Most homes are filled with furniture-arranging dilemmas. You either cannot squeeze all the pieces you need into a room or the space seems furniture challenged. By utilizing some basic decorating principles, you should be able to create the ideal space with a little compromise. Be willing to part with a few items and possibly purchase a new one and your room should be willing to work with you.
Plan Your Space
Think of your room as a blank canvas and all the items you want pictured on that canvas. Then take the measurements of the room as well as the measurements of the furnishings that need placed. Keep in mind how many people use the space, how the traffic flows through the room, and the purpose of the space. Also make not of details such as vents, electrical outlets, phone jacks, etc.
Draw a Floor Plan
Now draw a floor plan of your room using graph paper and furniture templates which can be downloaded off the web. Use one graph square for every foot of actual space. Be sure to include windows, staircases, doors, and fireplaces. After you have printed and cut out the templates, color each in the hue of the piece it represents; then you can get a good idea how color is mixed throughout the room.
Traffic Pattern
When arranging furniture, think about the flow of traffic through the room—generally the path between doorways or furnishings. Leave a minimum of three feet for major walkways, two feet for minor walkways, and avoid flowing traffic through a conversational grouping if possible. Guide the traffic around the room’s perimeter to create a less disruptive environment. Not only is this less intrusive to the people and activities being conducted in the room, it also keeps the room neater and easier to clean. If traffic must cut through the middle of the room, consider creating two small seating areas instead of one large one.
Focal Point
Find the focal point or dramatic element in the room. Furniture is placed to draw attention to the focal point by being grouped around it. This is biggest heaviest object or item in the room, such as a fireplace, bay window, or built-in bookcase. Oftentimes there is no discernible focal point so you will have to create one with furnishings. Dramatic window treatments, an interesting display of artwork, or a beautifully decorated bed can help define the space.
Groupings
Furniture is always placed in groupings such as sofa, end tables, and coffee table or chair, desk, and lamp. When it comes time to add furniture back to the room, place the groupings with the largest pieces first. The largest piece should always face the focal point in the room for balance with the other large pieces evenly distributed through the room. Smaller or secondary furnishings add function to a room. They allow you to create a reading nook or game corner with minimum space. Add all your secondary pieces into the room before accents, which should aid the form and function of the space, not clutter it.
Balance
Balanced rooms are more pleasing to the eye and a more effective use of space. Mix large and small pieces throughout the room, while keeping in mind the scale of the item. You don’t want to dwarf a gorgeous side table with an oversized chair. Large items require a heavy counterpart or grouping for balance. Use different heights of furniture and accessories as you work through the room. People read a room like they read a book, from left to right, so keep the flow of the room in mind when decorating.
Painting a Room
Look at your space as a painter views a work of art. By creating layers and depth, you can alter the appearance of the room. Start with the concept of triangulation, which says that all items need a balance of three within a room. A basic example of triangulation used in interior design is the placement of two end tables on either side of a sofa with a painting over the sofa. Also remember that color and texture need to be mimicked this way as well.
Lighting
Lighting is a key element in the design of a room. A dark cabinet may disappear in a dimly lighted alcove. Bright pieces may seem garish under a picture window. After you determine the placement of the larger items, start planning for task lighting next to seating areas. Creating a triangle of light throughout the room insures uniformity and sense of comfort.
So now it is time to tackle that room in your house that has been bugging you forever. Take you time, analyze what you have to work with, and design your room so that you and your future guests will be comfortable. After all, that’s all that matters!
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