Space Planning

The process of arranging the elements of a space such as furniture, appliances, or other objects is to optimise the functionality, flow, and overall balance of a room or building. Also to study the traffic patterns, purpose of the space, and the specific needs of the individuals who will be using it.

This process directly impact how people move within a space. As an example, in a home, a well planned layout will prevent unnecessary movement and create zones for relaxation, entertainment and work. A good flow reduces stress and also allows for comfort.

When planning a space, ensure that there’s sufficient room for people to move around without interference, pay close attention to high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, living room and hallway. Try and imagine how people will move through the space.

Think about how you will use the space and its function.  A kitchen will require a reasonable amount of movement, a sitting room will likely be used to relax in and an office will be required to allow for focus and productivity.

Examples:

Kitchen - Think about how you use the sink, hob, oven and fridge/freezer, its likely that you will require these items to be in reasonably close proximity to one another by using the working triangle.

Sitting room - Perhaps the furniture doesn't have to be against the wall? Think about zoning the space with entertainment areas and reading nooks.

Bedroom - The bed can be the focal point but do allow movement and flow around the floor space.

The scale your furniture to fit the room’s dimensions is also important and can also be used to create visual interest. You can achieve this by playing with the size of each piece.

It’s important to consider future adaptability. Design your spaces with flexibility in mind, so they can easily be adapted to ever changing needs. Multifunctional pieces can help a space evolve over time.

Lighting plays a huge role in space planning. Look at how light enters the space and arrange furniture to take advantage of natural light sources, such as windows. Think about how to introduce accent and task lighting for specific zones of the room.

A good layout can improve the overall feeling of the property’s size and functionality, potentially increasing its value. Proper space planning not only maximises square footage but also ensures that the space meets the needs of those who will use it.