Notes When Designing & Constructing Interiors – Avoid Losing Money and Getting Disadvantaged

Interior design is the process of conceptualizing, sketching and materializing solutions for space, color, materials, lighting, furniture and decorative accessories inside a building. Interior construction is the process of realizing design drawings into real space. These are two closely linked stages, determining 2% of the quality of the completed space.

Dr. Architect Hoang Thuc Hao - Hanoi University of Civil Engineering said in 2023: "Interior design needs to ensure harmony between functionality, aesthetics and technical factors. A good interior space must meet the needs of living and working in the most comfortable way, while creating a feeling of relaxation and excitement for the user."

To avoid "losing money and getting sick" when designing and constructing interiors, you need to note:

  • When designing: Define style; plan optimal space layout; arrange colors, lighting, and furniture reasonably; pay attention to creating highlights and feng shui.
  • During construction: Construction supervision, ensuring labor safety, close coordination with relevant parties, cost and contract management, and careful acceptance.

Many homeowners subjectively do not plan, choose partners and write contracts carefully, leading to an unfavorable design and construction process. Others "forget" to supervise the construction quality, do not pay attention to functionality, aesthetics, feng shui as well as carefully inspect the machine, causing many unfortunate consequences.

Let's learn more about the notes when designing and constructing interiors in the following article!

Notes when designing & constructing interior
Notes when designing and constructing interiors to avoid losing money and getting into trouble

What to Note When Designing Interiors?

When designing the interior, clearly define the style and scientifically plan the space to ensure harmony. At the same time, choose suitable colors, lighting and furniture, create highlights, and pay attention to feng shui elements to have a perfect living space.

Notes when designing interior
What to note when designing interior?

Clearly define design style

Interior design style is considered as the skeleton for the entire design and construction process, ensuring that the idea goes in the right direction. From there, choose materials, separate furniture, decor, and decorations that are suitable for the original purpose.

Without a clear direction, the space can easily become disjointed, messy and disharmonious, leading to excessive furniture arrangement, increasing costs by up to 20-30%. On the contrary, when the style is clearly defined, the design process is optimized, helping you own a space that suits your taste and aesthetics.

Nowadays, there are many different interior design styles such as classic, retro, indochina, hitech, minimalist, scandinavian, etc. You should choose a design style based on 4 main factors: personality, color preference, lifestyle and budget.

Understanding and planning scientific space

It is extremely important to scientifically divide the space in your home, whether it is the living room, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Each space needs to be arranged with a shape and size suitable for its own function.

Understanding the floor plan helps you divide the space logically, create connections between rooms and optimize 100% of the usable area.

At the same time, when you clearly understand the space and area, choosing the design, material and size of the interior will become much faster and more suitable. This is the premise to build an ideal living space as desired.

Choose the right color and light

In interior design and construction, the two elements of color and light always go hand in hand and complement each other.

Choose color and light
Choose the right color and light.

The book “Psychology in Interior Design” by Donald Norman published in 2021 emphasizes: “Color has a great influence on human emotions and moods. Each color carries its own energy and message. For example, green often evokes a feeling of freshness and tranquility, suitable for relaxing spaces such as bedrooms and reading rooms. Meanwhile, orange and red bring the energy of enthusiasm and excitement, suitable for dynamic spaces such as living rooms and dining rooms.”

Use 1-2 main colors for the whole house to ensure harmony. Then add other complementary colors according to standard coordination rules. All spaces should be consistent, do not "want" too many colors, the result is just a confusing and chaotic scene.

According to the book “Home Interior Decoration” by Gia Long – Uy Minh – Hieu Lac published in 2024: “Lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design. Arranging a reasonable lighting system not only ensures that activities take place smoothly but also creates an atmosphere and emotion for the space. According to research, natural light can help save 20-40% of energy compared to artificial lighting.” However, it is also necessary to ensure harmony between artificial and natural light sources so that the space is well lit 24/7.

Choose color and light
Choose the right color and light in design and construction.

Choose and arrange furniture properly

Furniture not only meets the needs of the homeowner, it is also a decoration, making the space more aesthetic. However, if the wrong furniture size is chosen, the material and color of the furniture are not harmonious or there are too many items, the space of the house will not only become cramped but also less luxurious. Therefore, choosing the right furniture and arranging it properly is very important.

In particular, materials are the decisive factor for the durability and aesthetics of the interior. You should choose materials that match the design style and purpose of each space. Use 3 types of high-class materials such as natural wood, marble and metal to create a modern and luxurious living space. If you prefer a cozy and comfortable living space, you should use natural materials such as wood, rattan, bamboo, etc.

List the necessary furniture for each room, then choose the appropriate size, style, and material of furniture depending on the room space. Finally, plan the arrangement of items to meet the function but still be aesthetic.

Create highlights and decorations

To avoid monotony, create impressive highlights with a special piece of furniture, a piece of art or a unique wall. Bringing green plants into the house not only beautifies but also helps purify the air. Use decorative accessories such as pillows, rugs, curtains to complete the space, create coziness and express your own personality.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is the art of arranging space to optimize the flow of positive energy. To ensure this, you should follow some basic principles such as:

  • Balance yin and yang, ensuring harmony between light and dark, hard and soft materials.
  • Space arrangement needs to ensure smooth flow of energy (air), avoiding obstacles or dead corners.
  • Choose colors and materials that match the homeowner's destiny.
  • Avoid negative elements such as sharp objects pointing into the house, or placing mirrors opposite the main door.

Applying feng shui in interior arrangement will help regulate light, sunlight direction, wind direction, air convection... thereby making the space fresher and more airy...

What to Note When Doing Interior Construction?

When constructing interiors, the most important thing is to closely monitor the entire process to ensure quality and progress, while ensuring labor safety at the construction site. In addition, it is necessary to coordinate effectively between parties, manage costs and contracts closely, and carefully accept each item so that the project is completed as required.

Notes when constructing interior
What to note when doing interior construction?

Closely monitor the construction process

Construction supervision plays a key role in ensuring the quality and progress of the project. Close supervision helps to detect and promptly correct errors, avoiding unfortunate consequences later. Be proactive in participating in the supervision process and coordinate closely with the contractor.

  • Important monitoring stages: Supervision should be carried out throughout the site preparation, rough construction, basic finishing and interior installation stages. Each stage has its own points to note. For example, the basic finishing stage requires careful inspection of the quality of walls, ceilings and floors before installing the interior.
  • Check construction quality according to drawings: Technical drawings are the guide for the construction process. Carefully compare the drawings with the actual construction to ensure that the project is carried out according to the design. For example, door sizes, electrical outlet locations, water pipes, etc. need to be carefully checked.
  • Handling problems and issues arising during construction: During the construction process, it is inevitable that problems will arise. Coordinate with the contractor to find timely and effective solutions, minimizing the impact on the progress and quality of the project.

Ensure labor safety

Labor safety is not only a legal regulation but also the responsibility of investors and contractors, to protect the lives and health of workers.

  • Protective equipment: Require all personnel at the construction site to be fully equipped with protective gear such as hats, shoes, gloves, glasses, and masks.
  • Safety training: Organize regular training sessions on safety rules when using machinery and equipment, as well as how to handle emergency situations.
  • Check the device: Ensure electrical equipment, machinery, scaffolding, etc. are regularly inspected and always in good working condition.
  • Construction site cleaning: Keep the construction area clean and tidy to avoid obstacles and falls.

Effective coordination between parties

The good coordination between the investor, architect, main contractor and subcontractors will determine the success of the project.

  • Regular communication: Establish clear communication channels, hold regular meetings to exchange information, solve problems and make timely decisions.
  • Assignment of responsibilities: Each party needs to clearly understand their roles and responsibilities in the project to avoid overlapping or missing work.
  • Resolve conflicts: When disagreements arise, it is necessary to calmly listen and analyze the problem objectively to find a common solution, avoiding affecting progress and relationships.

Cost and contract management

A construction contract is an important legal document that protects the rights of both parties. Strict cost management helps you control your budget and avoid unexpected costs. Learn carefully about the types of contracts and pay attention when signing.

  • Types of interior construction contracts and notes when signing: Lump sum contracts include all items from design to construction. Unit price contracts calculate costs based on the unit price of each item. When signing a contract, it is necessary to pay attention to the terms of progress, quality, payment, warranty, etc. For example, the contract must clearly state the warranty period for each interior item.
  • Monitor and control construction costs: Create a detailed cost tracking table for each item and update it regularly during the construction process. This helps you control cash flow and promptly detect any unexpected expenses.
  • Payment methods and warranty terms: The contract should clearly state the payment method (payment in stages or one-time payment) and warranty terms for each furniture item. For example, 2-year warranty for kitchen cabinets, 1-year warranty for sofas, etc.

Strict acceptance

Acceptance is the final step to evaluate the quality and quantity of work, ensuring that the project is completed as required.

  • Acceptance of each item: Instead of waiting until the whole project is completed, acceptance should be carried out in stages or small items (for example: acceptance of rough construction, electricity and water, painting, furniture installation, etc.).
  • Finished quality check: Carefully evaluate the flatness, smoothness of the surface, color, construction lines, joints of details, as well as the operation of the equipment.
  • Compare with contract/drawings: Ensure all elements are in accordance with what has been agreed and committed in the contract and design drawings.
  • Minutes of acceptance: After each acceptance test, a record must be made clearly stating the status, errors (if any) and correction requests. The record must be signed by the relevant parties.
Thorough acceptance
Strict acceptance.

What Mistakes Are Commonly Made In Interior Design And Construction?

In interior design and construction, common mistakes often come from lack of initial planning and careful research, choosing the wrong partner and loose contracts. In addition, neglecting construction quality, lack of supervision, ignoring functional, aesthetic and feng shui factors, along with subjectivity in acceptance and after-sales service are also the main causes leading to later problems.

Interior design and construction
What are the common mistakes in interior design and construction?

Lack of initial planning and research

The biggest mistake is to skip detailed planning. You need to clearly define the usage needs and desired style for each space, avoiding designs that do not suit your living habits. At the same time, the lack of a specific budget for materials, labor, and incidental costs (usually 10-20%) will lead to a "bankrupt" situation.

Additionally, not doing your research on materials and suppliers can also lead to you choosing the wrong product or paying a higher price.

Choosing the wrong partner and loose contracts

Choosing the wrong design and construction unit is a big risk. Don’t choose a partner with no experience, no clear capacity profile or weak construction team just because of cheap price.

The second mistake is to sign a sketchy contract, lacking important terms about project progress, material quality, payment and warranty. The contract must be a legal basis to protect your rights, avoiding future disputes.

Ultimately, lack of regular communication and coordination between you, the architect and the contractor will lead to misunderstandings and distortions of the original idea.

Neglecting construction quality and supervision

During the construction process, a serious mistake is the use of poor quality materials or materials that are not as committed, directly affecting durability and health (for example, wood containing high levels of Formaldehyde). Construction that is not technically correct or deviates from the design drawings (such as electrical and water systems, structures) will lead to technical errors and costly repairs.

Most notably, there is a lack of close supervision and no periodic inspection of each item, causing errors to not be detected and corrected promptly, reducing the overall quality of the project.

Ignoring function, aesthetics and feng shui factors

Many people only focus on beauty and ignore functionality and space optimization.

  • Poor interior design, narrow aisles.
  • Not paying attention to natural light and ventilation will make the house stuffy, affecting health.
  • Ignoring feng shui elements can cause insecurity for homeowners.
  • Overusing decorative details or not showing individual personality will make the space become cluttered, or conversely, lack vitality.

Dr. Architect Pham Thanh Tung shared in 2024: “One of the common mistakes in interior design is overusing decorative details, making the space confusing and difficult to concentrate. Instead, you should prioritize minimalism, functionality and convenience. A study shows that a minimalist, neat space can help increase concentration and productivity by up to 15%.”

Errors in acceptance and after-sales

The final mistake is subjectivity in the acceptance stage and ignoring the warranty policy.

  • Careless acceptance, not checking every small defect (whether it's a scratch or an electrical line) can lead to major damage later.
  • Not understanding the warranty policy (time, scope) makes you lose your rights when there is a problem.
  • Lack of post-project evaluation and feedback also loses the opportunity for the contractor to improve its services and provide others with additional reference information.

Where is the address for professional interior design and construction in the South?

If you are looking for a professional interior design and construction address in the South, SmartDecor is a choice worth considering. With many years of experience in the industry, SmartDecor has been affirming its position through high-quality projects and dedicated services.

Which address designs and constructs professional interiors?
Which address designs and constructs professional interiors in the South?

SmartDecor's outstanding services

SmartDecor provides a comprehensive service package, from concept to completion, ensuring to bring perfect living and working space to customers.

  • Interior Design: SmartDecor has a team of talented architects and designers, always updating the latest trends to create unique, creative designs that suit the style and needs of each customer. From modern, minimalist to classic, neoclassical styles, SmartDecor can meet all.
  • Full interior construction: After the design is approved, SmartDecor's construction team will directly implement the project. The construction process is carried out professionally and meticulously, ensuring the right schedule and quality commitment. SmartDecor focuses on using high-quality, durable materials, bringing long-term use value to the project.
  • Interior construction on request: In addition to complete projects, SmartDecor also undertakes individual interior construction projects according to customer requirements, including making separate furniture, renovating spaces, etc.

Why should you choose SmartDecor for interior design and construction?

7 reasons to choose SmartDecor:

  • Be proactive with your own workshop: SmartDecor owns a separate, modern furniture manufacturing workshop. This helps SmartDecor to be completely proactive in controlling the quality of input materials, monitoring the production process down to the smallest detail, ensuring that the product meets the highest standards before installation. The lack of intermediaries helps to optimize costs and construction time, bringing direct benefits to customers.
  • Diverse styles and types of construction: SmartDecor's design team is capable of creating and implementing a variety of interior styles, from modern, minimalist, Scandinavian, Indochine to neoclassical, classical. At the same time, SmartDecor has experience in implementing many different types of projects, including:
    • Home interior: Apartments, townhouses, villas, bungalows.
    • Office furniture: Design professional and comfortable working space.
    • Store and showroom interior: Create an attractive and impressive business space.
    • Hotel, restaurant, cafe interior: Unique space design, suitable for each type of business.
  • Professional and reputable: SmartDecor always puts professionalism and prestige first. Every process from consulting, design to construction is carried out transparently and clearly, ensuring the best interests of customers.
  • Experienced team: With a team of architects, engineers and skilled workers, SmartDecor is confident in providing optimal solutions and perfectly realizing all design ideas.
  • Outstanding quality: SmartDecor is committed to using high quality materials with clear origins, ensuring durability and aesthetics for each product. The construction process is closely monitored to achieve the best quality.
  • Competitive price: SmartDecor provides interior solutions at reasonable prices, suitable for many customer segments, while ensuring that service and product quality are always prioritized.
  • Considerate after-sales service: SmartDecor is always ready to support and answer all customer questions after the project is completed, showing care and responsibility for each project.

If you want to know more details about completed projects or need direct consultation, you can contact SmartDecor for the best support.

Questions Related to Interior Design and Construction

How to design the electrical and water system in the house to ensure safety?

Guide electrical and water system layout Indoor safety:

  • Power system: You should choose suitable electrical equipment and wires, scientifically wire the wires and install an electrical protection system in case of overload or leakage.
  • Water system: Choose suitable plumbing materials, design a reasonable water supply and drainage scheme and pay attention to the wastewater and rainwater drainage system.

Which trend is currently on the rise in interior design and construction?

You should pay attention to 5 trends at the highlight when designing and constructing home interiors: curved art, Terrazzo tiles, multi-colored marble, velvet and earth tones. Find out more information at the link: Interior accent design trends , and Interior color trends of the year.

What design styles are popular today?

5 hottest interior design styles today includes: Maverick, modern, neoclassical, Hitech and Scandinavian.

Is interior design and construction according to feng shui really necessary?

Feng Shui interior design and construction may be necessary depending on the beliefs and desires of the homeowner. For many people, Feng Shui is not only a spiritual factor but also a way to create a harmonious living space, bringing a sense of peace and fortune.

In particular, modern feng shui has changed. It is no longer purely based on destiny (Kim, Wood, Water, Fire, Turkey) but also a subtle combination of scientific and natural elements.

This includes considering the direction of sunlight, wind direction, optimizing natural light and ensuring good air circulation in the house. A space designed according to modern feng shui will be both aesthetically beautiful and functional, bringing benefits to the health and spirit of the homeowner.

See more articles How to arrange furniture according to feng shui?

What are the most popular interior materials today?

9 interior materials The most popular today include:

  • Wood (Natural wood, Wood Industry).
  • Tiles (ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, granite tiles, cotto tiles). See more articles 9+ Beautiful tile floor models & total construction price.
  • Plastic (PP plastic, PE plastic, PVC plastic, Acrylic plastic, PC plastic, ABS plastic).
  • Metal (Steel, aluminum, copper, iron, stainless steel).
  • Glass (tempered glass, heat-resistant tempered glass, frosted glass, colored glass).
  • Stone (natural stone, artificial stone).
  • Gypsum (Ordinary gypsum, water-resistant gypsum).
  • Rattan (Natural bamboo and rattan, processed bamboo and rattan).
  • Concrete (Normal concrete, decorative concrete, lightweight concrete).
  • Fabrics (Natural fiber fabrics, synthetic fiber fabrics, blended fabrics, coated fabrics).

Depending on your needs, design style, finances, etc., choose the right material.

What design principles should be followed to ensure harmonious interior lighting?

When designing interior lighting, need to follow 5 principles:

  • Pay attention to the function and form of each space.
  • Develop a detailed lighting plan.
  • Make optimal use of natural light.
  • Choose the right lighting tools.
  • Pay attention to light control.

Contact SmartDecor for more specific advice if you have interior design and construction needs!

Related posts

Mini Apartment Kitchen Cabinets: Compact, Modern Solution for Small Spaces

Mini apartment kitchen cabinets are products designed specifically for apartments below...

Kitchen Lights: Selection Criteria, Classification & Top Outstanding Models

Kitchen lights are lighting fixtures specially designed for the space...

L-Shaped Kitchen: Features, Applications, Top Models & Selection Notes

L-shaped kitchen is a kitchen design in which functional areas...

I-Shaped Kitchen: Features, Applications, Top Models & Selection Notes

I-shaped kitchen is one of the simple kitchen design models and...

What is Rustic Interior Design Style? Characteristics, Advantages & Top Outstanding Models

Rustic interior style is a design school that emphasizes natural elements...

What is Bauhaus Interior Design Style? Characteristics, Advantages & Top Outstanding Models

Bauhaus is an interior design style, born in 1919 in Germany, bearing the mark...

Leave a comment

Your email will not be displayed publicly. Required fields are marked *

x