Furniture is a cornerstone of interior design and is the last and critical “tool” for creating a beautifully curated space. A creative and functional furniture arrangement often determines a unique interior design. It becomes the focal point for all other elements and gives it a designer’s touch, but most importantly shapes a space that feels uniquely yours.

Get Inspired

Curating furniture for a space can seem overwhelming but I find it easiest by starting with something that inspires you the most. This could be a dining table you’ve had your eye on or even an area rug with layered colours that might influence the palette for your space. Play off of this item and you will find your style and selections unfold from there.

Plan

Function is just as important as form, and thinking about how it can really impact your space. As an interior designer, before clicking “add to cart,” I like to map out a space. Drawing and carefully measuring everything you plan is a nice way to visualize how your selections will sit in a space. You can do this at home, too! There are lots of free programs online you can use as a tool to plan your furniture but when in doubt, a pad of gridded paper works, too. This gives you the flexibility to play with items and different configurations before settling on your furniture.
Now that you’ve determined everything fits, how does it feel? I will forever be an advocate of placing painter’s tape on the floor, as this is going to bring your plan to a realistic scale and allows you to move around and actually visualize how it feels in your space. Make sure to consider your doors and walkways in proximity to your furniture placement and make sure there is proper flow.

Scale & Proportion

Take note of the furniture’s proportions and size. Oversized couches and sectionals might look good in a large living room, but avoid crowding in a small area and think about using more compact furniture. Less is not always more either and seating should not be compromised to avoid what you feel might be too much. Ensuring there is proper flow and moving around your space with ease is the best way to ensure your layout will work. Think big and small when it comes to finalizing your selections. A visually impactful space is one that allows the eye to move through the room with ease. It is a space that doesn’t highlight one item such as a sofa, but rather all of the pieces, both small and large, as a whole.

Balance your pieces

Opt out of the “match matchy” funiture sets – trust me! Instead, mixing furniture will actually create more depth and provide more visual interest to your space. Find balance between old and new pieces and play with different textures and materials. For example, you might choose to pair a weaved leather chair with your wooden dining table for a more balanced approach.

Good spaces take time

Good things don’t happen overnight! Though it can be so exciting when it comes time to start planning your furniture and decor, remember it takes time to curate a space that is truly special and embodies the experiences of you and your family. Having a plan is important but taking the time to execute the plan is just as integral for a beautifully finished space. You will likely not find the perfect pieces overnight and you may have to make some adjustments along the way, but trust me, the best spaces are those that take time.