It’s a quandary that everyone wrestles with when decorating. Which gets the higher priority: function or form? You want your home décor to be tasteful, but at the same time, you don’t want to sacrifice usefulness for a pretty veneer.
At its most basic, function is an object’s suitableness to perform a particular purpose. A piece of furniture can be functional when it provides comfortable seating or extra storage. A beanbag chair may be a comfortable seat and a high school locker can provide storage, but neither is fashionable. Determining whether a piece is fashionable is largely a matter of esthetics. A Stickley chair is a classic. It’s comfortable, and its arts and crafts style makes it beautiful. Similarly, and at the other end of the price spectrum, it's possible to pick up excellent storage solutions at Ikea. With sleek lines and innovative design, many of Ikea’s offerings exemplify the intersection between function and fashion.
It’s not always easy to find the perfect match between usefulness and visual appeal, but here are some tips that just might make it easier to transform your home into an oasis of function and fashion.
1. Living with electronics. Electronics have filtered into every facet of our lives. Many devices require cords for charging, if nothing else. Find ways to keep electronic cords bundled up and tucked out of sight. Purchase a charging station that can be placed in a central location. These handy stations allow you to charge cell phones, camera batteries and anything else you can think of in one spot, and the cords are always under control and out of sight. This keeps your home organized and looking neat while eliminating the frantic search for cords.
2. Make the most of an open floor plan. Many newer homes feature floor plans that flow easily from one room to the next, like combination family room, kitchens and dining rooms. A large, open area can feel spacious or chaotic, depending upon how it’s decorated. To create a cozy spot that’s suitable for intimate talks, establish an area using a throw rug. Group a couple of chairs and an end table around the rug to create definition. This quiet spot can become your place to unwind. In another corner, place a toy chest along with books, games and puzzles to keep the kids entertained. This is their spot, and it’s theirs to enjoy and maintain.
3. Look for furniture that does double duty. Fashionable design today is uncluttered. That means keeping everything organized. However, it can also mean asking some furniture to meet more than one goal. Consider an ottoman with a lifting top to provide extra storage and a place to rest your feet.
4. Use natural fibers. Natural fibers bring a sense of peace and calm into the modern home. Use rush baskets on shelves to help control clutter and consider using window coverings made from natural materials. They look fashionable and help you maintain privacy.
5. Create multipurpose rooms. These days, it’s fashionable to do more with less. Perhaps your home doesn’t have enough rooms to allow for a separate guestroom, sewing room and gym, but there are clever ways to combine all three into one space. Choose a daybed, and transform a large closet into a craft area by purchasing a built-in desk with shelving. A folding treadmill gives you a place to workout, and also can be removed when guests are staying.
6. Tidy up the entryway. The entryway is the first thing your guests see, and it can be a useful space. Hang up a key rack for everyone’s keys. Place a message board on the wall that lets everyone know about family events. Put down a colorful throw rug and add a mirror to make the space appear larger. An entryway can be a beautiful and useful room, if you give it the attention it deserves.
7. The kids’ room. Give the kids space with combination bunk beds and study desks. These pieces maximize floor space while allowing for a comfortable bed and adequate space for homework. It’s also the perfect solution for sleepovers.
Tom Demers is an avid technical blogger for Bit 9 writing about endpoint protection .
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