Themes versus Concepts

So let's talk about theme design versus design concepts in your Library.  A lot of people use the word Theme and Concept interchangeably. And yes they do have a similar connotation, but they are not one in the same; especially in the design world. And after you've read this week's post, you'll be able to apply each one to your project and use them accordingly.

While my firstborn was biding his time to enter this great big world twelve years ago, I was obsessing over what his first bedroom would look like.  As a new mom, I wanted his nursery to be memorable and adorable.  But as a designer I wanted it to be functional and classic.  My dilemma, however was that I hated themes and all that seemed to be available was the typical Target route with a themed nursery-in-a-bag.  I was looking for something a little different that I could add my own personal flare to.  So as a good reference point, consider that most nursery designs fall into the category of a theme.

EXCITING NEWS before I go on!!  I'm getting ready to launch some free video lessons on beginning your Library design in the next few weeks.  I'll also be announcing the dates for my Fall Session of Off the Shelf Library Design Academy.  If you want don't want to miss those free lessons, click on the link HERE and get connected today!  I hope to see you there.

 Fast forward to a few years ago when I was working on a Library design in a North Georgia town that was known for it's natural history and local food and artists.  We needed a design that expressed that local flavor while accomplishing all the necessary goals for the Library staff and patrons.  As a further challenge, we needed to incorporate that history and abounding natural elements into the children's area without creating a theme that they would be stuck with for years to come.  This application falls into the Design Concept category. 

A design concept is used as the base for your entire design. It's more of a broad term. Generally a concept is built on an idea or style that reflects the company or library personality. It can also be based on the overall look of the architecture or the community you're building in. Some examples of these can be things like a traditional design or a more contemporary design. You can also use styles like industrial spaces or something with a more organic feel. And again, this can totally be a decision made by looking at the community you're building in.

For example, let's say you're working on a project that's centered in a busy city with very little in the way of natural surroundings. You could go one of two ways. You can either capitalize on the existing architecture and atmosphere by using a fun industrial look with bold colors, warm wood tones and metal furniture (this would be a great addition to an energetic city with a local appeal).

Or you could try a completely different concept that brings a warmer and more natural feel to its already-hectic surroundings by working with an organic design. The idea behind this of course is to create a space that is the absolute opposite of the location you're building in so you can bring something new and fresh to a community that may be hungry for a retreat or refuge from the usual hustle and bustle of city living. But a theme could take these concepts a step further.

 If your library is in a beautiful college community like the one discussed above, where nature and local flavor like music and the arts play a really big part in your design, you can generate a concept that uses organic carpet and warm earthy tones for the walls. It has a somewhat traditional concept with touches of organic undertones.

You add artwork that showcases local artists and musicians and throw in furniture with soft finishes that feel very warm and inviting to patrons. This is your concept. Now you want to put a special twist on the children's area so that they feel individual and special in their own space. Here's where your theme comes in.

 You want something that relates to your concept and ties it all together but brings it down to the level that children will truly appreciate and feel comfortable in. How about a local history and animal life mural with hidden images and a key for children to locate those images? It will bring so much energy to the space and invites your younger patrons to interact with their surroundings.

You could even post books on display that talk about the different items in the mural. Add games and tactile toys that resemble the theme as well. This is a great theme that smoothly ties your concept into a more specialized space in your building.

 Every design needs a concept to work from. But you don't always need a theme. So keep in mind that they are very different and if you decide you want a theme for your space, use your concept to draw from. 

A theme, on the other hand is a very specific and often specialized design idea that typically stems from a concept. It generally starts with an overall look or feel and uses a more detailed element of the design that is carried throughout an entire space or a section of the building that requires something a little more special. Like a children's area of a library for example. Children's spaces are a great place to pull a more personal theme into a design.

Here is a site I found with some examples of fun theme design.  Keep in mind that with theme design, you have to decide how far you wish to take it.  Do you go all out and add murals, furnishings and other finishes that are more permanent in order to maintain a theme that you intend to keep for years to come? 

Or do you prefer a relatively neutral backdrop where you can change out your themes using temporary options over time?  This is a decision that must be seriously considered because of the financial costs of the permanent changes as well as the time costs of the more consistent changes of temporary options.

The most important point to consider is that you can choose whether or not to have a theme but you CANNOT choose to not have a Design Concept.  When you put together a Library design, you absolutely MUST have a design concept in place.  This will drive all your design decisions and give you an anchor to refer back to no matter the question or design choice that comes up.

I hope this post leads to lots of questions for you about design concepts and themes.  I would love to answer them for you.  Join me on my DIY Library Design group on Facebook below and share your thoughts and questions today.   

Join the Conversations Today - DIY Library Design Facebook Group

 In the meantime, I wish you all a wonderful week and look forward to learning more about your Library in the future.

Warmest Wishes,

Cortney