Savvy Space Planning
You may have trouble deciding how to optimally use your interior space. Below are some pointers for you to gain the necessary space planning savvy.
Have you read my post about how to create a sense of spaciousness?

Small apartment space planning and decorating
There are even more clever space-saving hacks and space optimisation solutions you can try.
When considering space-saving furniture for small apartments or rooms, query the use of all single function pieces. Any article which serves only one purpose is of questionable value to your decorating strategies.
Above all, consider function when little space is the major problem you want to solve. It is important when you are searching for useful space-saving ideas. I strongly advise using multi-purpose pieces and arrangements. Also, do your space planning as carefully as possible.
One can use some single-function items for other purposes. Further, items like sleeper couches and sleeper chairs can serve many purposes. These pieces are specifically designed to be multi-functional. That is to say, multi-purpose furnishings fall into two categories.
There are furnishings serving one function at a time, and those serving many purposes at once. Items like these are valuable purchases for anyone in any economic position. It is especially useful when you consider moving within the next few years.

Savvy small space planning and storage solutions
When developing a furniture plan and deciding on which furniture to source, consider the following. Keep in mind purposes for multi-functional use and the basic functions of a space:
- storage space
- workspace
- surfaces where items can be put on, either fleetingly or lastingly
- sleeping, seating, and lounging.
The better you unite these into the least number of pieces, the better you solve your sparing space problems. This will aid in your space planning savvy.
One can say that the ideal piece of furniture for very little space is a bed. A bed is a comfy surface for sleeping at night-time and can be practical as a daytime sofa.
For instance, a platform bed may have storage space beneath the entire unit. This can ensure that one aptly uses the available space under the mattress for storing purposes. In some cases, no built-in storage solution is available. In this case, try to neatly stack away nice-looking storage containers underneath the bed.

Multi-functional furniture and savvy space planning
You can, for example, use a stool or small bench as a stand to display artwork. Also, you can use it for storage space at times. In addition, when you have visitors, use it as seating or as a bedside table. The stool or small bench is serving one single purpose at a time but has multi-use potential.
Another example of a very useful dual-function item is a table with adjustable legs. This can be a low coffee table at one stage and you can raise it to dining height another time.
Some types of furniture can be piled on top of each other or folded and put aside easily. These are great space-savers and are often multi-functional. Shelving units, chairs and tables are sometimes designed to stack or fold to take up less space.

Nesting tables packed away neatly
More Space-saving Hacks for a Savvy Space Planner
You can use a card table for games, practising hobbies, for dining and as a desk. Consider this trick when you require more table space. Place a 1200mm square piece of hardboard or plywood on top of the small square surface of a card table. This size normally provides enough dining space for six.
Another good space-saver is to mount a TV and/or stereo equipment to the wall. You can also put it on floating shelves to use floor space well.
For the working-from-home individual who needs storage space for business documents, try this hack. You can use a regular, low filing cabinet as a side table next to a sofa or bed.
Or, if you can’t find a decent looking filing cabinet try this trick. Paint and varnish a blocked canvas which serves as a tabletop. Then put it on an x-shaped magazine stand, serving as document storage space). You can even fold and pack it away when necessary. The latter sounds like the more fun and creative option, right?!
Space Planning & Proportion-Savvy
What is Space Planning?
Space planning is to strategize how you will optimally utilise an area and its available space. This entails the allotment, parting, grouping, and assembling of objects to accommodate certain demands. Consider this in terms of various purposes like functional, spatial and who occupies it.
Space planning is presented in the form of a space-usage layout and concluding plan. A space plan involves a drawing as an aid to indicate the placement of practical elements within a given space.
Practical and aesthetic matters usually overlap. Although, best use and best appearance aspects have very diverse methodical fundamentals.

Multi-purpose furniture; Narrow room; Savvy space planning
In space planning, practical matters mean the handling of the physical extent of an area. This involves you working with the actual measurement or dimensions of accessible floor space. In addition, it involves the actual measurement of ceiling height. All of this might sound obvious, but this complete, functional consideration should be part of your project planning.
Consider the aesthetical, and usually more exciting bit, in conjunction with the practical part to create an optimal design. This is the essence of space optimisation interior design.
Therefore, first determine the actual, workable capacity of space. Then, examine in detail how you and the other occupants will utilise the designed space in the end. At this stage, start to assess how you will plan the exact, functional use of the space. This should be intertwined with the aesthetic perception of the space.
Become even more savvy with your space planning!
There are visual strategies for creating illusions in an area/space. You can break it down or open it up. But first, identify the need for such strategies to manipulate the aesthetic awareness of space.
This will help with the above. Use the important points and considerations I provide you within this FREE Decorating on a Budget WORKBOOK! This will guide your planning choices and determine what outcome a job requires, especially when working with a tight budget.
Occasionally one can divide a big space into smaller segments in order to make having a conversation possible. And, occasionally a ceiling can seem to be too low and other times a ceiling can seem to be too high.
The physical dimension of a space is always a fixed facet. However, the way space can be perceived plus what you will use it for, is a variable facet. You must first understand the exact, raw space before you can alter and manipulate it.
It is very important to keep in mind that space isn’t only floor space. Floor space, which is expressed as a floor plan, is the horizontal space. The available space/area/volume is also expressed as an elevation. This entails the vertical dimension of wall height or ceiling height.

Expansive feeling – space-savvy planning of attic
Space-savvy space planning may entail different levels.
There may be a need to create a definition of several areas in a larger room. The possibility of different levels should be strongly considered here. However, multiple levels or difference in ceiling height may not be possible. On the other hand, there are other ways to specify and separate functional areas.
In a multi-functional space, a change of ceiling height and/or floor level can specify functional areas. Consequently, this may also make the whole space less monotonous and more fascinating.
In some situations, this can even work well in a tiny space. One can convert a very small area into a lovely, functional and handy spot.
The height of a ceiling may seem to lower the level of focus and emphasise a different attribute. For example, artwork in a loft space can help lead the eye away from an unpleasant component. It lowers the eye down to a seating area, away from something like an exposed fire alarm on the ceiling.
In some instances, the ceiling level can seem like it is higher than it is. The crafty use of wall lighting can blur the line between the ceiling and wall. This optical illusion trick is especially useful in a standard apartment where the ceiling height is lower than ideal.
One can also create a cosy, intimate spot on the ground in vast, double volume space. Further, one can make a wall appear to be further back or closer than it is in reality. The thoughtful selection of colours, fixtures and mirrors in a small room will help one achieve this.

Dark wall seem to advance towards you in narrow space to make the room look wider
More posts like these are on their way. Other topics that link to this matter are layout plans and dividing space to create definition. So, watch this space!


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