How to Create Different Zones Within a Room


Creating different zones within a room makes it a beautiful and fascinating space that provides two or more functions. Zones may not be visually demarcated, but they must flow and meld into each other. And achieving this effect is what professional interior designers do best as space planners.

Space Planning: More Than Creating Rooms Within a Shell

There is more to planning interiors than carving out rooms; living, dining, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, hallways, etc. Space planning also involves zoning. Making a room multi-functional.

Two zones within a bedroom.
(Image created by author viryabo@polyvore.com)

Zones in Interior Spaces

Whether an interior space is open plan and needs to serve more than one purpose (studio apartment) or one large room that was initially meant to serve one function (sitting room), any room or space within a home can be adapted to serve more than two functions. When this layout is created, it is referred to as zoning.

Zones within interior rooms must be:
  1. Functional.
  2. Purposeful.
  3. Visibly appealing.
  4. Arranged to complement each other.
The arrangement works much better when there is ample floor space. But that does not mean it cannot work for smaller rooms. For instance, the open floor plan of a studio apartment must contain different zones:
  • Living area.
  • Dining area.
  • Home office (if you work from home).
  • Pet corner.
  • Music home studio.
In a smaller space, like the kitchen, for example, zones will be limited to about two, maybe three, maximum:
  • Kitchen area (food preparation and cooking).
  • Breakfast counter (or nook) or dining counter.
  • Utility area (clothes washing and drying).
You don’t want more than these. Too many zones within a small space become meaningless and cluttered.

Ways to Create Areas Within a Room

Each area should seat one or more people, so you can create furniture groupings for each zone.
  • Zone #1 - A living area with a sofa, coffee table, an accent chair and a floor lamp.
  • Zone #2 - A second seating area with two armchairs, a table, and a table lamp.
  • Zone #3 - Work-at-home station with multi-function desk and chair. Great for under-staircase areas.
  • Zone #4 - Pets corner, with pet furniture/bed.
Another effective way to create zones is to add a false floor (multi-level). Different floor levels give the feel of two rooms within one. For instance, a raised dining area (distinctively) separates the living from the dining area.

(Image created by author viryabo@polyvore.com)

How to Demarcate Zones

Zones can have a free-flow walk-through. They can also be separated with high or low no-back bookcases, consoles, display units, stands, and troughed or potted plants. These can serve as partitions and dividers.

Lighting can visually demarcate zones as well. This works particularly well at night, where you can light up one, two, or all zones, depending on the mood desired. Using a combination of pendant lights, tables, and floor lamps is best. The result is an amazing ambience.

Zones with free-flow walk-throughs can strategically place sectional rugs to demarcate the different areas. The rugs must vary in texture, size, and shape, while colours must complement each other.

Altogether, your zones must not be designed to clash with each other. Each must complement the other, side by side, within an interior space.

How To Create Designated Zones In An Open-Concept Main Floor (Video)





Articles of interest

Soft Window Treatments - Basics of Window Dressing

There are endless creative ideas for window treatments for your home décor projects, but the basics types fall under three categories:
  • Soft window treatments
  • Hard window dressing
  • Combination (a blend of soft and hard window dressing)
However, this article is about soft window treatments and the basic types that many of us may be familiar with.

window treatments


Its name and the description says it all; they are soft window dressings and the materials used for them are generally fabrics and other forms of textiles that range from the soft sheer light-weight materials like satin, silk, voile, and fine lace, to the more resilient, textured, and heavy-weight fabrics like damask, velvet, and brocade.

6 Types of  Soft Window Treatments


The treatment types include:
  • Curtains
  • Drapes
  • Swags (and tails)
  • Valances
  • Sliding fabric panels
  • Shades
Of them all, drapes are the most popular used as window decor.


window treatments
Types of Soft Window Treatments
  

Curtains are window dressings that are made with lightweight, sheer, and translucent fabrics, which include silk, cotton, voile, and organza. They are less expensive to make than drapes and usually require less material to produce.

These kinds of treatments are rarely lined, so they don’t give as much privacy as drapery, but only when used alone. But many homeowners use them paired with blinds or shutters. Curtains on their own are great to use if you live many floors up a high-rise building or in an area where you don’t need that much privacy.

Drapes are made from heavier-weight fabrics and are generally floor-length. They can be made for purely decorative reasons, in which case they’ll swoop to the sides, held with tie-backs, and remain stationary.

Drapery, however, is made more for functional purposes than aesthetics - open for light during the day, closed for privacy at night, and keeps the room warm in winter. You need lots of material to make drapes.

Shades are probably the next preferred style of soft window treatments made from fabric. This type of window treatment is generally made with one piece of fabric that can be raised up or lowered down.

Many homeowners love them for their simple but stylish looks, insulating attributes, and functionality, providing both privacy and light control. And because they are made of fabric, they serve as a good option if you love blinds but prefer ones made with some textile that complements the room’s décor, for example, Roman shades.

Valances, swags, and tails are purely decorative window dressings and only cover the top (and sides) of a window. They are good for adding extra aesthetics and colour complements or contrasts to an interior space.

Sliding fabric panels are modern types of window treatments. Not only are they sleek, clean, and simple-lined, but they also cost much less than traditional style window dressings.
 


Further reading:

Home Décor Fabrics by the Yard Online

How to Clean Bamboo Window Shades

How to Clean Honeycomb Window Blinds

7 Ways to Change Your Living Room from Drab to Refreshing


(Images created by Viryabo@Polyvore)



How to Accessorize a Dining Room

How many of us pay much attention to our dining room? We have the dining table and chairs, all set up nice and tidy. There is nothing wrong with that, except it looks dull and boring. We need to pay a bit more attention to aesthetics so the room doesn’t appear stark and ‘naked’.





There are a good number of ways to style a dining area and give it some interest, but it first starts with the size of the set and its relationship to the shape and volume of the area.

You don’t want to fit a six-seater set into a space that’s better off with a four-chair set, and you don’t want to place a round table in a rectangular floor space, either.

For a fairly square-shaped room or space, a round table dining set or a square-shaped four-seater works best. A narrow dining area looks best when furnished with a rectangular table. However, these are not strict rules because, in some instances, configurations vary. Dining sets placed in wide bay window areas and oddly shaped dining rooms.

Ways to Style a Dining Room


The way a dining room is styled is always a reflection of the homeowner's personal style, but even if you don’t possess interior decorating skills, you can still beautify your dining room in such a way that it will be transformed from the ordinary to the totally appealing.





Décor items, including other furnishings that you can add to enhance your eating area, are:

Area rugs – They are not only good for defining the dining area, especially in open-plan layouts, but they visibly enhance the space by softening and lifting it up from a hard floor finish. For round top tables, a round rug works best, and for a rectangular table, a rectangular one works best. It is important to use the right size area rug, not too large and not too small. The size of the dining set will determine the size of the rug that works best.

It’s good to ensure that the rug connects the furniture pieces – table and chairs - and the chairs must slide in and out ON the rug. The back legs of your chair must not go over the edge of the rug.

Lighting - Install a decorative light fixture over the dining table, a pendant light(s) if you have a high ceiling or a flush-mounted light if you have a low ceiling. You can install a chandelier if you love the traditional. Ideas include fitting pendant lights in a row over a rectangular tabletop or in a central cluster for a modern look over a round-top table.

Centrepiece – This can be a vase with fresh or artificial flowers. It can also be a couple of candelabras or a dried plant arrangement. Other ideas include a decorative platter of fresh fruits and berries, a decorative glass bowl of shells, smooth pebbles, dried figs, and the like.

 



Tabletop water fountains, a dish with floating scented candles, or a fishbowl with goldfish are other great ideas. However, ensure the centrepiece isn't too high and doesn't take up too much space on the table. It's only meant to enhance, not crowd!

Table setting – You don’t have to have a get-together before you set up your dining table. Soften the table with linen. So, if you like tablecloths, go for it, but if you don’t, you can set the table with colour-coordinated placemats. Remember to include plates, cutlery/rings, pretty cloth napkins, salt & pepper shakers, etc...

Slipcovers for chairs – If the dining chairs are old-fashioned, drab, or plain, instead of going out to buy new chairs, you can cover them with slipcovers. Not only do they convey an elegant, casual look to dining rooms, but they also make a dining room more inviting and user-friendly. Good thing . . . most slipcovers can easily be thrown in the wash in case of stains and spills.

 


Souvenirs and mementoes – You can display family relics, souvenirs, or other heirlooms. These can be placed on the sideboard, corner cabinet, or on the wall in a cluster. This works well in traditional dining room settings, but there is no reason why cherished pieces cannot be displayed in modern settings.

Banquette – for smaller dining spaces, introducing built-in banquette seats is a great idea. It not only adds extra seating space, but the space under the seat can also serve as storage. It’s good to tie it together with the dining chairs by using the same fabric as the chairs to upholster it.

Accent with Patterns – There is nothing as effective as bold patterns if you want to add some drama to a room. You can add some surprising elegance and style to a dining room by including lively patterns in attractive prints. For instance, bold zebra print (black and white) upholstery on area rugs or dining chairs will make an otherwise subdued room look attractive and inviting.


Choose a Great Pattern and Colour Scheme


After all is said and done, you need to play up a great pattern and colour scheme. Just as the colour gold adds a stylish feel to an outfit, so do the warm tones of brushed gold tableware add finesse and sparkle to a set dining table, so choose your favourite colours and play them up in an attractive way.

Ensure you add textural depth as well. For example, you can get creative and mix the dining chair upholstery fabrics with patterned upholstery cushions on the front and a coordinating solid colour on the back of the chairs.

Add some visual height to the room with vertical stripes to emphasise it. Floor-to-ceiling curtains will make the space feel light and airy.


Further Reading:



(Images . . . created by Viryabo@Polyvore)

Best 5 Kitchen Layouts: How to Design Efficient Kitchens

The best kitchen layouts are kitchens that are designed with both efficiency and aesthetics in mind. Whatever the size of your kitchen is, if it has been designed without thinking about its being functional, comfortable, attractive, and a dream to cook in, you are not enjoying your kitchen. Not optimally, anyway.




There are some basic principles behind designing a successful kitchen, and the layouts are quite straightforward, at least in most kitchen configurations. It does depend on the size and shape of the room, but the basics remain the same. The following kitchen designs should give you an understanding of how to plan something that’ll work best for your space.

The 5 Basic Kitchen Designs


The following kitchen design ideas will always work on a practical level for most kitchens, but what is important to know is that you can develop a design concept by yourself. Make it a DIY task.

Creating effective and user-friendly kitchens isn't that complicated, and you really don’t need the services of an interior designer to achieve this feat. The deciding factor is basically the shape, volume, and size of the kitchen space. However, if you feel you need help to fine-tune your ideas, most home improvement stores in your locality will do it for free if you buy from them.

There are also designers online that you can employ to improve on your basic layout and perfect it. These services will come with at least a small fee.

1. In-line

2. Galley

3. L-shape

4. U-shape

5. Island

The smaller your kitchen space is, the more planning it requires. Tiny kitchens require you to put more thought into their arrangement because there isn’t much space to do kitchen chores. And though you may feel that your worktop may be minimal, with strategic placements of cabinets, appliances, and other kitchen requirements, you may get more counter surface which is important for efficient kitchen layouts.


Remodel Without Going Bonkers or Broke! - "This book is an investment in your remodelling success. It will spare you from 'horror story' results because you'll avoid the three critical remodelling mistakes (savings easily worth tens of thousands). You can now avoid the headaches and uncertainty that plague those who remodel without an insider's advice."


1. In-Line Kitchen Design

This kitchen design is also referred to as single-line kitchens. The design has cabinets and all appliances lined up against one wall. It is practical and well-suited for small and narrow kitchen spaces or those that serve as access routes. In-line kitchen layouts are found in older homes, studio apartments, and small residences. They are best suited for single users. 
 



2. Galley Layouts

The galley kitchen layout is like 2 in-line units facing each other like two parallel lines. Because they are lined up against two opposite walls, a comfortable space of 120cm (4 feet) is required between the two walls of kitchen units. For your kitchen design to work optimally, you need a minimum amount of space to allow for easy movement and efficient operations within the room.

There is one disadvantage with galley-style kitchens. It makes some people feel cramped, especially if there are more than two people working in the kitchen.

3. L-Shaped Kitchen Floor Plans

The L-shaped kitchen plan carries the in-line layout and turns around a corner at a right angle. This option is a more flexible arrangement and is great for large kitchens that incorporate dining areas. To visually divide the two zones (kitchen and eating areas), you can install a breakfast counter.

The L-shape kitchen layout is a great configuration for small and odd-shaped kitchens and works well in rectangular kitchens.




4. U-Shaped Kitchen Layouts

U-shape kitchens are popular designs for larger kitchens. They consist of two corners and two ends lined up against three walls and appearing like a peninsula of sorts. The shape allows for a perfect 'work triangle,' and if you plan to renovate, the U-shape layout will be a wise choice. You will require a minimum of 240cm (8 feet) between the parallel walls of the shape.






5. Kitchens with Island Units

Island kitchens are basically U-shaped kitchen layouts with an island of cabinets in the centre of the U. This layout requires a fair amount of floor space for it to work effectively without restricting movement. Island units provide the ideal preparation areas because it is designed to be equidistant from all other cabinets and appliances installed in the room.

The hub, grill, sink, or food preparation area can be installed in an island unit. If the kitchen is large enough, a 100cm wide island can have all these, making them versatile mid-way points in the kitchen. Island units can come as moveable (on rollers) or built to be fixed in one position.




Can Kitchen Layouts Come in Endless Possibilities?


Yes and no.

Yes, because kitchen shapes, volumes, and sizes come in so many forms and no because a kitchen’s size can be a limiting factor. However, almost all kitchen layouts are derived from one of these basic designs. As long as each layout is designed to create an efficient work triangle, except for in-line kitchen designs, the path between the three primary workstations in a kitchen - food preparation, cooking, and washing- your kitchen design will work efficiently and functionally while maintaining a striking and appealing look.



Articles:
7 Ways to Upgrade your Kitchen without Spending a Fortune
Elegant Counter-Height Dining Tables for Small Spaces
7 Room Partition Ideas (Room Dividers)
How to Design a Great Kitchen
10 Kitchen Remodelling Ideas


(Images . . . Created by Viryabo@Polyvore)

Klismos-Style Chairs: Modern Versions of an Ancient Greek Chair Design

Klismos-style chairs are shaped after chair designs of ancient Greece and are said to date back as far as the 5th century. Representations of this chair design have been found on bas-relief and pottery designs of the 1400s and the period depictions found on painted pottery and carvings at the Acropolis of Athens, now a world heritage site.

And though very few original specimens have been discovered by modern archaeologists, the artworks and carvings excavated give us a clear indication of what the chairs looked like.


Modern Klismos chair, used as an accent chair in this image. Notice the curved lines on every part of its structure - backrest, seat, stiles, and legs. (Image created by author)

The Klismos chair design is as classic as they come. With curved backrests and tapering curvilinear legs, they possess clean lines and soft curves and can work perfectly in any modern or traditional interior setting. 

One distinguishing feature of this timeless chair is its sabre-like tapering legs, curved tablet backrests and curled stiles. These features give Klismos chairs a visibly lightweight, sleek look. They usually come with a generously wide seat and a backrest that curves forward enough to rest your elbows. The chair's design can be aptly described as “simultaneously old-world and contemporary”.


Klismos Style Chairs in Modern Interiors


With its relatively frequent appearance over the centuries, the basic design of the Klismos chair still looks surprisingly consistent. It has been endlessly reinterpreted since as far back as the late 18th century and is one of the few, if not the only ancient Greek furniture styles that can still be found in modern interior settings today.

Its relevance today still attests to the fact that it was well designed then and still is now in the 21st century. According to decorator, Brad Ford, “Its lines are incredibly graceful, and it stands up to any number of interpretations”. This means that whichever way you use it, either in a stylish living room setting or in more casual interior decor, it will never look out of place in any interior setup.


Klismos chairs are popularly used as dining chairs as shown in this setting. However, it can also be used as an occasional chair or as an accent chair.

9 Reasons Why People Love Klismos Chairs


Many people love the expressive, unique, and completely timeless look of this ancient-styled chair as they no doubt will add elegance to any room.

But why is the Klismos chair style such an enduring piece of furniture and an all-time favourite?
  1. They make great accent chairs.
  2. They will transform a lacklustre living room seating arrangement into a beautiful and stylish setting.
  3. They look very elegant when set around any style of dining table. They also will add a sophisticated feel to your dining room. 
  4. Its flowing curvy strokes balance its classical sobriety 
  5. The curved backrest makes it comfortable to sit in while its curved legs offer extra support to the chair. 
  6. They are stylishly lightweight chairs and can be moved around a room from one spot to another. 
  7. It has age-old lines and characteristic S-curves, a desired feature by those who like chic neoclassic themes. 
  8. Like many true classics, the Klismos chair design has been reproduced and re-designed in so many different ways. 
  9. It is a unique piece of furniture that still maintains a sense of tradition. Made in various materials ranging from wood and faux leather to acrylic, leather and wood combination, and from rattan.

For today’s designers and decorators, the Klismos chairs remain a top choice for accent or dining chairs just for their sheer elegance. Why not? After all, it is “the only ancient furniture form that, in its most faithful reproduction, can still fulfil today's practical and stylistic requirements”.


Further Reading:
How to Style a Plain Sofa
How to Decorate with Accent Chairs

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