My current client is unsure about how they’re going to use the open plan area adjacent to the kitchen. Of course they will have a dining table but they don’t know how to use the space next to the dining table. They also have a separate living area. I keep asking them about function. This is why a furniture plan is important for your apartment.
Function first then furniture
It’s easy to assume what furniture you need in your apartment. But when I work with a client I have to deeply understand they’re functional needs. With my Blackburn client we discussed possible ideas on how they might use the space.
For example a reading nook, a break out space when entertaining, storage and so on. Their current needs are considered as well as future needs.
Future functional requirements might include the arrival of children or extended visits from overseas guests.
I can never assume a client’s furniture needs. One of the questions I ask is how are you going to use the space? Who is going to use the space? What times of the day will you be using the space?
You can easily ask yourself these questions to develop a furniture plan for your apartment. The furniture plan is probably most important in your open plan living area.
For example on another project I worked on in Footscray West we didn’t include a dining setting in the open plan living area.
Based on the clients actual functional requirements they preferred a zone for watching TV. A zone for sitting with guest and they decided they would eat their meals at the kitchen counter.
Key factors in buying furniture for your apartment
While functionality is a key factor in buying furniture for your apartment there are other considerations.
For example, budget, size and style. Knowing your interior style preferences is important to selecting the right furniture.
Once you have confirmed functional requirements and developed a furniture plan, another key factor is size of furniture.
It’s important to buy furniture that is in proportion to the space and other pieces of furniture. This speaks to an important principle of interior design relating to proportion and scale.
Oversized furniture in a small space can be a mistake. Equally small furniture in a large space can be a mistake too.
The size of the your furniture depends on the volume of space and the space needed to ensure positive flow of movement.
Budget is important also but this doesn’t mean low quality. It means having a budget and spending the right amount on the focal piece.
The focal piece is the piece that communicates the key function of the space. Spend more on this piece and less on the complementary pieces.
In some apartments, you might think the furniture plan is a given. But before buying furniture it’s worth spending some time to consider how you actually use the space.
Generally I designe spaces based how they will be used 90% of the time. Knowing this is why it’s important to have a furniture plan.
