Interior design is a discipline that is responsible for creating pleasant and functional environments in the interior spaces of a home. Many people enjoy decorating their homes and seek to create a space that reflects their personality and lifestyle. However, it is not always easy to achieve the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Although the best thing a family can do is hire a specialist in interior design, there are ways to condition residential spaces. Gladys Pérez-Egaña Loli, professor of the “Design of Residential Spaces for Specialists” Diploma at UCAL, explains that “a functional residential space is one that adapts to the needs of its inhabitants, that solves their problems and makes their lives more pleasant”.

In this sense, to create this type of space, it is essential to know the people who are going to live in them, understand their habits, their tastes and their needs.

5 tips for creating functional spaces

The expert considers five tips to take into account when creating these functional spaces:.

• Consider the role of the environment: Before starting to decorate a room, it is important to consider its function. For example, if you’re decorating a living room, you’ll need to consider how many people will gather there and what activities will take place. This will help you determine the size, equipment and arrangement of the furniture.
• Use the right light: Lighting is an important factor in any space, as it can completely change the look and feel. Make sure you have good natural lighting or complement it with artificial lighting. You can also use curtains or blinds to control the amount of light that enters the room or mirrors to distribute the space in a more harmonious way.
• Choose the right colors: Colors have the power to influence the mood of people. It is important to choose the right colors for each room, according to its function and the effect you want to achieve. For example, work based on the psychology of color and use some intense colors in the work spaces to generate movement or energy and pastel tones for those resting places. Whites could be used in studios or small spaces, so that they give a perception of volume.
• Don’t forget the details: The details are what make the difference. Add cushions, rugs, paintings and other decorative elements to give the room personality. But be careful not to clutter the space, as too much detail can create a clutter effect.
• Consider garden design: Last but not least, also decorate your garden. Consider the available space, weather conditions, and the amount of sunlight your yard receives. This will help you determine which plants and trees are suitable, as well as the type of soil and the necessary irrigation according to the climate.