Beautiful is nothing if it’s not functional. Layout is a fundamental element of the design, it defines how we will move, communicate and feel in a space. And if the layout is not done correctly, the most beautiful interior will not feel comfortable.
The first thing you should do when creating a layout is to define the purpose of the room. Each room should have a function. You should ask yourself: What will be done in this room? How often will this room be used? Who will use this room? This will help you to define the structure of the layout before you even start inserting furniture.
Then comes the zoning. Breaking down the space into functional zones will help you to allocate functions without creating disorder. For example, you can create a resting area, a reading area, even a work area in a living room. The zoning of a room should be as clear as possible.
Circulation is another important point. A good layout should always contemplate the circulation of the users in the room. The circulation path should always be obvious, logical and comfortable. You shouldn’t need to walk around the furniture or feel obstructed. The circulation should be as fluid as possible.
Proportion and scale have a huge impact as well. A too large furniture will make the room feel smaller, whereas a too small furniture will make it feel empty. You should always look for the equilibrium, for the balance between the furniture and the proportions of the room.
The lighting should always be contemplated as soon as the beginning of the layout. The natural lighting can help define the position of certain functions or furniture, whereas the artificial one can help define the different areas and ambiances of a room. A room should always be well illuminated.
Adaptability is the last but not the least principle. Nowadays, rooms should be versatile and adapt to different functions. A layout should always allow changes, either on the repositioning of furniture, insertion of new furniture or even on the change of the room function along the years.
Here at HomeDesignBase, we teach you how to design a layout in a step-by-step way. Instead of just throwing furniture in a room, you learn how to observe, decide and create a layout that really works on a day-to-day basis.
Because a good home, shouldn’t just look good, it should feel good, should circulate good and should work good.