Microspot Team | JUNE 2024
When planning your remodelling project, laying out a site plan or looking for a fresh look in your home, it’s important that you get the best and most accurate information to prepare your plans. Here are some often-overlooked tricks to help design the perfect plan.
It may seem obvious, but accurately measuring existing spaces is fundamental to an accurate plan. Lay the tape flat on the floor when measuring, and don’t assume your walls are paralell! Measure your dimensions in several places, measure everything and measure it twice. Accuracy is key here.
When designing a room layout, it’s tempting to plan based on what looks best at a top-down view. Remember, being in that room is a very different thing.
Will the glare from the windows cause issues with the monitors and TVs? Avoid planning monitors and TVs to face directly toward windows. Try to have the person facing the window instead, this has the benfit of avoiding screen glare while providing a view while at the desk. Efficiency of movement and communication.Facing toward or away from the door? For many rooms, this will influence the entire design. Most designs would benefit from a door-facing desk or chair. However, there are exceptions. When designing work spaces, keep in mind the need for communication. Natural and efficient traffic between rooms helps getting around quickly and without congestion. What do you want to look at? Consider the view from a desk chair or social space. Looking at a cramped or crowded space is stressful. Windows with views, well-lit open spaces and furnishings make for pleasant viewing.
Tips and information
Keep in mind furniture in a home is often not placed adjacent to walls, but has a small gap of a few inches between them. Note the placement of projecting windowsills, light switches, thermostats, alarms, plug sockets, vents etc. BEFORE deciding on furniture placement. There is nothing worse than a plug socket stuck behind the sofa!
Keep in mind that not all objects or furnishings in a room are stationary. Some objects may need to be moved, and drawers, cabinets and doors will be opened.Is there space for the drawers, cabinets and doors to extend? Remember to leave ample room for this, as well as the person standing in front. A person will need approximately 20” in a comfortable environment.
Is there practical walking room? Walkways between furniture and a wall should be 30”, or more in a comfortable environment. Residential and public spaces should be more accommodating.
Tips and information
To get an idea for how wide to plan a walkway, use a tape measure on the floor and see how much space you would need to move around comfortably. Certain rooms might demand more space, bedrooms and living rooms feel more comfortable with added space while bathrooms and hallways can be more forgiving.
Keep in mind that not all objects or furnishings in a room are stationary. Some objects may need to be moved, and drawers, cabinets and doors will be opened.
Older designs are compartmentalised whereas more modern homes and offices welcome open spaces. Think about dividers instead of walls, a joined kitchen and dining room and an open living and social space. Experiment with visual connection between spaces. Being able to see and talk to guests in the dining room while cooking in the kitchen could be a great idea, create a natural visual network throughout the home.
Time really is money. Making the most of your time when drawing is very important. Some CAD softwares will have advanced features like libraries, allowing you to drag and drop your previous work into your drawings. Make the most of these features!Why draw something twice when you need only draw it once?
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