Form and Function
Key Elements
When deciding how to build, decorate or furnish a new or existing home, workspace, office, etc., one of the key elements of design will always be Form and Function.
To simplify, if the furniture and/or accessories do not fit in the space properly that you are attempting to change, your flow is interrupted and unbalanced.
In addition, if the Functionality of the items aren’t correct in size, shape and color, then its purpose is left unfulfilled and it can feel “off” in the room.
Understanding the Flow
The reason behind the correct placement of items and furniture is primarily due to balance and space planning correctly in each room. This is a skill that must be learned to achieve the look and feel of a designer inspired home. Most people are symmetrical (meaning that everything should be the same on one side, as it is on the other). Balancing objects is extremely important so that each space feels comfortable and not out of sync.
For example, if you have a large sectional that overwhelms the living room, everything else will look small and insignificant, therefore it becomes the only thing you notice and everything else disappears. You need pieces that not only complement one another in color but also in size. In comparison, if you have a blank canvas with nothing but white walls, white furniture, cabinets, etc., your home can feel sterile and uninviting. If you are a minimalist and require this type of trend, then incorporate small pieces of color here and there to break up the monotony.
Don’t put that there
Location is another very important issue in interiors. I’ve seen so many homes that have everything pushed up against the walls with nothing in the center of the room but a big open space. It’s a natural placement of things for most people because they cannot “visualize” the proper way of positioning elements. It’s easier to shove everything against the walls than be creative and move things around. Creativity in design is not something most clients of mine know; hence, why they call me to help.
Another mistake I’ve seen is when the complete opposite happens and a room is so large, that you must fill it with lots and lots of furniture or else the sofa is miles away from the coffee table, fireplace, your dinner guests, etc., and you lose that cozy warmth. Who wants to yell at your guests and family from across the room during Christmas.
Old Castles and Estate Homes always had these types of large rooms, which needed to be broken up into smaller areas for conversation, etc. By adjusting these living spaces here and there, it created softer and more inviting rooms for family and guests. If you have seen any older, historical movies with large Mansions, you notice that there may be 3 sofas, 10 chairs, 4 coffee tables, etc., etc., all in the same room, but have been transformed into smaller areas making them more livable.
Getting it Right
Changing color palettes is usually the first thing that most people want to do right away when re-modeling or if you have just moved. If you’ve lived around basic brown for 15 years, then it’s probably time for something different. Consult with an Interior Designer or if you like the challenges of DIY, then make sure that your spaces are adequate and that the items you put in each one, fit properly. It makes a huge difference in how we feel when we get it right. It literally changes everything, knowing you “love” the space that you are in. I always tell my clients that if the colors are perfect and the elements all go together, you will feel such an excitement about it and never want to leave. That’s when you know it was all worth the time and effort!!!
Once you accomplish the correct way to conquer these challenges, you are surrounded in a meaningful, peaceful flow. Some designers call it “Feng-Shui”, but it’s really just adjusting everything so that it all works together in harmony. If you are uncomfortable in a room, something still needs to change, so keep going and eventually you will get it right. It can take years for the transformation to take place, whether you're remodeling an existing space or buying new, it all takes time.
Keep in mind, that if the flow is off…. you're always going to have a problem. I see people purchase homes and never think about how “their existing furniture” is going to fit into the new spaces. They get caught up in the floor plan, the pretty backsplashes, the fireplace and how many bedrooms it has (which is a start), but is it really the house for you?
I hear all the time from clients, that they didn’t think about filling up the house with furniture when purchasing. Then they move in and realize that the new spaces are going to be a challenge with their existing furniture and begin to feel like they have to start all over and buy everything new. Of course, every house is going to be different than the last one and we should always keep that in mind.
In summary, Form and Function are the two most important design elements in every home. It can literally make or break the entire “look” and cause years of discomfort and un-easiness when ignored. Believe it or not Interior Design is no joke, because it can change how you feel if done incorrectly. Better to invest the time and research so you don’t run into these road blocks in the beginning or invest in expensive items before you know what to do with them. Similar to buying an awesome pair of shoes before you purchase the dress that goes with them. Consult with a Designer and save yourself the headache.
