The first thing you want to do is make a template of your room. This will give you a better idea of all the possibilities and what works and what doesn't. Rearrange the furniture templates until you are happy with how the furniture is placed.
You can't figure out if your furniture will fit until you know the size of your space. Make a simple layout the easy way by taking a tape measure and measure each wall of your room. Also measure the size of the windows and doors, and take note whether the doors open in or out.
Draw your room on graph paper. As a rule of thumb, each 1/4 inch square will equal 1 foot. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it will appear neater and easier to read if you use a ruler or straight-edge.
Measurement Rules:
Draw your room on graph paper. As a rule of thumb, each 1/4 inch square will equal 1 foot. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it will appear neater and easier to read if you use a ruler or straight-edge.
Measurement Rules:
Be sure to allow for traffic and ease of use following these rules:
- Allow least 18 to 20 inches in front of any furniture piece to allow traffic to pass comfortably.
- Allow 2 inches between your furniture and the walls.
- Allow space for all doors to open and close.
- Allow a traffic path of at least 24 inches through the room
- Allow enough space to open drawers easily
- Allow a table or floor lamp at every seating space for adequate light
Focal Point:
A room will feel much more inviting and comfortable if you arrange the furniture or accessories around a focal point. A focal point can be an architectural feature, a special picture, mirror, or dramatic piece of furniture.
Here's How:
- Look around your room to determine the 'biggest' feature. It may be a fireplace, TV wall, a picture window, or a built-in bookcase. This will generally be your focal point.
- If your room has no distinguishing architectural features, identify the largest furniture pieces. These could become your focal point.
- A focal point should be something interesting to look at, something colorful or texturally and visually appealing.
- You can create a focal point for the room, by focusing on artwork, floral arrangements, paint color, or shelving.
- The focal point should be the 'first thing' you see when entering a room. If possible, build your furniture arrangement around the focal point.
- If an outdoor view is the focal point, orient the furniture inside and outside to take advantage of window areas.
- You can create a focal point wall by painting one wall a different color from the rest and accessorizing with a wall arrangement, artwork, or display shelves.
- Use lighting to enhance your focal point. For example, use a picture light, track light, or wall washer fixture on a painting or wall display.
- If you've identified a mantle or shelf as the focal point, use plants and accessories to decorate them.
- Use contrasting color to make the focal point stand out. For example, use a light wall color behind a dark wood armoire.
Tips:
- Focus on your room's best qualities by choosing a focal point you enjoy.
- Decorate and 'frame' a focal point with plants, curtains, and art.
- Remember to try choosing the 'first thing' you see, or the biggest item for a focal point.
http://www.seemydesign.com/livingroom/designaroom/layout/index.htm
Another handy tool for getting the idea of what your room can look like is: http://www.seemydesign.com/app/RoomChoicesSessionSetter
