Personal Style Meets Function

Style or function: This is a debate that a lot of homeowners face. In reality, you don’t have to pick one. Your home should be both beautiful and livable. When it reflects your personality, but is also built around your habits, it feels great to come home to every single day.

Figuring Out Your Style

“Your personal style is a mirror of your personality, what you like, what you dislike, what you stand for, and so on. It can be color, texture, pattern, a design language, and so on that resonates with you. Start by simply paying attention to things you are drawn to. It could be a simple minimal interior or a cozy eclectic space. Could be natural textures, bright colors, pastels, monochromes, etc. Identifying your personal style will help you make deliberate choices as opposed to getting swayed away by every new trend that’s available.”

Practicality Comes First

Function is all about whether the space functions for your daily life. It involves efficiency, accessibility and comfort. Think about your lifestyle, activities and the needs of all who share the home with you. A functional space provides purpose for each item, pathways and activities that function for you and your routines. Take, for instance, the ease of accessible storage, furniture placement that’s practical and the functionality of multi-use spaces.

The Intersection of Form and Function

The best way to strike a balance between style and function at home is to look for items that serve both purposes. You can purchase a sofa that not only looks good but is also comfortable, a storage box that looks good but will also hide your junk, or a light fitting that not only looks good but will also aid your mood and abilities. By balancing the two principles your home will feel thought out and not a mess or just for show.

Here are some of the ways that the furniture you pick can be designed to care for your needs.

Now, to the fun part: buying furniture! For every single piece of furniture you bring into the space, there should be a sense of why it’s there, from an aesthetic perspective, but also from a functional perspective. Keep size in mind, comfort, durability, longevity and the ability to repurpose it. For example, a storage bench or a desk that folds out of a wall can be both beautiful and functional. Every decision should add to the livability of the space.

Adding a personal touch

As you bring your personality into the space, your house becomes a home. This is where your artwork, collectables, personal photos, fabrics and anything inherited fit into the puzzle. Remember to look at the proportions, the relationship to the functional zones and don’t let it become clutter. You want the space to feel special, but you also want to see it as a warm lived-in home.

How to get the most storage without compromising on style

Storage is important in a functional home with style. Shelves, built-in cabinetry, and wicker baskets can provide storage and style at the same time. Everything should be easy to access and look good. When there is a place for everything, and everything has its place, life is just less stressful and your home is less cluttered.

Incorporating versatile elements is an important part of building flexible spaces. Consider items such as a storage bench for a mudroom, a coffee table with storage in a living room, or a desk with built-in shelving in a home office. You can also use hidden storage solutions like storage ottomans, nesting tables, or secretary desks. Additionally, think about the arrangement of the room. Instead of placing furniture against walls, float it to create a more open feel. Use area rugs to define different areas within a larger space and establish zones for various activities.

A flexible room can serve multiple purposes or can morph from one function to another throughout the day. Think of a living room that is a lounge by day and a home office by night. Or a bedroom that is both a sleeping and reading room. Having flexible spaces means that each one can still perform the tasks it needs to and still remain within your aesthetic and work well as your needs change.

Staying Consistent Long-Term

Finally, remember that a balanced home is a fluid concept. It should change and adapt to your life, and it should continue to work for you. Every once in a while check to see if things feel right in your home, make adjustments as necessary and keep your home feeling like a place where you can grow.