Whether you're furnishing your first home, fitting existing furniture into a new home or refreshing the layout of your home-sweet-home; deciding what fits where or, what's known in the design world as "Space Planning", can be a challenge.
Here are some things to keep in mind when arranging your "space":
1) Plan Ahead - If you are shopping for new furniture be sure to measure your space and draw a sketch of your room to-scale. If you are working with existing furniture or have specific pieces in mind, measure them and create to-scale cut outs so that you can try different arrangements before you make a purchase. Take your plan with you when you shop - knowing what will and won't fit in your room will save you a lot of time, money and heavy lifting.
*There is a great space planning tool on the Urban Barn website called "The Make Room Planner". It allows you to space plan using pre-made plans from their gallery or you can enter dimensions and create your own custom plan.
Urban Barn's - The Make Room Planner
2) Think Intimacy - When grouping furniture, imagine how your family or a group of friends will interact in the space. Does your layout leave anyone left-out? Does your arrangement make it possible for everyone to hear and participate in the conversation? If the room is very large, you might consider breaking it up into two or more smaller areas.
This living room design, by GUNKELMANS INTERIOR DESIGN, makes use of the room's ample square footage and creates intimacy by dividing the space into three distinct areas.
3) Ease of Movement - Are you able to move freely throughout the room or are you in danger of knocking over a lamp as you squeeze by? 18" is a standard distance to leave between seating and a table. Major traffic paths require approx 3' of clearance.
This room design, by CANDICE OLSEN, while small still allows ample room to move.
4) Be Flexible - Incorporate pieces into your rooms that do double-duty. Upholstered cubes, an ottoman or a bench can easily be moved around the room to create extra seating or an extra cocktail/coffee table where needed.
X-Benches, like the ones in this room designed by Jonathan Adler, can be tucked away behind the sofa or brought out for "in-a-pinch" seating.
The "Pawn Stool", by Gus Modern, can be used as extra seating or a place to set down a cocktail.
- Heather Whyte - Project Coordinator/Showroom Manager
Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that I have featured your firm today in a 'designer profile' post on my blog. I really adore your work and wish that you were in Vancouver!! Hope you enjoy the post: http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2011/05/designer-profile-atmosphere-interior.html#comments
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy@marcusdesign | 05/03/2011 at 10:34 AM