The most important thing to consider in creating a well-designed room is how it will be used after it is completed. Whether it is meant to be a family room with rich, inviting colors and a wide play area for young children, or a stately study dominated by an old style, wood-inlaid hearth flanked by shelves for books, each room has an underlying purpose that needs to be brought out and enhanced through any design. If a family room is filled with austere, white couches, chairs and stark decorations, the inhabitants may find it difficult to actually live in that room, especially if there are children there. Well-planned design enhances functionality instead of restricting it. The key is to find the balance of style and function to meet each individual room’s needs.
The Right Furniture
Have you ever been in a room where the furniture overpowered everything else? Sometimes when designing a space people can become attached to furniture that does not fit the scale of the room. It may have been on sale, or a gift from their great grandma Jenny, but nothing will change the fact that the piece is either too big or too small for the space and should be moved elsewhere. Correct furniture will look comfortable, neither crowded nor sparse, and will be inherently inviting.
Size is only one part of the equation. Fabrics, textures, styles, colors, and patterns can all be used to create interest in a space. These are the touches that designers live for. While for some, the idea of designing an entire room might be overwhelming simply because of the sheer volume of design ideas to choose from, it can become a simpler process if one knows where to start. Often, designers will choose one object – a fabric, pillow, piece of artwork, or a rug – and make that the basis for the entire design of a room. The style of the object can dictate the style of the room, and the entire color scheme is often based off of that object.
Grand Entrance
The entrance to a room is often just as important as any other element. Having the ability to close off a section of the house can be essential in some situations, so it can be a wise choice to include doors the design plan. The style of the door can be chosen to match the style of the room, and can act as an introduction or teaser to the space. For example, a beautiful, classic room that is decorated in the English country style, with floral fabrics and stately furniture would do well with a set of French doors to set the room apart. If space is an issue pocket doors can be utilized.
Lighting is Everything
Without proper lighting a room cannot be well-designed. Including a wide variety of lights in each room can help create a multipurpose area that can be used at any time of day for any purpose. Place task lighting around the room depending on location and context. Consider what activities will take place in the room and what type of lighting will best serve that purpose.
Ultimately, a room is well-designed when function and style meet in the middle to create a space that is both beautiful and inviting. People should feel just as welcome to live within its walls as well as revel in its perfectly chosen rugs and shams.
Very well put…”a room is well-designed when function and style meet in the middle to create a space that is both beautiful and inviting” That says it exactly. A formal room is going to have different colors, prints, and furniture than your play area. I agree that you need to consider how you are going to use the space. We “live” in our living room. It is our comfort, gathering space and the design shows it. Our furniture is poufy and comfortable. We went with simple colors, letting the TV and fireplace showcase the room. I have lots of family photos on the fire place, and it describes the feel well…”family.” Rooms are more than walls and names; they really are spaces to make your own and make them function for you in a beautiful way.
These are wonderful tips and guidelines on how to design a room and what might be a problem. I shall have to rethink my type of lighting for several rooms.
Reading your post, I realized that my “dis-ease” with my living room is indeed the lighting. SOme spots are so bright, and then there is a corner that I can never seem to get right, and it has our bookshelf. I’d so love to have a designer come in and help us!
After reading this I realize that one thing that is a real problem in both my bedroom and living room is the lighting. It’s one of those things that you just don’t think of, even though I go into those rooms every day and think to myself “there’s something missing still”. Now to just convince my husband.
Great post with some great ideas and guidelines. I love decorating and you really hit on some important points. My two big things especially in a living room is comfortable furniture and nice soft lighting. My eyes are super sensitive and I can not handle bad bright lighting in any room.