Why We Start With Function—Not Furniture
From the Journal of NIID
Design is about more than beauty. It’s about how a space supports your life—day in, day out. At NIID, we believe the most beautiful homes are rooted in clarity, intention, and ease. That’s why every project we take on begins the same way: with function.
When most people think about interior design, their minds go straight to the visual—moodboards, paint swatches, perfectly styled shelves. And while all of that matters (deeply), it’s not where we begin.
At NIID, we start every project by asking one key question:
✏️ What function does this space need to serve?
Before we talk sofas or sconces, we want to understand how you live—or how you want to live. How do you want to use your living room at the end of the day? Who gathers around your kitchen island? What rituals matter to you in the morning? What isn’t working in your space right now?
We often encourage clients to come to our studio for their kick-off meeting. Getting outside your home helps shift the conversation from what’s already there to what’s possible. It gives you space to talk openly about your needs, habits, and dreams—without being visually anchored to what’s not working.
Yes, we’ll absolutely make your space beautiful. But design is a process. And that process always starts with function first.
Because when a space truly works for your life, that’s when the beauty has something to stand on.
