Tips for arranging furnishings

Tips for arranging furnishings
by: Marissa Anteby

If you think of the rooms you inhabit, whether at home or at work, like garments that you slip in to, it will be relatively easy to find the most comfortable arrangements for your taste. The more furniture you place in a room, the heavier your 'garment' will be. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe you favor a structured, sturdy, staid atmosphere. If you are more the contemplative, free flowing type of person, an empty, minimalist, Zen-type setting will suit you better. The point is, you should know what your desired effect is, so you can plan your room accordingly.

Here are a few things you should consider when decorating:
- What is the function/purpose of the room? Will you be entertaining here, or is it someplace you can make very personal?

- What is the floorplan/flow from one room to another? Do you need to be mindful of how you position furniture so as not to block natural foot traffic patterns?
- What is the unifying aesthetic that links this room with the rooms around it?

Once you have answered all of those questions, you can move on to more intricate details:

- What if anything, will you put as coverings for the walls, floors, doorways, and windows? Do you want hard or soft surfaces? Do you want open or closed entryways? Soft, closed furnishings make a room more cozy, while sleek, streamlined, open furnishings create an exciting vibrant energy.

Next, you should consider how you feel in the room.
- If you find that you are not settled and relaxed, maybe you can try bringing in more soft furnishings. Perhaps by adding some fluffy throw pillows, you will draw your attention more inward. Take this further if necessary, and add full-length curtains, low plump chairs, big beanbags, and large cushions to really soften the mood. Keep going by adding bushy plants, area rugs, lamps, and tapestries, or fabric wall hangings.
- On the other hand, if the room is pulling you down, and it's draining your energy, you could try removing items, and leaving more open space visible. Take out any soft-textured objects that you won't miss when they are gone. Try clearing some space in the center of the room, this will open up your line of vision and give you breathing room. Keep taking away items until you reach the balance you like.

Lastly, and most importantly, remember this is all about what feels good to you. Don't aspire to fit in with some preconceived notion of what 'should' be. Work with what is.

Marissa Anteby
marissa@embodyinc.com
www.embodyinc.com