Design Concepts for a more fulfilled life | 3 steps

Source: Lulu & Georgia - Sarah Sherman Samuel

Design is incorporated into everything we live & breathe. When you walk into your favorite coffee shop, have you ever stopped to think about what is it beyond the hand crafted drinks that you love so much? The way you move through the shop has been carefully curated to maximize your experience in the space. Most likely the design was created to promote a warm and inviting environment that has you yearning to stay “just a little longer.” Interior Design is truly about maximizing the use of your space and how you function day to day within it, while prompting some sort of inner comfort that has now been reflected in your home. Not feeling inspired by your space? Let’s break down three concepts that can be easily incorporated into your environment to get you feeling more confident and comfortable in your home.

Step 1: PURPOSE

Do you ever notice those random items just lying about around on your countertop or dresser that you pass by day in and day out? It seems like it may have some type of value, but you don’t typically pick it up or even actually use it.

Address head on if your items do or don’t have a purpose in your space. Look at them closely and reevaluate. Ask yourself, do these items have a purpose? Look at them critically - even if that item might contain value to the naked eye, it may have more value to someone else in their home who would use the item regularly and it’s more worth it to declutter your space. Don’t be afraid to donate items that once held purpose in your life that you now feel are just taking up space in your home.

Step 2: FUNCTION

Layout, layout, layout… how do you move through your home on the day to day? How you layout your furniture can not only promote a more social and inviting cozy atmosphere, but it can help you with everyday living in a functional & thoughtful way.

For example when you walk into your home, what is the first thing you see? Does this layout seem to provide you with maximum usability and function? If the answer is no, keep some of these items listed below in mind.

Keep it inviting - in your living area your long sofa should not be blocking access to your main living space. Instead try placing your chairs strategically so that it allows easier access to your cozy environment.
High back furniture can feel closed off, try not to have really high back furniture items blocking off main walkways, you’ll want to keep items with higher backs more along walls so it doesn’t feel as awkward entering the space
Leave the appropriate amount of walking space 3-4 feet of walking space is ideal and if things are tighter around your sofa to coffee table ratio, try to at least have 2 - 2.5 feet of space for circulation.
Countertop heights are important to consider. Make sure you have a 10” leg gap for your knee space, this can be easily overlooked when buying furniture or relocating it. But you don’t want to be bumping your knees or sitting too low to use your countertop properly.

Step 3: SOURCING

Sourcing items like lights and decor really works in favor of keeping your space cozy and inviting with an added personalization quality to it. As much as it’s important to not have random items that aren’t serving any purpose, it’s important to not underestimate personalizing your space as well as being strategic with your lighting in the home. A quick tip is to change your bulbs to be 2700k-3000k as this is a favorite warm light used by most designers to promote a warm inviting environment. Be thoughtful about the decor on your shelves and your walls, if it prompts a memory for you or it simply adds character to the space, this holds tremendous value in a home.

Conclusion

The space is yours so don’t be afraid to play around with different layouts or possibilities. and go outside of the box of what you have not tried to do before. Every beautiful home has some unique aspects that are a reflection of the person living in the space. Don’t be afraid to make “mistakes” rules are just a guide and you have to play around with your space to get to where you want it to be.

Our Curated Decor Shop has monthly drops on the first Tuesday of every month to keep you feeling inspired in your home. Check it out below and thanks for supporting our small business!

Decor Shop Link -> https://studiomadelinedesigndecorshop.myshopify.com/

Do it for your future self <3

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