Image by Polina Radchenko
Polina Radchenko provides a complete range of interior design and styling services effortlessly blending in-depth industry knowledge with artistic flair, using colour and texture to create emotive interiors that inspire and tell the unique story of those who occupy them. We have spoken to her about how to get your internal floor plan working for you and your family’s needs.
When it comes to making your dream home reality, some of us are lucky to know instinctively what’s needed but most require help and advice. When embarking on a journey towards a better home, one of the first things to consider is how well your home flows and functions and whether the design fully satisfies the needs of your family.
- Room Function and Flow
Consider the purpose of each space and decide whether it serves your current and future needs well. How often does each room get used? Is it big enough? Consider how you and your family like to use the space and whether something is missing or could work better. If designing a kitchen, think about the way you cook and entertain, where you like to eat and store your supplies.
A well considered flow of spaces makes movement within your home efficient and effortless. It makes sense for the spaces with a similar function to be interconnected. For example, a dining zone is often connected to the kitchen and the dressing room adjoined to the bedroom. Do you work from home? If so, where is the best place for your home office?
Image by Polina Radchenko
Where do you like to get ready before heading out? Do you need a designated makeup station in your bedroom or walk in robe or will a large mirror and vanity in your bathroom be sufficient?
2. Accessibility and Storage
Is your space easy to navigate and access? Are you effective at avoiding clutter? Think about your pantry, your walk-in closet and other storage spaces (or lack of them!). Efficient storage solutions can save you tons of time and minimise a lot of headache. They also help you appear organised and put together when guests come over.
Image by Polina Radchenko
3. Efficient lighting and Outlets Location
It pays to really think about your furniture arrangement before you complete your build or finalise your design. You want to consider a range of lighting your space will need, from general to task lighting for reading and cooking to feature lighting to make your artwork or feature wall a focal point.
Your electrician will also want to know where you prefer to locate your switches and power points before the build is complete. If you are unsure where your furniture is going you are likely to end up with a beautiful sofa and a floor lamp with no outlet to plug it into or a TV with no aerial connection to the TV wall.
Before you fully dive into the build, it’s worth asking yourself whether you have the right training, time and patience to tackle major design or construction issues on your own. One of the most important things you can do at the start of your journey is invest in a qualified professional project team making sure to choose people that make you feel comfortable and share your vision.
Wondering whether hiring a professional to help will be of value to you? If so, this blog will help you gain some insights into what interior designers can do for you and help you make an informed decision.
