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No matter the size of the room, any solid design is based upon an evaluation of your space. Developing a concept or theme to guide your thought process will assist you in analyzing your space and completing your design. Knowing the space you have and your overriding concept allows you to assign areas to particular functions, therefore maximizing your space. After determining a layout for optimum utilization, you can decorate your space and complete your arrangement.

1. Develop an Overriding Concept

Developing an overriding concept guides your thoughts so that you can properly design and decorate a space. For example, an overriding concept could be to create a rustic experience in a bedroom that is cross-functional, as the room will serve both as a guest room and a home office space. You can think of developing your concept or theme like developing a mission statement. There is no need to be detailed at this juncture since many of the details will evolve over time as you evaluate your needs. Your goal is to formulate a general concept, one that could be summarized in two or three sentences, to help shape your overall design.

2. Evaluate Your Space - Determine Your Needs

After formulating a general concept, you can then evaluate the space you have and determine your needs. Begin by measuring your space and defining the amount of room available, typically in terms of square footage. As for defining needs, it is important to consider how the space will be used. The needs for a small dining alcove differ greatly from those of a guest bedroom serving a secondary function as a home office. So, you will want to determine all of the functions the space is intended to serve. Making a list of particular functions provides a framework for area assignment.

3. Optimize and Maximize - Assign Areas to Particular Functions

Once you know how you intend to use your room, estimate the amount of space needed for each function and begin assigning areas to those functions. For example, in planning a bedroom with office space, spaces should be assigned for both sleeping and working. In assigning areas, it is important to consider circulation space and storage needs. For circulation space, consider the paths of movement that could transpire between entry points and among various destinations. After outlining traffic patterns, you can identify the optimum use of space and create functional groupings as you plan your furniture layout.

In the example of the cross-functional bedroom, you would want to consider walking space between the door and the bed, the bed and the desk, and any other destination, such as the closet. Considering that the closet may be used for storing clothes as well as office supplies, the furniture layout should be conducive to reaching the closet from both the bed and the desk. With your plan in place, you can move your furniture and the remaining essentials into your space.

4. Decorate - The Finishing Touches

The overriding concept you select should be reflected in the decor of your space. To illustrate the importance, consider the differences in decorating for a Victorian theme, as opposed to a rustic theme. Muted earth-tones and rough, unfinished wooden accents can create a rustic experience, whereas a Victorian room would most likely be decorated with floral patterns and designs.  Decorating your space to reflect your theme combines form with function, completing your optimum design.