When it comes to designing a home, space is an important principle. While space determines the overall size of an area to work within, it also gives an indication of where furniture can be placed and how the room will be lived in.
Space is considered three-dimensional as you can use the height, depth, and width of an area. Elements such as door and window size and placement also play a crucial role in how space is utilised through the use of natural light and opening of rooms to other open spaces.
Space falls into two categories: positive space and negative space. Positive space is the space that contains objects. Negative space is the open or empty space which also includes any space between objects. When designing a room, it’s important to strike a balance between the two by avoiding overcrowding while ensuing a room is not sparse.
How you balance positive and negative space is determined by the functionality of the room. Negative space is required for traffic paths so if you have a hallway, it’s important that no bulky objects are placed in thoroughfares.
When designing a house, the clever use of space can alter the appearance of an area with the inclusion of a few techniques and features. A room can appear larger or smaller depending on the scale and size of furniture and objects placed in a room, the position and size of windows which allow the room to visually open to the outdoor space and provide natural light, and the use of tall furnishings can give the illusion of height.
Different design styles will also determine how a space is utilised. As an example, if a minimalist approach is the desired style outcome, then there will be more negative space in a room whereas a more eclectic design will have more positive space, resulting in different ways the space will feel once you’re standing in it.
How you use space in your home will be determined by your individual tastes, how you use your spaces, and the style you are aiming to achieve within your home.
To discuss your home design needs and how you can best make use of the space in your home, contact the team at Lateral Building Design.
