Is Your Space Well Designed?

One downside of this profession is that people often hesitate having you over for the first time. Although totally unnecessary, because I never judge, I understand where they’re coming from.

Most of us have the best intentions when we first move in to a new space but life and other priorities quickly get in the way. Before we know it years have gone by, and aside from being a lot fuller, nothing’s really changed.

Whether you’ve just completed a renovation or you’re still planning on making changes, here are three indicators of a well-designed space:

FUNCTION

Function and attention to detail can make or break a design. So how can you ensure your space functions well? Start by asking yourself some important questions:

What do I use my space for? Then list its primary functions in terms of importance and identify a zone for each.

Can I move from one room to the next freely? If not, what’s in my way?

Once in a designated functional zone:

Are the things I need readily available and otherwise out of site? Are any of my five senses inhibited? Does anything not work or stick out and cause me discomfort?

A crucial step to designing the perfect room is envisioning yourself using the space. Little things like having tables to place drinks, moving a conversation zone closer together or changing your furniture layout slightly to improve traffic flow all have a huge impact on the enjoyment of your space.

Other important function related questions include but are not limited to:

Can I make my home more inviting and welcoming for others?

Do I look forward to coming home every night?

Is my room dark enough to ensure a goodnight sleep?

Our environments have a huge impact on both our happiness and wellbeing even though we don’t always take time to acknowledge it.

MOOD

How do you describe your home to others? Is it a source of embarrassment or a source of pride?

How does being in your space make you feel? Are you at ease and comfortable or does it cause you anxiety and stress?

Identifying how you want to feel at home is one of the first steps to ensuring a well-designed space. Once you know use every tool available to recreate your desired feeling as soon as you walk through the door.

Your inspiration may come from a particular item, a theme or room you loved while traveling, your favourite colours or another space where you feel most yourself and relaxed. Layer textures and patterns, play with all five types of lighting, use dimmers to adjust the mood and incorporate some natural elements to add life.

Whether you’re going for energized and invigorating or calm and serene how you decorate and style your home has a huge impact on your mood as well as its design success.

PERSONALITY

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and walk through the door for the first time:

What does your home say about you? Does it tell your story or could almost anyone live there?

A space isn’t well designed if it doesn’t reflect the people who inhabit it. Personal items and collectibles add sentiment and heart while an unexpected item can add whimsy or act as a conversation piece.

Choose items you love and place them carefully throughout your home to tell your story. Doing so will ensure it’s well designed and also unique.

The biggest complement I’m awarded is when someone tells me they love coming home and thoroughly enjoy entertaining in their space.

Whether it’s your mind, body or both that benefit, loving where you live is sure to improve your wellbeing and also the overall design of your space.