The question “Who will use the space most often?” helps an interior designer design for real life rather than just appearance.
Why it matters:
- Tailors design to users’ needs: A home used mainly by a young family will require different furniture, materials, and layouts compared to a bachelor’s apartment or a vacation rental.
- Informs safety and durability: If children or elderly family members will use the space, designers might choose slip-resistant flooring, rounded edges, or low-maintenance materials.
- Guides style and functionality: A space for busy professionals might focus on efficiency, while a creative studio might prioritize inspiration and flexibility.
- Affects seating, lighting, and storage: Knowing the primary users helps plan the right capacity and accessibility.
Example client answers:
- “Our two kids use this playroom every day.”
- “It’s mostly for me — I work here from 9 to 5.”
- “We have friends over every weekend.”
- “It’s for elderly parents who visit often.”
A good follow-up is: “Are there any secondary users or occasional guests I should design for?” — because sometimes the “occasional” use shapes the design too.
If you’d like, I can give you a quick “User Profile Worksheet” that designers use to map out every person who will use the space and their specific needs. It’s very helpful for avoiding design oversights. Would you like me to prepare that?