Back to: Interior Design Space Planning
The process of interior design is primarily reliant on space planning. Achieve interior space planning goals; usually begins with a detailed analysis of the intended usage of the space. The designer then uses his storytelling ability to create a plan outlining the space’s zones and activities. The space layout will also trace the circulation patterns that indicate how people move throughout the area. All equipment, furniture, and hardware placement information are included in the blueprint.
Ideas to Think about when Planning your Room’s Arrangement:
Body size affects one’s perception of space. Different-sized areas suit other people: what one person considers a claustrophobic box is another’s cozy nest.
When furnishing small rooms, blur the edges to break up the lines between the floor and the walls; move furniture away from the walls a little; furniture should be proportional to the space; choose furniture with legs to provide the illusion of more space.
Use a scale drawing of your room to plan your furniture, or trim the paper forms to size and location them to determine the best furniture and accessory arrangement.
Consider the volume of the space. For example, adding a sofa, chandelier, sculptures, bookshelves, table, or coffee table would displace some of the water if it were a fishbowl. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the area.
In each room, aim to create both a prospect and a sanctuary. You can feel confined while also viewing the outside and natural world. Incorporating the Prospect and Refuge theory into a space can improve the human experience. “We prefer a view (prospect) with shelter (refuge) because humans’ field of vision is to the front (prospect), necessitating some type of back-up protection (refuge).”
To clarify each part of a vast or long space, divide it into various activity zones.
Consider the room’s structure; what are the primary focal points? Windows, fireplaces, doors, and built-in units are examples of these. Is there a sense of equilibrium in the room? If not, consider what you might add to the area to balance the structure. Remember subconsciously to focal points and that when entering a space, it will scan the area.
Clutter closes down space, so keep it under control to avoid obstructing circulation and distorting the perception of a room’s size.
Ensure the circulation path through a room follows an easy and cost-effective path from the door to all main activity areas.
Use the principles of vertical lines drawing our eyes up and horizontal lines drawing our eyes across the space or reducing a room’s proportions when designing decorating and lighting.
Using square-grid wallpaper or floor tile, a room in squares will make the space appear more significant than the existing one — the smaller the grid, the larger the room seems.
Use a different colored or textured runner or folded throw to break up the upholstered surface of big sofas.
Borrow space from the outside by ensuring a clear view of the surroundings. You can even ‘borrow’ space from nearby rooms using the same flooring materials.
Now that you’ve learned more about space planning let’s look at some questions you should ask yourself before establishing a space plan for your own space.
Before you Create your Space Plan, ask Yourself these Questions.
How many people will be using the area, and will every one do so for the same reason? For example, a family may share a room, and one member may watch TV while another reads or works.
What is a plan for what you will do with the space? Is it going to be multifunctional? For example, is it better to have a living/dining room or a bedroom/study?
Do you have any existing furniture in the space that you’d like to incorporate?
What are the room’s focal points, and how can you use them?
In terms of space, how do you want the room to feel — open and airy, snug, minimal, serene?
Can furniture from other parts of the house be moved into or out of this room?
What kind of lighting will be required, and how much natural light is available?
Do you prefer symmetry and balance, the unexpected, or a combination?
Is there anything else you’d like to add to this room’s wish list?
Do you need to add focal points to your design?
These questions will illuminate the issues your space plan must address. Consider these factors as you plan your space and develop a viable solution. You may need to make some concessions on some of the points. That’s fine; as the designer, you must complete the decisions that best serve the client, whether you or someone else.