Whether you've recently moved or doing a quick makeover, let's talk about 4 DESIGNER TIPS to create better FLOW in your space!
Image by: Esther Drieshaus
Well hey there, welcome back!
This month, I wanted to offer some educational material in the spirit of "Back to School" by diving deeper into some design basics, elements and principles. Now, if you've ever found yourself becoming frustrated over where to place furniture, decor, or organizing your space in general, know that you are not the first person to feel this way — it's completely normal. Sometimes, it takes a series of trial and error before finding that perfect set up!
Creating good flow [or circulation, if we're speaking architecturally] has very little to do with the size of your space and everything to do with how it's structured [ie. how you fill it]. Hopefully, after today, you will feel better equipped when making design decisions for your space!
1. ALLOWING SPACE
Image by: Aaron Huber
Once you have carefully (or emotionally) selected the items you would like in your space, the planning process of "where do I put this now?" can become overwhelming quite quickly. Allowing space between each furniture piece will not only look like you've got good flow, but actually have it.
Although you might be tempted to fill a room to the brim with as much functionality as possible, [another design element we'll get into at a later date] creating "negative" space actually provides the flow you're looking for. Think of it this way: if you allow space between your pieces, you're creating breathing room, easy mobility and ample space to get around with ease, removing the need to tiptoe or squeeze by. This will make your living area more inviting and ensure that you and your guests are comfortable.
2. {RUG} SIZE MATTERS
Image by: Minh Pham
Albeit a click-bait title, when you're thinking of adding flair with an area rug, size dictates where your furniture goes. Got a large rug? Place most [if not all] your furniture on top of the rug.
This creates a feeling of luxury and focuses all the attention to that area; in an open concept room, it can create a segregated living space without using partial height walls or additional furniture. Got a small rug? Best to surround your furniture rather than place it directly on top. Doing so shrinks the space visually, creating a tighter area — thus result in poor flow/circulation.
3. FOCUS
Image by: Jake Goossen
No matter the space, function, or size, there should always be focal point... and it doesn't have to be an area rug! It can be a unique light fixture, an extravagant bookshelf, beautiful artwork, a fireplace or even a bed! These elements should draw attention to the space and work in tandem to bring the entire room together. The choice is yours — so make a statement.
4. AVOID CLUTTER
Image by: Lucas Mendes
Let me start off by saying that no house is ever picture perfect all the time [especially if you've got littles]. Living with minimal clutter is not an easy lifestyle switch — but most definitely worth it.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I have made emotional purchases whilst on many "errand" runs and come home with yet another piece of decor thinking it would add something special to my space... And that was the problem! When it comes to decorating, less really is often more.
I'm not saying your shelves should be bare, your walls naked, and your house devoid of personality. Decor items are great! — but having too many can clutter your space very quickly. Stick to a few basic decorative accents as your base and add sparingly. This will help create an overall theme of the room without it seeming too cluttered before real life clutter inadvertently creeps it's way in.
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