Space Planning Basics

Space planning is important

Does your home make you feel good? Our homes and their contents cause us to experience various emotions, some of which are peace, relaxation and contentment. I don’t have to tell you that these are all good things! Other homes or rooms invoke stress, depression and even claustrophobia at times. It’s then that we need to remedy our surroundings because our homes should be our refuge.

Whether your rooms feel cramped and congested or seem empty due to a lack of furnishings, some simple yet significant changes can quickly lead to comfort and balance. If you’ve been challenged in planning your room, here are some ideas to consider:

Furniture and Accessory Placement
A good first step is to take into account children, pets or equipment that move through the room. This will allow you to make decisions on proper furniture and accessory placement. A good rule of thumb is to allow 36” of walkway for major traffic areas.

Lines of Vision
Step two involves your line of vision. Does everyone in the room have the ability to view the television, fireplace or each other during conversations? Obstacles that must be dodged in order to see across the room can be very distracting and frustrating.

Balance of Filled and Empty Space
The third step, and possibly the most important, is to ensure the balance of filled and empty space. Eliminate clutter: remove old, unused magazines from your tables and countertops as well as unimportant accessories in your room. Rotate them periodically with different items to freshen the look and keep it evolving, rather than stagnant. Contain loose accessories like pet or child toys in decorative baskets or bins. If obvious empty areas in the room stand out, populate them with furniture or accessories to give the room visual balance. If you notice the void, subconsciously, you’ll feel a void every time you enter the room

After completing these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to relaxing and enjoying your room more fully!

Our next blog will be on the best usage of COLOR; how to choose paint, furnishings and accessory colors that make you feel relaxed or energized in your room. You can check out our design approach too!