Blogs Archives - DHK Designs

DIY vs Professional!!!

When to hire an interior designer and when to do it yourself

Everyone is allowed to be creative in what they do, wear, how they act and even their personal space and most times all that is required is a DIY of your imagination. When it comes to interior design, the debate between DIY and professional assistance has been ongoing, from the cost effectiveness of having to be creative on your terms to the need for a more professional expertise of an interior designer. But how would you know which journey to embark on when considering a small space or an extensive project? For every advantage in the former and latter there’s a disadvantage and identifying that could be easy or extremely confusing.

Getting your project professionally done would demand the role of T.E.C. It is Time saving, as you would have these designers take charge of the entire process from concept to completion and who wouldn’t want a time efficient job done. To add to that, we have the brains and Expertise of interior designers to back up certain challenges that the normal eyes would not decipher on time, by so doing they provide Customized solutions that help clients create designs suitable for their tailored needs and do that to perfection and all these are because of how professional and intuitive designers are. However, there’s no doubt that hiring a professional designer can be very costly, the amount of you get as a client is less and that makes them compromise and the extreme faith that has been put into the designers are very high, cause by then the client is fully dependent on their expertise.

Moreover, DIY comes to play for many reasons, one being that it is highly cost effective, there is less to spend on materials and labor, the zeal to be creative is a 100% because you get to be free and in complete control over what goes in and out of your design sketchbook, in addition it gives you the privilege to learn on-the-go by developing your skills and gaining self confidence in what you achieved. Nevertheless, just as how you have pros to DIY, you also have cons to DIY, take for instance the amount of time you find yourself spending on a project or the limited knowledge on certain use of materials or patterns to execute your idea and how the room for errors are high thereby leading to a more costly mistake and redesigns.

And to the most important need-to-know, WHEN DO YOU HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER & WHEN TO DIY? Hiring a professional designer ensures a well-polished result, and one requires their attention if the request for complex projects like custom designs, tailored spaces, commercial spaces, large scale renovations or multi room projects are required. A client on his own might not be able to know the right placements of plumbing structures, electrical installations or certain structural changes needed on the project.

Also, if you are looking to save time with a tight deadline and a stress-free experience, interior designers are the go-to. Regardless of the beliefs that hiring an interior designer can be costly, they still have a bit of an upper hand int terms of being flexible with their budget, the need to help you make wise and informed decisions tends to avoid costly mistakes and saves money in a long run.

Contrary to this and not to rule out that DIY serves its purpose, this is better implemented when you have a smaller space to work with, a redecoration of an already professionally done space, you are on a tight budget or you just enjoy being expressive with your space, then DIY is a great option.

Whether you want to DIY or hire a professional to take charge of your project, the need to lay down the factors that contribute to either of them is essential and these factors include, TIME, EXPERTISE, BUDGET, and SCOPE OF THE PROJECT, by knowing where your strength and weaknesses lie in these factors, the decision would be easier to make.

Remember, just as it is lovely to assess the full potential of your own skills in the practice of DIY, it is very beneficial to consult a professional designer as they could enlighten you with valuable insights and guidance because the end goal remains to create a space that reflects your personality and speaks professionalism.

Keep Being Creative & Enjoy Designing!!!

Inspiring Open Concept Office Space In Accra By DHK Designs

Blogs

In a city known for its vibrant energy and thriving business scene, dhk Designs has designed an open concept office space that inspires creativity and productivity.

dhk Designs, a Lagos-based architectural design firm, began The Inpath Technologies project design journey with a deep exploration of Inpath’s core values, which revolved around cutting-edge innovation and environmental stewardship. To strike a balance between modernity and natural simplicity, DHK Designs embraced the concept of rustic minimalism. The result is a harmonious and eco-friendly workspace that mirrors the brand’s ideals.

Details make all the difference. In the meeting room, a captivating wall panel is the highlight, while square fluorescent lights add a modern touch to the pool office. Unique elements such as the green tufted sofa in the private office and the planter seat in the lobby contribute to the space’s distinctive character.

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Design Update – A Modern Fashion Store In Lagos By DHK Designs

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The Gold store, also known as Room XIX is a concept fashion store designed and fitted by Nigerian Architects, DHK Designs.

Located in Lagos, Nigeria, the modern fashion store by Lagos-based Nigerian Architects, DHK Designs, features a bold gold/yellow palette in contrast with white walls and monochrome murals. The store explores the concept of duality – having the same space divided by a different colour or pattern. The geometric or angular colour division creates a dynamic and interesting transition from the white space to the gold/yellow space.

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Rise HQ in Lagos by DHK Designs is Crafted to Ensure Productivity

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The proposal aimed to create a “Rise” world of its own, maintaining the diverse activities and company’s assets, projecting the brand’s values and identity in its space.

One of the major design themes was to construct a colorful and playful environment to give employees a better working psychology thereby enhancing productivity and positive work culture. This was achieved through the integration of multiple greenery in the workspaces, wall arts, brand colors, graffiti, lighting interplay and creating less boring/conventional workspace aesthetics.

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From Drab to Fab!!!

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Transforming Outdated Spaces on A Budget

Imagine a world with distractions and excess chaos, simplifying life is like a breath of fresh air and in the era of interior design, the challenge of recovering outdated spaces on an average or tight budget is a common plight. But not to worry, with a sprinkle of creativity and resourcefulness, turning a drab space into a fabulous creation is entirely feasible.

Exploring indigenous strategies and proper tips on how to bring the life into tired looking rooms without breaking the bank is what interior designers do, however before diving into any project, space assessment to envision the proposed outcome is required and by so doing drabness becomes phenomenal. Take for instance you walk into the home of your friend and see outdated furniture, sparse decoration, one colour scheme and poor lighting (both natural and artificial), all that comes to mind is BORING, and that is certainly not eye pleasing.

Often, the process of transforming outdated spaces starts from decluttering, because spaces like that are very much clustered and disorganized, decluttering isn’t necessarily about tidying up, it’s an insightful transformative journey that arrives at clarity and serenity. An example could be your closet space, rather than having a chaotic heap of clothes in a tightened-up wardrobe, go for a more functional wardrobe choice that has multiple compartments where your clothes are properly organised while keeping it fabulously on a budget.

Moreover, embracing the power of Do-It-Yourself makeovers do come in handy, could be to revamp an old furniture with the use of vibrant colours for the table or a trendy textured fabric for the sofa, or experiment with unique finishes like a distressed ombre, however which way, the goal is to get that scabby furniture into a new creation without breaking the bank. Likewise, DIY, upcycling can be very purposeful, by giving old items a fresh look one tends to not only cutting down budget, but also being spontaneously creative and by achieving the 3 Rs in upcycling (Reupholstery, Refinishing & Repainting), materials like pallet wood, old crates or even thrifted vases for plants can be used to add character to the space.

Budget! Budget!! Budget!!!, the one reason clients get scared to take on transformative projects on their old looking homes and what can be done about that? Try budget friendly décor pieces, you do not have to get the most exquisite items imported from Italy or some out of space art painting just to make your home spell out LUXURY. Why not source smart and go out to thrift stores where they sell nice décor accents like stylish throw pillows, rugs, curtains and art works that injects colour, texture and the personality into the space all for a lesser price.

Another transformative method could be ‘the magic of lighting’, it plays a vital role in good spaces and dramatically alters the mood and cognizance as you walk in, try being experimental by using variety of lighting fixtures like, lamps, pendant lights, string lights or even rope lights which are on a more budget friendly side, to create warmth and pleasing atmosphere. Most importantly, never be selfish with natural light, using sheer curtains or blinds and strategically placing mirrors that can reflect the light is well appreciated as it would create a sense of space.

Nothing beats a scenery in a space than the presence of eco-friendly greenery or nature inspired elements. The introduction of this into a drab space breathes life and with the incorporation of indoor plants, nature themed décor or even wallpaper that has prints of leaves and flowers adds an accessorized touch to the space while infusing freshness and vitality, and guess what, you get not only beauty, but a decoration that purifies the air for well-being.

Lastly, the importance of one’s personal touch shows how far your unique style is and makes your space stand out from many others. Try incorporating something that summarises your personality or sentimental objects that is placed as a constant reminder, items as such could be picture frames of you, family or friends or a fun painting you made with friends that can be hung on the wall. Your touch in the space would make it more special and inviting to you and everyone else.

And so, the journey to transform outdated spaces on a budget should not look unrealistic anymore because it is a rewarding endeavour that allows for spontaneous creativity, resourcefulness and self-expression. Follow these tips in openness of mind and trust the process, because with a little imagination and effort, even you can turn DRAB SPACES to FAB SPACES according to your wallet size.

MIX IT UP!!!

Blogs

Who says a grey couch, with a forest green throw pillow, and a furry lilac blanket that is balanced out with the beige painting on the wall and ceiling, don’t compliment? Or the classic dining chairs, with a marble top on a gold stand as it’s table, all coming together on the smooth rug…

Texturolor is coined from ‘Texture & Colour’, to give that combined expression on how they both compliment each other perfectly. The mixology that comes with both of these terms in your design space can elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary in the glimpse of an eye.

One of the most intriguing aspects of texturolor in a blank space is the creation of harmonious contrasts, combining rough with smooth, soft with hard, glossy with matte, that adds a certain form of dimension to the space you’re being creative on. Same goes with pairing colours that contrast yet compliment each other, can evoke a feel of drama or balance, depending on ones style.

The saying, “the eyes are the windows to the soul” , where in this sense, the soul is your designed space, while the eyes are the combination of textures and colours. Once this mixture is created in a room, office, bar, it first feeds the eyes and gives the one who grasps in its beauty; a sense of what the designer behind it was thinking, the visual interest is heightened and prevents one to feel monotonous.

Likewise, a good colour scheme can also give that attention to furniture details or well curated decor pieces. Incorporating plush fabrics, natural wood grains, velvet upholstery, smooth marble surfaces and sleek metals invites touch and builds interaction with the space.

The juxtaposition of variety texturolor embodies a multisensory environment, where designing a cosy bedroom, living room or fun working space, and the precise use of textures and colours sets a tone that transforms it into a serene environment that reflects the aspiration of the designer or the occupants.

The interesting aspect of all these, is that you do not have to be a designer or interior decorator to know these bits and tricks, because with the right sense of colour palette and the feel of your choice of antiques, you automatically become an artist of your own space, as long as it resonates with your style.

Blogs

DIY vs Professional!!!

When to hire an interior designer and when to do it yourself

Inspiring Open Concept Office Space In Accra By DHK Designs

In a city known for its vibrant energy and thriving business scene, dhk Designs has designed an open concept office space that inspires creativity and productivity.

Read Full Article

Design Update – A Modern Fashion Store In Lagos By DHK Designs

The Gold store, also known as Room XIX is a concept fashion store designed and fitted by Nigerian Architects, DHK Designs.

Read Full Article

Rise HQ in Lagos by DHK Designs is Crafted to Ensure Productivity

Read Full Article

From Drab to Fab!!!

Transforming Outdated Spaces on A Budget

MIX IT UP!!!

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Contact Us

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Blogs

When to hire an interior designer and when to do it yourself

In a city known for its vibrant energy and thriving business scene, dhk Designs has designed an open concept office space that inspires creativity and productivity.

The Gold store, also known as Room XIX is a concept fashion store designed and fitted by Nigerian Architects, DHK Designs.

Transforming Outdated Spaces on A Budget

Links

Contact Us

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