It’s easy for some of us to grab the essential information from an instruction list and get the job done. But others need a little more help with detailed descriptions and examples of how and what to do.
That’s why today I’ll tell you more about the first rule of how to design your home like a pro. Let’s start with functionality.
Is your home functional for your needs?
Make a list with needs, likes, and dislikes
When you start a home design project, you have to determine your space functionality. How you do that? Well, think about what you usually do or want to do in your home. How do you spend your time there? What kind of activities do you plan to have in your space, or what unique needs your family has?
Fun idea: involve your family in this step. Have a gathering, decide what your needs are, and make a list with all the items you want.
You might not get them all due to budget constraints, room dimensions, layout, or style. But like this, you’ll always remember your primary purpose.
And, whatever your wish-list is, always guide yourself by the expression “less is more.” Keep in your home only the things you use or have sentimental importance. Also, please, never compromise on quality. Better to have fewer items but of high quality than a bunch of items of more inferior quality.
Even if you tend to get inspired by things or styles you like, you also need to know the ones you don’t like. Think about what colors, styles, texture, or patterns you like and don’t like. Do you love or hate wallpaper? Are there any design items that you love, and your family hates?
Also, you have to think about how you settle a dispute in your home. You might use that option when debating your home design, especially for common areas.
Adapt your home design to your lifestyle
Are you a book lover who prefers to spend time reading instead of socializing?
Then you’d better make that guest room that you never use, your reading den with a cozy armchair and a vast library.
Are you a people person and love to entertain family and friends each weekend?
Go for open concepts where your kitchen has a large island facing the family room. Or make sure your dining table is big enough, with many seating areas around it, to fit all your family and friends.
Are you a cat owner? Or better say, does a cat own you?
Choose a special place in your room for your cat’s play den and comfy bed. Also, make sure that your cat has easy access to its litter tray or food bowl.
Are you a sports enthusiast? Do you love to practice fitness, yoga, pilates at home?
Transform your basement or a guest room into your gym. Please, do not keep sports equipment in your bedroom. That’s not good for your sleeping.
Are you a big fan of Marie Kondo – the master of an organized and decluttered home?
Create a simple organizing system by categories, shapes, or type of usage. Put your everyday objects within reach in an area that fits their purpose. Make them easy to access every day.
Additional tips
- What is the reason you want to start a design project in your home? Is there a particular event that’s happening? Having a baby, kids go off for college, retiring?
- What is the feeling that you want to achieve in your space?
- Do you have a picture in your mind of your dream home? Can you describe it in words or find a picture of it?
- What are your favorite colors? What are the ones you dislike the most?
- Is there a style that inspires you most? Or do you have a piece of furniture that you love and MUST have in your space?
- Do you have a favorite place where you feel so relaxed that you want to recreate that feeling in your home? Is it a hotel? A resort? A restaurant?
- List your top 3 favorite decor or furniture shops? Do they have something in common? Do you find there all the items you want?
Take the answers to these questions and review them together with your family. Make sure to involve everybody and settle any dispute.
After you finish the list of needs, likes, and dislikes, make yourself a budget for the project. Think about how much money, time, and energy you’re willing to spend with the home design.
Wait, what?
Want to know how?
Check out my tailored E-Design services and have a sneak peek in my portfolio for ideas.