Gratitude in Planned Design Vs Now Design
The Holidays are coming and August is the Month to start designing so that we have a best chance of getting complete custom designs delivered on time for the big day of gratitude.
Designing With or Against Time: The Two Tempos of Interior Design
In today’s world, the pace of design often feels like it must match the pace of life: fast, efficient, and instantly gratifying. Yet, there is another rhythm to design—one that resists the urgency of “now” and embraces the slow, deliberate artistry of customization. Both approaches—designing against time and designing with time—can yield beautiful spaces. The key is knowing which tempo belongs to you.
Designing Against Time: The Now Home
Sometimes a project simply cannot wait. A new home that needs to be move-in ready, a major life event around the corner, or simply the thrill of wanting a finished space immediately. Designing against time is about efficiency, resourcefulness, and smart decision-making.
In this approach, speed dictates the design process. Designers lean on trusted vendors, ready-to-ship furnishings, and versatile pieces that can layer into a home quickly. Furniture may be selected from stocked lines instead of custom orders, color palettes may be simplified to streamline choices, and logistics are meticulously managed to avoid delays.
The result? A home that comes together swiftly without sacrificing taste. The “against time” design process rewards decisiveness and prioritizes comfort and function in the here and now.
Designing With Time: The Curated Journey
On the opposite end of the spectrum is designing with time: a slower, intentional process that celebrates craftsmanship, customization, and discovery. This approach is about creating a home that unfolds like a story.
Here, a sofa is not just purchased—it is designed, specified, upholstered, and hand-finished for the exact proportions of the space. Fabrics are sourced, rugs are woven to order, millwork is drawn and redrawn, and lighting is curated to align with the architecture. The process may stretch over months, sometimes years, but the reward is a deeply personal home, one that feels like no other.
Designing with time is immersive. It allows space for experimentation, for mood boards to evolve, for antique hunts and material samples spread across a dining table. It’s design as a journey rather than a race, and its luxury lies in patience.
Finding Your Tempo
Most homes, in truth, are designed with a blend of both tempos. A sofa might be ordered quickly from a stocked line to make a living room livable, while custom drapery or a bespoke dining table is patiently awaited. The beauty of design lies in this balance: immediate comfort paired with long-term investment.
Designing against time delivers the joy of instant gratification; designing with time offers the satisfaction of a curated masterpiece. Both paths lead to beautiful spaces—it’s simply a matter of whether you’re ready to enjoy your home today or savor the wait for something truly one-of-a-kind.
