The First Step is Always Space Planning
September 12, 2024
So you have finally decided to redecorate your space, and you head out to visit some favourite retailers to look for furniture and inspiration. Of course you see something that catches your eye, and you decide you’ve waited long enough and are about to make your first purchase. Yay!
STOP!
I know it’s tempting to cut to the chase when you’ve waited a long time. However, patience is key if you want to invest wisely and have a good outcome that will last for a long time.
I’ve said this many times before, but I strongly advise you to come to terms with releasing any pieces that aren’t working or don’t bring you joy. Now you’re ready for the first step in redecorating which is developing a space plan. By the way, this is our superpower 😉. By doing this first, not only will you ensure all of your functional needs are met, but you will also know the exact size and scale of what you need for your space.
Here’s how we approach space planning:
Measure the space - length, width, ceiling height, doorways, windows and where they land on the wall. Note where the electrical outlets are. While this can be documented “old-school” using pencil and graph paper, there are great tools available now to help capture and produce an accurate drawing of the space. We use a combination of 360° video, photographs, laser and physical measuring and 3D LIDAR scanning to capture an accurate picture of the space and the objects within it. By doing this exercise once, at the beginning of a project, we have an accurate reference point to start from and refer to throughout a project.
Note and measure any pieces that our client has deemed worthy of remaining in the new space. We also photograph these pieces and use a colour scanning tool to accurately capture the colour of fabrics, wood, flooring, etc. (basically any item that will remain and be incorporated into the final design).
Create an “as-built” drawing of the space. We take all the inputs we have gathered and create and accurate 3D model of the design space.
Now comes the fun bit of working out exact dimensions for each piece that will go into the space, allowing for easy traffic flow, great sight lines and maximum function.
Scale matters. Every piece of furniture and decor relates to the next. A big part of the process is to properly scale each item so that it not only works functionally, but also works aesthetically with the other pieces. This is particularly important where a client wants to incorporate existing pieces where we don’t have the luxury of changing their dimensions.
If you head out to purchase pieces before doing a space plan you risk not only creating a suboptimal room design, but you may even find yourself unable to fit the furniture through the door! Believe me, this has happened to many people! When you are in a large retail store, everything looks smaller than it is 😊.
Of course, there is so much more that goes into a great room design, after the space plan. However, starting with a space plan is the key to making sure you’re building on a sound foundation. As with anything in life, some preparation, hard work and investment at the outset, will yield a better result in the end. This is a much more sustainable way to approach design (where you minimize the risk of having to remove or change items later when you realize they just aren’t working for you).
At Yassein Interiors, we are on a mission to banish cookie cutter spaces and create sophisticated spaces with character. While space planning is our superpower, so is digging deep and gathering the info needed to deliver a space that is timeless and uniquely yours. Then you will enjoy your space for years to come.
Interested in working together? Complete a project inquiry form here. We’d love to help.