The rooms within your home or business are their own little ecosystems. Healthy rooms have flow within the space, making it easy to move around it and to function within it.
With strategic space management and planning, Island Efficient Interior Design can help provide your home or business with this balance.
One of the first things we’ll consider is how your family or staff will use the space. Finding the right flow to any room is important to consider when doing an interior design project, and will help guide other decisions about the project.
As a simple example, it doesn't matter how beautiful a particular piece of furniture is if it prevents you from moving through the room smoothly!
Measurements are key to the process of successful space planning. Before we meet, you can get started by taking measurements of your rooms, as well as any furniture you wish to incorporate, or we can provide this for you.
Once we have accurate measurements, we will convert them into 2D blueprints and/or 3D renderings that we can use to effectively plan and design your space.
It may take a few revisions to get all needs considered from everyone who will ultimately use the space. But we always stress that it’s easier to work out all the details at the beginning, rather than rushing the design stage and forgetting a key piece.
We suggest that you take photographs of your space, and browse design websites to stimulate your ideas to better understand your needs.
Getting started on your interior design project may feel overwhelming at first. We’re here to help cut through the staggering amount of information out there, and tailor to your unique space.
The best planning won’t mean a thing if the room isn’t built for the lifestyle you live. That’s why our space planning process includes discussions to gain a solid understanding of your lifestyle or business atmosphere.
Who is using the space on a daily basis?
Is the end goal of the room to work or rest, or a combination of the two?
Are storage needs clearly addressed?
How will the space function seasonally?
Space planning considerations
Function
Understanding function is the cornerstone of the space planning process. What is the main use of your space. Is it an active area, or a place to relax? Is it a place to work, or a place to play?
Furniture
What sizes and types of furniture required for the space? This will determine a lot about the options available to us, and which other pieces can help compliment the room.
Focal Points
Keeping focal points that won’t be moved in mind will influence the way a space can flow. From windows to doors, fireplaces to vaulted ceilings, we’ll want to work with what you have.
Zones
A room can have more than one “zone” if the space allows it. Your living area may include a zone for an intimate chat, somewhere to sit and enjoy a book, and somewhere to entertain a group of friends or family.
Light
Where is the lighting coming from within your space? Do you have access to natural light, or does it come from light fixtures? Custom window coverings, ceiling lights, floor lamps, and wall-mounted lighting can all affect the atmosphere in any room.
Feel
How do you want your room to feel? Are you looking for warm and cozy, or open and crisp? Serious and down-to-business, or bohemian and eclectic? Proper space planning will compliment and inform the desired feeling of your space.