Space Planning
Space planning assesses needs to create a layout that is both functional and beautiful for your lifestyle. It is easy to confuse the terms spatial design and space planning because they are often used interchangeably. Spatial design refers to the wider scope of planning in an array of environments such as landscapes, urban areas or high-rise city scapes. Space planning focuses on the most effective organization and arrangement of a home interior space.
Space planning identifies the best way to use a home’s layout and the flow of movement. For example, a space plan for a home where three children under the age of 7 are living with their parents and a dog will differ from one for a home of a middle aged couple with no children and no pets. The best designs needs to promote strong spiritual, mental, and physical health in lighting, fabric, color, texture, materials, accessories, etc..
Consider these ten tips to help you think about space planning:
Plan around what exists as a natural focal point in the room: fireplace, window, etc.
Decide if a new focal point is needed or whether to remove obstructions to increase functionality and versatility.
Balance the space appropriately. No need to fill a corner just because it’s empty. No need to overcrowd a room to provide as much seating, storage, or table space as possible.
Consider marking off space on the walls or floor with tape to get a more real sense of the size and impact of furniture and rugs.
Leave enough walking space to and from entrances. When we first walk into a home, without realizing it, we have an expectation that there will be a clear place for shoes, coats, and various other personal items.
Embrace large spaces by creating defined sections/areas.
Consider how many people will be using the space and what types of rooms are needed.
Provide unobstructed views into other rooms and to outside nature when possible.
If limited by a small room, scale down lighting fixtures, seating, storage, etc. to maintain functionality. Large art pieces provide focal points.
Determine any specific needs pertaining to physical limitations, disabilities, special needs. Differently-abled people will need specific requirements: door width, hallway space, stairs, etc.