Before we can get very far with our space, we need to know exactly what we want it to do for us.  Without a clearly defined purpose we won’t know how to arrange the furniture, what furniture should be there, what storage options we need, or even what colors to choose.

Keep in mind it doesn’t matter what the previous owner or builder had in mind when they created the space.  Make the room fit your needs, even if that means turning a dining room into a play room, or a den into a bedroom.

Answer these 4 questions:

1.  Who will primarily use this space?  (The whole family, mostly kids, mostly adults, mostly Dad, guests?)

2.  What do you want the space to store?  (Books?  Toys? Musical Instruments?)

3. What do you want to do in this space? (Play games? Watch TV? Talk? Do homework? Eat? Escape to a quiet place? Read? Work from home? Entertain guests? Build stuff?)

4.  How do you want to feel when you are in this space? (Calm? Relaxed?  Cheerful?  Energized?)

Now that you know what you want here are some tips that will help you with tomorrow’s post.

1.  Make the main purpose of your room the main focal point–the thing your eye lands on first when you enter the room.  If the purpose is sleeping, make the bed the first thing that catches your eye.  If it’s to enjoy conversation around the fire, then let everything point to that.

2. Think about the types of furniture pieces you’ll need to use your space the way you want to.  Want to sit around and chat with guests?  Are there spaces to put coasters and drinks?  Want a relaxing place to read?  Are there bookcases or other storage for books?

3.  If you have a multitasking space, define the different areas with the arrangement of furniture and placement of throw rugs.

4.  Cheerful energizing colors: yellow, orange, red, bright green.  Calm relaxing colors: blue, soft green, gray, white.

5. The more organized and decluttered a space is the more relaxing it feels.

6.  White, gray, and blues can feel cold.  Yellows, browns, golds, and wood tones feel warm.  Add gold or tan accents to a primarily gray and white room and it warms the atmosphere.

6.  If your room lacks natural light, you can double the amount coming in by placing large mirrors on the opposite wall from the windows.