Space planning is important

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!

Leave A Comment

Other Design Inspiration Articles

  • How to Choose the Best Pendant Lighting for Your Kitchen
    By Published On: September 15, 20232.8 min read

    Pendant lights are one of the most popular lighting fixtures used over kitchen islands, and for good reason. These lights serve as elegant jewelry pieces that add a finishing touch to your kitchen's overall design. When done right, they can stand out and become a unique and stylish conversation piece.

  • NAI’s Most Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design
    By Published On: August 22, 20233.1 min read

    Nicole Arnold Interiors specializes in a wide range of design styles to bring your dream space to life—always tailored to your preferences, regardless of style. Our designers are skilled in aligning with our clients’ needs and never rely on a pre-prescribed “look” or clichés of what a particular style should be.

  • Nicole’s Neutrals Summer Edition: Design Do’s & Don’ts
    By Published On: July 18, 20234.2 min read

    This summer we’ve had record-breaking heat, making it the perfect time to stay indoors and revamp your interiors! In this issue of Nicole’s Neutrals, we dive into the best color tones for your summer-inspired interior and detail the do’s and don’ts of utilizing design elements in your home, including accessories, light fixtures, seating, and more!