Harmonise Your Home

Summary

The website content provides interior design advice on creating a sense of spaciousness and depth by strategically arranging furniture to form pockets of empty space, thereby enhancing the overall ambiance of a home.

Abstract

The article "Harmonise Your Home" emphasizes the importance of furniture placement in interior design. It suggests that moving furniture away from walls and spacing them out can create an illusion of increased headspace and depth, making a home feel more like a sanctuary. The concept is to multiply "bubbles of empty space" throughout the living area, which not only adds visual depth but also creates a more comfortable and inviting environment. The author, drawing from the advice of an architect's cousin and personal trial-and-error, encourages readers to deconstruct their traditional notion of space. Instead of focusing on one large central area, the article advocates for harmonizing space across the room by using minimal wall shelving, comfortable distances between furniture, and strategic lighting to enhance the sense of space and convenience. The article includes visual examples and concludes with actionable tips for readers to apply in their own homes, aiming to foster a more serene and writer-friendly atmosphere.

Opinions

The design principle of spacing out furniture is presented as a simple yet effective method for improving interior aesthetics.
The advice is said to be "vetted by common sense and verified by trial-and-error," suggesting it is both logical and proven through practical application.
The author believes that creating multiple pockets of space is more beneficial than focusing on a single large area, as it prevents the space from looking cluttered.
The article posits that the multiplication of empty spaces adds depth to the gaze and creates a sense of refuge within the home.
It is suggested that a harmonious space contributes to a sanctuary-like environment, conducive to comfort and creative thought, especially beneficial for writers.
The author expresses that the central idea of space deconstruction is counterintuitive to the common approach of maximizing the main free surface area.
The article conveys that strategic furniture arrangement not only creates space but also convenience, enhancing the overall functionality of the home.
The use of soft lighting and the creation of a writer's den are recommended as finishing touches to personalize the space and cater to individual needs.

Deconstruct your notion of space

You’d think the way to create more space in your home is to make the main free surface area larger…

… by moving pieces of furniture aside.

But here’s the trick:

Move some furniture in from the walls so you can add pockets of space all around.

The multiplication of bubbles of empty space adds depth to your gaze.

It creates space throughout your home, making it a true refuge.

A sanctuary you’ll feel comfortable getting lost in.

And writers know getting lost in your thoughts is essential for the craft.

Where space is restricted to one big surface area

Take a large empty living room surrounded by a succession of shelving units, sofa, armchair and side table, all so close to one another it’s even impossible to hoover in between.

How does it make you feel?

Surrounded? Restricted? Anxious? Nowhere for your eyes to rest upon? All things converging to the empty space in the centre?

Where space is harmonised across the room

Now think of a place where a sofa and armchair are at a comfortable distance, creating room for a table. Go for only a small table with a lamp on it in that space, creating a pool of light and the possibility of glancing over.

Take out one shelving unit and organise a minimal amount of wall shelving instead. The space underneath can have a coffee table on a little rug. It’s waiting for your latest read to be nonchalantly set aside on.

It’s creating not just space, it’s creating convenience.

Harmonise Your Home

Space your furniture out to increase head space

Deconstruct your notion of space

Two examples

Where space is restricted to one big surface area

Where space is harmonised across the room

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