I teach an interior design class online for non-designers. It all started during the pandemic. My sister in law, who taught online at that moment, thought it would be a good idea for people to know the basics of Interior design. After all, there was a major worldwide interior design crisis, where people were realizing their spaces did not give them what they needed.

I’ve always loved teaching, so I quickly said yes. That was more than 2 years ago. Now more than 150 students have attended what I like to call the “Interior design basics for daily living” class. This project exists because of that, as my client is a former student.

Mrs. S lives in what was her newly purchased home, then the pandemic hit. She is a single mother and living with her only son. The house, as many houses in Costa Rica, had a good construction quality, but lacked the care and love needed to make our daily rituals feel like a joyful experience, instead of a dreadful one. The dark low ceilings, for example, created an enclosure that was not aligned to how my Mrs. S wanted to feel and live.

One of the things I love about interior design and the design process, is that you act as a detective. The art of asking the right questions to the clients is vital to get to the bottom of what they expect, not only from me as a designer, but also from the space and how it will make their lives better.

It is also from these extended conversations that I get to know my clients very well: their rituals, their preferences, what they treasure and what they value from life. What makes each of us unique.

Mrs. S enjoyed very much her morning coffee, but did not have a cozy space where to have it. Her amazing ceramic’s collection did not have a proper display either. So, by adding a semi-permeable element where to exhibit them, I clearly defined the two areas that were already there, dictated by her user experience, while providing more privacy to the furthest areas of the house. A small bench with storage underneath provides practical storage solutions, and results in the perfect nook to seat in the morning, or host “un cafecito” to a friendly neighbor or family visit.

The entrance and living were also clearly defined. And do not under estimate the power of design in compact spaces, as essence always comes in small sizes.