Designing awkward spaces is the worst! Where do you start? How do you arrange the furniture? Does it even work? Let’s tackle this challenge head-on with some design tips to transform your awkward space into something that works! With a little creativity and some of our design wisdom, you can say goodbye to those awkwardly laid out spaces that have you scratching your head about what to do.
The Power of Symmetry
Symmetry, a classical design principle, is as simple as drawing an imaginary line down the middle of something and making both sides look the same. It's like a mirror image, where one side matches the other side. It creates a sense of balance and order that can help create harmony in an awkward space. When faced with an awkward layout, consider using symmetrical arrangements to bring balance and order to the chaos.
By placing furniture, artwork, or architectural features in a symmetrical manner, you create a visual balance that distracts from the room's challenges. Symmetry also creates a feeling of elegance and timelessness, elevating the overall aesthetic of the space.
Create Zones when Designing Awkward Spaces
One thing that makes rooms feel awkward is when there are no clear divisions between different functional areas. What’s a functional area?! It’s a specific part of a room or space that has a special purpose or job. It's like having different zones in your room where you do different activities, like a reading corner or a conversation area.
When you have a big open space, this is where clever dividers come to the rescue. By strategically placing bookshelves, freestanding screens, or even drapery, you can visually separate the space into distinct zones. Dividers are great because they provide functional separation AND add an architectural element that enhances the visual interest of the room (i.e. They are pretty!).
Designing Awkward Spaces Requires Vertical Thinking
When you're dealing with limited floor space, look up! Going vertical helps you make the most of the available area. Use elements that direct attention towards the ceiling or higher areas of a room. Drawing the eye upwards in design is important because it makes the space feel taller and more interesting. Here are a few ways to think vertically.
Shelving: Consider tall shelves that reach the ceiling to maximize storage while drawing the eye upward.
Lighting: Hanging pendant lights are another way to add some visual height, and they serve a dual purpose of illumination.
Artwork: Play with art arrangement. Don’t be afraid to stack a collection of art pieces high on the wall or hang one large piece. Arranging artwork in a vertical manner adds visual interest and makes the space appear taller.
Thinking vertically allows you to optimize storage, create a sense of grandeur, and distract from the room's awkward layout.
Multifunctional Furniture is key
Furniture that can serve dual purposes is the best thing you can do for an awkward or tight space. It offers both practicality and versatility so you can make the most of every square inch. Here are a few ways you can embrace these multifunctional pieces to save space, maximize efficiency, and value to your awkward space.
Seat meets Table meets Storage: A stylish ottoman with hidden storage can serve as a coffee table, provide additional seating, and give you some additional space to stash blankets!
Double Duty Desk: A sleek console table can double as a desk in a compact home office. It can also act as a nightstand in a bedroom that needs a desk space but doesn’t have a room.
The Hidden Bed: Murphy beds are a fantastic solution for guest rooms that need to function as a workspace.
Designing Awkward Spaces is forever changed.
Remember, every design challenge is an opportunity for innovation. By using some of our tips and tricks, like symmetry, room dividers, bringing the eye up, and using multi-functional pieces, you'll be able to turn your awkward layout into a design masterpiece. While not every space is equal, every space has the potential to be amazing!
Need some advice on designing awkward spaces? Amy Rebekah Interiors can help! Drop us an email to learn more about working with us for your Interior Design needs.
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