Space Planning, Design & Decoration:
Interior Design Transforms Available Space
by Sam Moser

   Space planning, a fundamental building block in interior design, is a process often confused – by consumers, the media and unlicensed decorators – with design or decorating. While space planning is nothing more than manipulation of space to enhance function, actual design brings rooms to life, and decoration is a finishing touch. Scott Howard, interior designer and proprietor of Scott Howard Interiors in Sarasota, defines the process of interior design, touching on techniques that enhance our living environments.
   The basic idea behind space planning has a long pedigree. Early Greek philosophers were preoccupied with the study of man and his relationship to the universe and many of them used mathematical formulas to define all aspects of life. In the fifth century BC, Protagoras speculated that “Of all things the measure is man,” a theory that ignited an eternity of philosophical discourse.
   In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci illustrated the relationship of man and his universe in his famous diagram of the human body inside the circle and square. His sketchbook drawing, the famous “Vitruvian Man,” was as much a consideration of architecture as it was of anatomy, an idea revived during the Renaissance. Vitruvius’s “De Architectura,” his inspiration for the sketch, was an ancient document discussing the importance of human anatomy and scale in designing temples.
   The idea of space planning in relation to interiors received much press with the advent of the modern high-rise in the mid-20th century – as working environments used by thousands were being designed for efficiency – and with the modern industrial age when time studies focused on work flow. In education, the idea of modular design and flexible use focuses on the manipulation of space. In restaurants, where table placement is as much related to safety as it is to comfort, space planning is extremely important. In large commercial centers, placement of retail space in relation to floor traffic is an art. “Technically, space planning is the abstract layout of the structure to achieve various functions,” explains Howard. “Most homes are not like public spaces, however, and for most interior designers, the challenge is to bring available space to life by actualizing a homeowner’s vision of beauty.
   ”For the interior designer, strict space planning is usually not the primary focus of residential projects, where function is often apparent. It becomes more important with the larger rooms, such as wide open great rooms. Even before the walls go up, an interior designer can make a huge contribution by reviewing floor plans with the builder to make sure that windows, for instance, will not interfere with the placement of furniture, such as the headboard in a bedroom. When looking at initial drawings, a designer might advocate removing a wall or moving a door to facilitate better use of the home, but it is up to the homeowner to make these decisions.
   “I am really there to achieve a client’s dreams,” he said. “I will suggest changes to improve the look and the style of a home.”
   Over time, the traditional uses of our living spaces are changing. In the two-story residence, the second floor might be several bedrooms situated around an entertainment area with a pool table, a refreshment bar and several TVs. Downstairs, the formal dining room is giving way to a larger great room with the dining area open to one or more conversation areas.
   In this one area of space planning, Howard is more of a traditionalist, believing that the function of a dining room is extremely important.
   “The dining room is one of the most important areas of the home, where families and friends come together,” he explains. “This is a wonderful place to entertain intimately, to sit for hours over dessert and coffee or after-dinner drinks. I always try to make this space one of the most comfortable in the home, and I wouldn’t dream of eliminating it.”
   Thoughtful decisions about the role of each room in the overall plan are the first step in the creation of any noteworthy residence.
   When the floor plan is set, the designer moves to the second step, which is the actual design. Room size is  usually a primary challenge for any designer. Making asmall room seem large and a gigantic space cozy are elements of the design process.
   “There are so many things a person can do to open a small or cramped setting,” Howard explains.“At all times remember that negative space is just as important as positive space. You certainly do not need to fill up every square inch with things.”
   Furniture that is scaled to the proportions of a room promotes a calm experience. Instead of filling a diminutive setting with large pieces of furniture, even if you’ve owned them forever, Howard suggests that one favorite large piece might become an appropriate focal point and the others should be given away or saved in storage for another day. Clever furniture selections, such as nesting tables and ottomans that can be tucked away when not needed are sometimes all that is required for a carefully edited design when space is at a premium.
   For a soothing atmosphere, Howard is more likely to liberate an environment with shapes, colors and textures. Instead of a rectangular sofa, a rectangular coffee table, long end tables and a rectangular piece of artwork on the wall over the sofa, a variety of shapes are more in tune with a natural experience.
   “You’ve got to break up space with an array of shapes,” he insists. “With an empty corner, do not feel that you need a corner cabinet. Instead, try a freeform plant. Plants make a home feel like somebody loves being there. I often use silk plants, so that clients don’t need someone to come in and care for fragile foliage if they want to leave town for awhile.”
   Mirrors will open any space. In a long and narrow hallway, Howard recently created a mosaic of strips of beveled glass running from floor to ceiling along the length of one of the walls. He often opens a small foyer with a mirror over a slender console.
   “You don’t need to put everything out there for your first impression,” he says. “With a mirror, your guests can look at themselves as soon as they walk through the front door. Mirrors are wonderful, but you always need to consider the view that will be reflected in that mirror or whether light bouncing off of it will create glare.”
   Color and lighting are crucial elements. Brick red with white trim brings artwork to life. With furniture that is much darker, this combination gives a cozy feeling to a large space. When just one wall is red and the others creamy beige, a small room seems larger.
   “Color can either close in on you or make a room larger,” he says. “With dark furnishings, off-white walls will open any space, but I do love using color. Red, terra-cotta and cornelian can be warm combinations that make you hungry and happy. Color creates drama. Like lighting, it’s very important and should be selected by a professional who knows what he or she is doing.”
   In interior design, decoration is the icing on the cake. For this designer, less is more: Clutter has no place in design. Howard travels the world at every chance and draws inspiration from other cultures. Even so, he urges clients to avoid over-zealous collecting of any kind.
   “If you treasure elephants, show them off in an attractive cabinet with lighting,” he suggests. “But if you have those darn elephants standing on every table and stacked in every nook and cranny all over the house, that’s clutter.”
   In interior design, he views the ability to edit as a gift. His clients learn that transforming a home into one well-articulated space often involves cleansing the soul while clearing clutter. After that, when the scale, proportion, color and lighting are right, any size home is an oasis of calm.

Courtesy of SCOTT HOWARD INTERIORS, INC.
8051 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL
941 360-7660