How an intentional room layout Can Help You Show Hospitality + 5 Tips To Design an effective room layout

And earlier tonight, I again found myself talking about layouts and how an effective room layout can show hospitality.

This time it was while a friend was over, she had just brought my family dinner, and as I washed the dishes, she held my newborn, rocking her to sleep and listening to me share something that has stuck with me since I began obsessing over space planning and room design.

“An effective space plan can create a sense of welcome,” I tell her. “It can usher someone into a space, guiding them through it in a way that makes them feel like they belong. And that’s what I want. I want people to know that they belong.” Whether it’s at the park or when entering a stranger’s home. That sense of welcome is all the difference in creating a place of belonging.

And belonging is one of our greatest human desires.

I fell in love with space planning because of the challenge and opportunity it offered. How exactly can I help someone feel like they belong when they first enter my home? I had to consider each step a person may take - whether my husband and kids or a stranger. How will they move in the space? How can I draw them in? What will guide them? How can I make it easy for them to navigate my home and truly feel welcome within it? Some situations, like that first time you enter the home of someone new, may feel awkward or uncertain. Like when you meet your new love interests family for the first time, or when you walk into your potential new office for that job interview. Whatever the situation, we all know what it’s like to enter into a place a little uncomfortable, anxious and perhaps a bit out of our element. What I want to do is create a layout plan that helps others feel like they know exactly what to do, to ease some of the uncertainty and give a sense of control. I want to ease their mind so they aren’t focused on the awkwardness, but able to fully embrace the welcome I so desperately hope they encounter in my home.

Now this starts starts with intention and cultivating a heart of welcome first, which I talk about in other posts but want to say as a reminder here: truly, even the best of layouts will not feel welcoming if the host lacks a welcoming spirit themselves. If you don’t desire to welcome someone in, then layouts, good food, and whatever else you offer don’t matter. The goal is true relationship, genuine welcome and great generosity. But that can’t be manufactured. It takes long, intentional work (and a lot of prayer and dependence on God) to foster that. But for today’s tips, I will share how good design can assist in that process. See below for 5 tips to design an effective room layout.

so, What is a room layout and why does it matter?

Layouts involve the placement of furniture, lighting, art, and more in a space. An effective layout can enhance the environment you are trying to create and greatly impacts the way people interact with a room.

Tip 1: Consider how people enter and exit the room

How do people enter and exit the room? Is there anything blocking these entry/exit areas? Is there a way to move the furniture to create clear pathways for people? Whether you’re laying out a room for people to gather for conversation, dine in or go to sleep, you want your pathways to have clear access to the seating in the room. Try to limit anything from blocking the access

Tip 2: Think about how people will use the room

Are people going to eat and drink in this space? Or watch movies? Is it a space for conversation? Consider which furniture pieces you will need, like a coffee table or side tables for that cozy chair in the corner. Create spaces for people to put their drinks and plates that they can easily access. And remember- a coffee table, typically should be about 18” from the sofa, to provide enough space to walk around it and you usually want it to be 1/3 to 2/3 the length of the sofa.

Tip 3: Establish a focal point

Focal points are the central focus of a room (like a fireplace, for example) and help a person feel grounded in a room. Focal points also establish how to orient the furniture. Not sure what the focal point should be? No problem, read this post for more on identifying the focal point and/or creating your own.

Tip 4: Don’t forget LIGhting!

Ample lighting is crucial to a room’s layout, but is easy to forget. Remember that cozy chair in the corner? Well it likely needs a lamp, whether it’s on a side table or is a standing lamp. Consider the areas in a room that would be aided by having some light. This is practical and adds to the function of a room. Plus, with all the amazing lighting options out there - it’s also a good opportunity to choose lighting that is interesting and reflects your personality. Consider layering your lighting - overhead light, sconces, standing lamps and table lamps all work together to create a cohesive space when you mix and match the height of the lighting. And don’t forget other forms of lighting -like candles that provide their own special ambiance, too.

TIP 5: ART TELLS A STORY AND STORIES CAPTURE OUR ATTENTION

Humans love a good story. They captivate us, drawing our attention toward them. Art, which means so many things to so many people, is a beautiful way to offer connection to others. How did you choose the specific pieces of art you do? Why that photo? What speaks to you about that specific record? What drew you to that sculpture? The list goes on, but you get the idea. Each answer would lead to a story and people want to hear those stories. We want to connect. Use art to help you tell a story and build that connection. Consider how a large piece of art centered on a wall may draw someone in and engage them in your space. Play that record you love, display that sculpture piece in a place for all to see and watch as others interact with it, letting the sound of the music or the curves of the sculpture speak to them. Don’t forget those family photos that speak of the past and play a role in your present. Frame that poem you love. Whatever you do, don’t ignore art, place it thoughtfully and intentionally - just as you would your sofa or coffee table.

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to creating a functional and effective room layout. And tell me, what tips would you add to this list?

Until next time,

Alexa