Space planning is a underlying element of the interior design process and most of the interior designers offer a space planning service. It starts with an in-depth studying of how the space is to be used. The designer prepares a plan that defines the zones of the space and the activities for those particular zones. The space plan will also define the circulation patterns that show how people will move through the space. Then details of all the furniture, equipment and hardware placement is added to the plan for final drawings.
9 Points to consider when effective residential space planning.
1. Structure and Architecture
Think about the structure of the room, concentrating on the main focal points. These could be windows, doors, wardrobes or built in units. It should be balanced so you first need to find a way to balance all the elements in a space. If unbalanced, think about ways or elements to you can add to the space to help balance the structure of the space. Remember that the human eye is drawn to focal points, and will scan a space when entering it.
2. Space and Volume
Think about the space in terms of volume, for example if you have a fish aquarium and you want to add decorative pieces into the aquarium or some more rocks in it or a drift wood , you either need to displace some water from it or you need to reduce the number of fishes in it . Ensure that you don’t overfill the space and if it is filled and you have no other option then you can borrow some space like adding another room or by a bigger window or adding glass partition in place of solid walls.
3.Scale
Perception of space and effective space planning vary from person to person. Different size physical spaces suit different size people and their cultural references, their own history and experience that they would like to create: one person’s claustrophobic box is other person’s cosy nest.
4.Activity zones
In large or long spaces, subdivide different activity zones to give definition to each part of the room. Keep in mind what a person or people are actually doing in that space, how much room they would need and if the space is dedicated to more than one activity. You are aiming for the space to naturally flow.
5.Proportions
Wallpaper with a square grid or tiling a room in squares will give the impression that it is bigger than it is – the smaller the grid, the larger the room appears. When furnishing small rooms, blur the edges of the room to break up the lines between floor and walls; draw furniture a little way away from the walls; buy furniture in proportion to the room; choose furniture with legs to give the illusion of more space.
6.Prospect and refuge
This refers to the concept that certain environments meet our psychological needs and therefore feel more secure. Aim to create both a prospect and a refuge in each room so you can feel enclosed, but also have a view beyond to the outside or natural world. “We prefer a shelter (refuge) with a view (prospect), because humans have their field of vision to the front (prospect), therefore needing some sort of protection from behind (refuge).”
7. Layout and flow
Plan your furniture with a scale drawing of your room or cut paper shapes to size and place them in the room to work out the best possible arrangement of furniture and accessories for the space requirements. Ensure that the circulation passageway through a room follows an easy and economic pathway from the door to all the other main activity areas.
8.Clutter
Clutter closes down space and is an important part of planning and design. Edit your clutter to avoid blocking both circulation and reducing the perceived size of a room. This is also crucial to ensure that light can bounce around in the room. Clutter will absorb the light making the room feel darker than it could be.
9.Lighting and Decoration
When planning decoration and lighting, work with the principles that vertical lines draw our eyes up and horizontal lines draw them across to extend or reduce the proportions of a room. Think about this grid system when you conceptualize your ideas.
The points above will highlight the problems that your space plan needs to solve. Think about these points when creating your space plan and try to find a solution that will work. You might find that you need to compromise on some of the points and that’s fine.
Once you have thought about all the points above, it’s time to ask yourself the following questions
Questions to ask yourself when planning your space:
1.How are you going to utilize the space and will it be multi-functional? For example living/dining or bedroom/study?
2.How many people will be using the space and will they all be using it for the same purpose? For example, A family might use the same room; someone may be watching TV, while another reads and another is working.
3.Do you have any existing furniture that you want to use in the space?
4.Can you move furniture into or out of this room from other areas of the house?
5.How do you want the room to feel, space-wise – open and airy, cosy, minimal, serene?
6.How much natural light is available and what kinds of lighting will be needed?
7.What are the focal points of the room and how can you take advantage of them?
8.Do you need to create focal points?
9.Do you like balance and symmetry, the unexpected, or a combination?
10.Is there anything else on your wish list for this room?
After going through all the above questions and getting all the answers for the same ready you can start planning to create your own designed interior for your space.
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