Space Planning Basics!
A friend of mine just asked me...
What does a typical Singaporean couple do once they finally secured either a HDB or an Apartment? What should be the recommendation for the couple?
My answer?
They will either start to discuss the types of home interior design theme they should adopt for their love nest or shortlist the various types of furniture and electronic appliances. They should have done a space planning exercise before they embark on deciding which theme to use.
Well, deciding on what type of home interior design theme to adopt straight away is akin to deciding on what dress to buy and wear, without considering whether if the cut of the dress, the material and design is suitable for the wearer's body shape.
Picture this, a lady with an apple body shape chose to wear a body hugging cocktail dress. The result? The dress draws attention to all the wrong areas!
Image from freshome
What is Space Planning?
Space planning is essentially maximizing a room's available space and adjacencies by considering the demographics and needs of the occupants before proposing the purpose of the room and placement of the home interior furnishing. In this way, the room stays functional and efficient.
How does one Space Plan?
The process is extremely straight forward and basically involves a scaled floor plan and a furniture template ruler.
Image from aliexpress.com
Before proposing the placement of the home interior furnishings, you should sit down and discuss the following with the would be occupants!
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How long would the occupants be staying?
If a young couple decides to upgrade from a HDB to an EC after 5 years of stay, a minimal renovation with a simple design theme and furnishing should be suffice. Anything more will be a waste of money - unless the couple is loaded of course!
Will the number of occupants increase or decrease during the length of the stay?
A young couple may be looking at expanding the family; an elderly couple may foresee their children leaving to start their own family. In short, a family's needs change over the time!
What are the demographics of the occupants?
Due to my petite size, the kitchen countertop cannot go beyond a certain height. Night lights have to be installed along the corridor way so that my elderly mum can find her way to the toilet at night.
What is the lifestyle of the occupants?
Does the family play host to a lot of friends over the weekend? Is cooking the favorite pastime? Do the occupants enjoy lounging at the living room or hanging out at the balcony?
What purpose does an area serve?
Does the kitchen double up as an entertaining room for the guests? Does the small kitchen has to pull double duty due to lack of space and so on?
What are the physical characteristics of the room?
Years ago, Mr Diva has enthusiastically proposed a feature wall for the living room. He was absolutely proud of his proposal - until I reminded him that the air con trunking and ubiquitous ceiling beams will spoil the look he was trying to achieve.
Years ago, Mr Diva has enthusiastically proposed a feature wall for the living room. He was absolutely proud of his proposal - until I reminded him that the air con trunking and ubiquitous ceiling beams will spoil the look he was trying to achieve.
In short, do pay attention to placement of the windows, water and aircon pipes, electrical outlets, beams and so on.
What are the space allowance needed?
Remember that leaving inadequate clearance space between the furniture, walls and walkway are a must! Examples include approximately 70 cm to 80 cm for the hallway, 80 cm between the dining table and chairs and the most common example, 2.5 m to 3 m for the distance between the television wall and the sofa so that you will not be cross eyed after a TV session!
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After going through the above questions, you might finally realize that the original home design theme which you have in mind might not be suitable after all. :)
After going through the above questions, you might finally realize that the original home design theme which you have in mind might not be suitable after all. :)
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