August 2, 2009

Good Furniture Layout Leads to Better Functionality

Posted under General, small spaces | Comments 0

Room planning is more about functionality and space utilization than strictly about looks and style. However, the best proof of the design adage “Form follows function”, the very best room designs also “work” the best for the way YOU intend to use the room.

Where to start: The Roomplace Style Guide can give you a good general idea of what style and type of furniture you’re comfortable with. That being said, you also need to adapt your style to your space. A large home in a suburban location will by nature lend itself to a different style and size of furniture than a high-rise condominium in town.

Architectural style and detail and window shape can also affect your choice of style. Crown moldings and chair rails will lend themselves to a more traditional type of furniture, regardless of what room they are in. How you arrange your pictures and artwork can also be affected by the style you choose. ResidentialArchitect.com provides an excellent guide to wall style and picture arrangement.

Room layout isn’t just about where the big pieces go; it’s about you working your style to create a look that shows your creativity and sense of personality while still maintaining both the function and overall theme you’ve set out to create.

The site creativity-portal.com has an excellent range of topics that stretch beyond just “what color do I paint the wall” or “Does my Dad’s sailing ship painting go with my contemporary furniture?” (NO!).

Room layout is furniture placement, artwork, wall and window coverings, paint, accessories, all working together to enhance, not inhibit, how you live in your space.

Small spaces make these choices even more critical; there is literally less room for error. HGTV has excellent resources for small space color choices and decorating ideas. Make it your own, but plan to really live there and not admire it from afar.

Room planning is an essential part of a home makeover–or renovation–and superior room planning is more about functionality and space utilization than strictly about looks and style. The very best room designs “work” the best for the way YOU intend to use the room. I’m familiar with the good folks at KMP Furniture and they’ve steered some of my friends in the right direction when they were looking at 4 blank walls separated by an empty floor space after renovating their living room from top to bottom.

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