When it comes to creating a well-designed, easy to live in, and easy to entertain in, home, a well-planned furniture layout is the first and most important order of business, it’s the jumping off point for every great interior design!  Many people underestimate the importance of furniture layout, it may seem like a simple task, but in reality, it requires careful and thoughtful consideration, not just knowledge of design principles, and an understanding of how to optimize space and functionality but learning about the homeowner’s lifestyle and how they will use the various spaces.  While some people may attempt to tackle their own furniture set-ups, there are distinct advantages to enlisting the expertise of an interior designer. I’m going to share with you what an interior designer can bring to the table to help you maximize your square footage while creating stylish living spaces and highlight the benefits of letting a professional handle your furniture layout.

1. Expertise in Space Planning

Often times homeowners look at a living room and don’t see the full potential, they figure there’s enough space for a sofa or two, some end tables, a media cabinet, a coffee table and maybe an ottoman…that should be enough, right? Oh no!  It’s such a shame to have a room that is underutilized and not reaching its full dynamic design potential!

One of the primary skills that an interior designer brings to the table is their expertise in space planning. We possess the ability to visualize the potential of a room and make the most efficient use of the available space. With a trained eye, designers can assess room dimensions, traffic flow patterns, and architectural elements to create a functional and cohesive layout. By considering factors such as focal points, balance, and proportion, an interior designer can optimize the arrangement of furniture pieces to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.  It’s sort of having that special someone in your corner that helps you craft a room design that works for the way you and your family will live in the spaces.

2. Knowledge of Design Principles

Interior Designers can help you think outside the box when it comes to room layouts, we come in with a fresh eye, seeing all the potential and designers are able to visualize “what could be” and that’s invaluable.  It’s never more important to have the help of a designer’s eye than when you are making over an existing space, it’s hard to reimagine a new layout in a room you’ve been living in for a while.  It’s hard to get an objective look at a space you’re so used to seeing laid out one way and that’s the magic a design brings, flip everything in a whole new way and your room can take on an entirely new design persona!  Maybe you thought a sofa could only go up against one wall, or you’ve always wanted a sectional sofa but didn’t think you have room, but interior designers are well-versed in design principles and have a deep understanding of how furniture elements come together to create a comfortable and inviting space. They possess knowledge of color theory, texture, scale, and harmony, which allows them to select and arrange furniture pieces that complement each other and the overall design concept. By considering factors such as style, theme, and desired ambiance, they can curate a furniture layout that speaks to your personal design preferences and seamlessly utilizes all your space stylishly!

3. Customization and Personalization

Let’s face it, no two rooms are alike, every space is unique, and what works for one room may not work for another. I like to ask clients what I call “Libby’s 20 Questions”. It’s a chance for me to learn about the homeowners, their family, what they are looking for in their new design and how do they visualize themselves living and entertaining in space.  I need to know what their needs and their goals are before I can create the perfect furniture layouts for their spaces; simple things like do they entertain, do they have kids, pets, do they work from home, and then I come up with the best layout designs so they can have a stylish AND functional home.  Interior designers understand the importance of customization and personalization when it comes to furniture layout. They take into account your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences to create a tailored solution that suits your individual requirements. Whether it’s accommodating specific functional needs, like a dog crate, a Peloton bike, a desk or a pool table, incorporating special pieces of furniture or artwork, or maximizing storage options, an interior designer can create a customized furniture layout that perfectly reflects your personality and enhances your daily life.

4. Access to Extensive Resources

Another advantage of working with an interior designer is their access to a vast network of resources. Design professionals have established relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and artisans, which enables them to source unique and high-quality furniture pieces. They can guide you through the process of selecting furniture that not only meets your aesthetic requirements but also fits in your room sizes.  Someone may see a wonderful sofa they love in a store or furniture showroom only to get it home and discover it doesn’t fit in their room or even worse, they cannot fit it through their front door! (Yep, happens all the time!) You want to furnish and fill your rooms with purpose and a full gameplan rather than piecemealing your furniture buying process which leaves you with the feeling or a room that’s a hodge podge of items rather than a beautiful room you’re excited to live in.  A designer can sometimes also help you furnish your spaces within your budget, they can help you prioritize where to splurge and where to save so your spaces are feeling full and complete rather than half done and unfinished. By tapping into their extensive network, an interior designer can save you time, effort, and potentially even money, by finding the perfect furniture pieces for your space.

5. Troubleshooting and Problem Solving

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they layout a space is they worry they will put too much furniture in a room and it will make it look and feel small, but it’s exactly the opposite!  When you don’t have enough furniture in a room that’s what makes it look small!  But the right balance and placement of well-proportioned can make even the tiniest of rooms look bigger, yes, it’s true!  ROOMS LOOK BIGGER WITH FURNITURE IN THEM THEN WHEN THEY ARE EMPTY!!  I will say, even with careful planning, unexpected challenges can arise during the furniture layout process. This is where the problem-solving skills of an interior designer truly shine. They are experienced in troubleshooting issues such as awkward room layouts, challenging architectural features, or limited space constraints. By thinking outside the box and offering creative solutions, they can transform design challenges into opportunities and ensure that your furniture layout achieves both form, function and most importantly a chic design you will love living in.

While it may be tempting to take on the task of furniture layout yourself, enlisting the expertise of an interior designer can make a significant difference in the overall outcome. From their expertise in space planning and knowledge of design principles to their access to extensive resources and problem-solving abilities, interior designers bring a wealth of skills and advantages to the table. By allowing a professional to handle your furniture layout, you can achieve a space that not only looks beautiful but also functions seamlessly and enhances your daily life. So, why settle for a mediocre furniture arrangement when you can let a pro create a truly exceptional interior? Part of the fun is they can show you all the potential and possibilities you never knew your home had and when you love where you live, I’m a firm believer that manifests itself in every aspect of your life!  Give an interior designer a ring today, you’ll be glad you did!