

Color wheels

Color is an essential element in interior design, so designers like to have an easy reference. Great interior design depends on color choices working well together rather than causing uncomfortable clashes. To determine the best color choices, designers use color wheels to find the relationships between primary, secondary and tertiary colors.

There are many digital color reference and matching apps available to help this process as well. However, it's still common for modern interior designers to carry a physical, printed color wheel to account for differences in display quality and make the best possible color decisions.

Inspiration boards

Gathering ideas on inspiration boards is a process many professional designers swear by. Whether digital or physical, inspiration boards allow you to collect elements from many sources and combine them to create a cohesive aesthetic. Physical inspiration boards might include photographs, fabric scraps, paint swatches and other decorative elements to guide a design.

Online and digital inspiration boards offer designers the opportunity to collaborate directly with clients. Both sides can share images and other sources of inspiration to create a perfect design together. Modern designers use both online social media tools such as Pinterest and graphic design programs to make collages essential to their process.

About the Author
Author

Jim Kelley

Originally from upstate New York, I moved to Park City soon after college to spread my wings and explore the western United States, taking full advantage of the world class golf courses, beautiful mountains and the greatest snow on earth. 20 years later I am grateful to still call Park City home.

Client experience is my #1 objective. I have a passion for helping people realize their perfect Park City experience. My 22 years of resort management provided me with tremendous opportunity to work with so many different people from all over the world, delivering the services and experiences they desired and facilitating them to take advantage of all Park City has to offer.

Having played, worked and raised three children in Park City, my knowledge runs deep of the community and its surrounding areas, and all they have to offer. I am confident I can help you to find your next dream home in this wonderful community.