Our personal spaces are becoming more valuable than ever. With the nation working from home more often, and spending more time in the house to keep costs low, our abodes have become our meeting rooms, our social spaces, and a place to host our hobbies and interests.
It’s clear households need their spaces to work harder, whilst still remaining stylish and comfortable. So, how can you achieve expert results, without hiring an actual expert?
Don’t fret – the concept of this seems a lot more strenuous than it actually is. Swoon, the UK’s leading online design-led furniture brand, is here to help. Believe it or not, there is a set list of interior layout rules that you can follow, which will help transform any room into a better version of itself.
Step one – work those windows.
When it comes to initially designing a room, the placement of windows and doors has already been decided for you. This therefore means that you need to work around them, and consider how they will effect the design of your space.
Windows are generally a positive addition to any space, as they allow organic lighting, fresh air, and a sense of nature into your room. This is why it is great to place any desks, social seating, or beds near to your window. That said, always ensure you have a shielding method, such as curtains or blinds, for those times where you could really do without the beaming sunshine reflecting off your laptop screen. We’ve all been there.
Doors are slightly different to windows, as they are often a source of external distraction. Whether it’s your partner deciding to vacuum the landing whilst you’re on an important call, or your kids deciding to let themselves in during a high-intensity home workout – these unwelcome interruptions can create calamity where there should be calm. Consider facing your furniture away from your door to dampen these distractions.
Step two – multi-functional madness.
To make your space work hard, your furniture needs to work harder. A living room can effortlessly become a yoga studio with the right furniture – you just need to select multi-functional pieces that suit your needs.
A dining table can easily become a work-from-home desk - all you need is a comfortable chair, under table storage for your stationery and paperwork, and a great background to impress your co-workers. Consider implementing a feature wall behind your chosen ‘office’ seat – a simple swipe of paint and a chic art print truly makes all the difference.
Another great example of multi-functional furnishings is the humble sofa bed. Whether you are expecting overnight guests, planning an indulgent movie night alone, or are simply in need of additional soiree seating, placing a sofa bed in your living room can help to cater to a multitude of situations.
Step three – utilise EVERY inch.
We all have that one room in our home that has an awkwardly shaped wall, or an inconvenient feature such as a fuse box or radiator. As annoying as they are, you can actually utilise these elements to your advantage.
Weirdly shaped angles can soon become cosy corners with the right amount of atmosphere. Think twinkly lights, candles, super soft throws, and a singular love seat where you can sit back and unwind. Dedicating a space to your hobby will not only encourage you to participate in it more often, but it will also help to contain it within its own space, ensuring the rest of your home remains clutter free.
So, with three top tips on how to make the most of your space, how will you be adapting your rooms to work harder in the future? Whether you choose to add a multi-functional furniture piece to save on space, or re-arrange your home office to increase productivity and reduce distractions, these handy steps will have you transforming your abode in no time.
