Creating a new space is an exciting endeavor. Whether you’re a person to tackle a project yourself or if you use a professional, space planning is a benefit. Interior design is most successful when there’s a true purpose and plan. If you take it step by step, your newly designed space can sparkle and shine.

Step 1: Measure and then measure again.

Measure your space and take special note of any permanent features. Placement of doors, windows, fireplaces and built in furniture will play a part in the design. Seeing your space mathematically can help you keep your scale and proportion in check.

Step 2: Get creative and draw the space.

There are many digital programs than can help you create a true floor plan of the space or you can sketch a rough draft with pen and paper.

Step 3: Define the space’s purpose and look for flow.

Make a list of how the space will be used and what activities will occur in your space. Doing so will help you to list what features, layout and pieces are needed to make the area function. If you determine the natural flow of traffic, your furniture placement can be arranged to maximize the flow.

Step 4: Prioritize your needs over pretty stuff.

We all want the space to look good, but having the space meet your needs is what should take the number one priority. And this will also make choosing furniture easier. Knowing your functional purpose will help you get appropriately sized pieces that serve a purpose and look good too.

Step 5: Light it up.Many people overlook the lighting needs.

Depending on the activities you will do in your space, the lighting will need to be adequate for different tasks. Make sure there’s a combination of natural lighting, task lighting and ambient lighting to create the atmosphere needed.

Step 6: Use your muscles.

Now it’s time to play with furniture placement. To save your self a backache, digital tools used to scale can let you organize and reorganize a room until you find a layout your comfortable with.Play around and think outside the box, but remember your traffic paths.

Step 7: Find your balance and adjust.

Once you get things set in place, take stock of your feelings. If things feel out of balance or out of scale, revise your pieces, refine details and reset.Space planning can be tricky, but with the right preparation and tools, it can make your new space stand out. Remember to consider the structure and architectural details of your home as well to tie your room’s new look and make it feel cohesive. Feel free to create activity zones within an area for a more organized space. And if all of this sounds too overwhelming….Just give us a call!

Stylishly yours,

The Chelsea Sowder Design Team