Part 2 – SPACE

Let’s begin with the concept of space. After all, it’s the container for everything else you want to accomplish in the room. Its definition, as it applies to your home, is a design element consisting of a continuous expanse of distance, extending in all directions.

The reason for stating the actual definition is that it’s a great way to begin to see space in new ways. For instance, there might be areas in your home that seem pointless because you associate them with a mundane activity such as walking from one room into another. Upon taking a second look, though, you realize that it’s actually a blank slate for something spectacular. 

Take for instance this marvelous spiral staircase. It’s an excellent example of how to turn something functional into something fantastic by rethinking space. Sure, you could simply rely on a standard case of stairs; offset on one side of the elevated loft area so you can get from the bottom floor to the top. But, wait! That open space actually has massive potential because it is what is known as transitional or intermediate space. 

Now let’s consider something called interlaced space. This occurs when a design element in the room creates a connection between two separate spaces. In our example, the kitchen island is the key element. On one side there is presumably a kitchen. On the other side is a formal dining area that the home owner has decided to leave open. To the left is a living area with fireplace.

From a functional perspective the room makes sense. There are independent areas assigned to various common household activities. Now, imagine it without the kitchen island. Would you feel at home in a cozy way? Not likely, because the areas would seem disparate and without relationship. The kitchen island is thus the most important feature because it interlaces everything that surrounds it!

There are endless examples as far a space in concerned, but what’s most important is for you to understand a new way to think about the room you inhabit. Is there a small, nondescript space that could be turned into nifty niche? We bet there is!

Go back and read Part 1 – Intro

Next read Part 3 – Line