3 Things I’ve Changed My Mind About As An Event Designer of 10+ Years
One of the best things about working in design is that you’re never really finished learning.
The more events I work on, the more I find myself questioning things I once considered absolute rules. What looks good, what works well and what makes an event memorable aren’t always the same thing.
So, here are three things I’ve completely changed my mind about as a designer, and the things I urge you to have a little think about next time you’re quick to dismiss an idea or use your curiosity for good!
1. Everything has to match
I used to think a well-designed event needed to feel incredibly cohesive. The same colours, finishes, furniture and overall style carried throughout the space.
Now, I think the opposite can be much more interesting.
I love spaces that feel collected rather than coordinated. A vintage piece alongside something contemporary. Different textures layered together. Pattern mixed with something much simpler. Things that shouldn’t necessarily work together, somehow working perfectly.
For me, the aim is no longer for everything to match. It’s about everything having a relationship.
A colour picked up in the flowers, texture repeated across the table settings, or an old piece of furniture that brings some character into an otherwise modern space.
Those little contrasts are what give an event personality - much better than it all being very 2d!
2. The prettiest design is the best design
I’m still very much interested in making things beautiful. That will never change.
But I’ve learned that beautiful doesn’t necessarily mean being successful, primarily because events are there to be experienced, not just photographed.
People need somewhere comfortable to sit, to move around, to be able to actually find the bar, talk to each other and actually enjoy the environment you’ve created.
Sometimes the most beautiful decision isn’t the obvious one. It might be adding more seating, changing the layout or choosing a more practical material.
I now think much more about how a design works alongside how it looks.
The best spaces are often the ones where guests don’t consciously notice all the thought that has gone into them. Everything simply feels effortless.
3. You need to follow every trend
I love trends and they’re brilliant for inspiration and a great way to see where design and interest is heading.
But I’ve definitely stopped believing that you need to follow every one.
There will always be a new colour, shape, material or aesthetic being labelled as the next big thing. But not every trend is right for every event.
I’d much rather create something that feels personal and considered than something that looks like it has been lifted directly from Pinterest.
Trends should be ingredients, not the whole recipe and with that I’m much more interested in asking what suits the client, the venue and the atmosphere we’re trying to create.
Not to mention the fact it is simply not sustainable to jump on every trend that rears its head! We’re professionals at adapting our stock to fall in line with trends. But, if we were to make new props or even buy them every time a trend came around, our warehouse would be bursting at the seams (it already is!).
The top line
Perhaps that’s the biggest thing I’ve changed my mind about: good design doesn’t have to be perfect, perfectly matched or perfectly on-trend. It just needs to feel considered, purposeful and completely yours.
Want to hear more tips and tricks that I’ve learnt during my time in the events industry?
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Instagram: @nikkitapdesignseventhire
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