You know that popular saying, "God is in the details"? Guess what...its true for great design, too. Read this editorial with "The Grande Gesutre" post from September 2007 (click here to read it).

Not only is great design derived from the Grand Gesture, (or, overall 'statement'), it is supported by the details that echo the big, broad brush strokes that are the Grande Gesture. Details can be built into the architecture and design itself, or they can be applied to an element of design. The little bits and pieces, the care of craft and design and the little extras, when done well, uplift and support the main idea. (However, when approached without restraint, they can quickly become too much!).

Designing down to the last layer, designing something unique for a client, taking something standard issue and customizing it, taking a common shape and reinventing it- all these things and more add depth and personality to a design. The details and "different-ness", either in arrangement, application of materials or actual design signal that a designers hand was in a project and that the client, therefore, values great design.

In designing timeless spaces for my clients, its sometimes challenging to walk the line of classic and current. That's where details come in. A guideline I use is to ask myself, "How can I elevate this expected shape or element into the unexpected?". In doing so, I am able to add detail and create a design that sets itself apart and also supports the Grande Gesture.

A knockout interior design encompasses many, many different components. From the floor plan to the lighting, finishes and accessories- everything must work in unison in order to create a memorable space. Its not enough to address one aspect of design and expect to achieve that "wow" factor. Every layer must work together. Every layer must be calculated, skillfully planned and designed or positioned on purpose. Even when great interiors look effortless- there is a huge amount of thought and reason behind every aspect of a finely finished space.

Enter the Grande Gesture. The Grande Gesture of a space is very important. Its developed by the interior designer via intuition and by information gathered from the client and their lifestyle and preferences. (In commercial design, the client's target market, business culture, product or a combination of these factors determine the Grande Gesture.)

Simply put, the Grande Gesture is the style, theme or concept of a design. Everything stems from the Grande Gesture. It must be carried out to the smallest detail and tastefully integrated into the large components of a design. Its one of those "hard to put your finger on it" definitions. And, when you hit the Grande Gesture jackpot, its also one of those "when you know, you know" feelings.

Great design must speak to the Grande Gesture at every level. Whether the Grande Gesture originates from the exterior architecture, the client's personality or the established design direction- it must be present at every turn. The best example is that of a focal point. We designers use focal points to draw attention, to feature something, and, ultimately, to "wow". Everything else is supportive of that focal point, holds it up and reinforces that main feature. Its a balancing act resulting in design harmony.

Without a Grande Gesture, elements seem unrelated and choppy. Spaces may contradict themselves. A home will not flow. Styles will not blend or vibrate correctly. Lack of a Grande Gesture feels a little hollow, incomplete, and half baked.

Go for the Grande Gesture. Figure out what you want to say by helping your designer when they (hopefully) ask you tons of questions and (hopefully) take tons of notes and (hopefully) think deeply about your project (a great interior designer will do these things!). A powerful Grande Gesture should be stated boldly and quietly repeated in the details to create a truly finished "wow" space.