Wall Organization and the Defined Entryway

When we consider how to manage the space in a room the starting point is what will go in there  and what the layout should be. Yet, it’s worth looking at the walls first.

The Purpose of a Space

The first purpose of designing a space is for people to move through it. For instance, a kitchen that is long and narrow will be more difficult to navigate with more than one or two people.

Imagine the holidays with a few family members trying to cook food for everyone.

As one person chops and another is stirring, someone moving around to gather ingredients becomes a logistical chore. With such a limited use of space, the whole process becomes far more frustrating than it needs to be.

On the other hand, a kitchen with a wider, square shape opens up the area for natural movement and multiple cooks in the kitchen. Most of the time though we can’t simply remodel to solve our space problems. 

What do we do when remodeling is not an option? We maximize. 

Maximizing Space

Maximizing space is all about how to get the most out of an area without sacrificing the right tone and mood. A smaller than ideal space requires us to do two things: trim down the clutter and organize more efficiently.

Consider a hallway for example, remove any large decorative pieces and make use of the wall space.

A thin console table is a great place for smaller art pieces and using free floating shelves gives breathing room for decoration without taking up too much vital space.

These provide an accent to the hallway and give it some serious personality. 

This brings us to our point. We define our space to extend its limited use. 

Defining Space

Defining space is not just another term for “maximizing”, rather it’s how we make a space our own brand without losing the function.

Suppose that we are going to decorate a room; naturally,  we have to deliberate about how to work with shape, square footage, color and lighting when we want to add furniture, rugs, and a great deal more.

Dark wood paneling will affect our furniture choices, but those choices would differ dramatically if they had to go to a room with a light blue wall.

These choices define the room as much as the preset conditions of shape and square footage provide context.

It’s the movement between the two that shows the creativity that defines it and extends the limitations the building imposes into opportunities.

Organization and Using Vertical Wall Space

What about walls? We use them to make space.

The entryway is the essential point of definition by introducing the home to whoever steps inside, and that is where the walls will extend the space. An entryway is basically another hallway, but its task is just much more important.

So, when there’s limited spacing, consider how a wall rack and shoe bench can both be a way to define your entryway and maximize your space.

This is important – both pieces tell whoever is coming into the home that they are welcome.

Guests place their coats or hats on the rack and put their shoes in the shoe bench. They can then enter your home comfortably.

Just as significant, a wall rack and shoe bench don’t take up much space and is able to reflect your sense of style, which transforms your mere entrance into a defined entryway.

May we suggest that Stonewon's wooden wall racks and shoe benches are perfect for a natural, yet minimalist need to extend the limited spaces in your home? They offer solid craftmanship and an all-natural tone and mood.

When looking at your wall, consider how you should start your interior re-design by making your wall a statement piece. 

Sources:

https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/are-floating-shelves-still-on-trend

Lucy Searle (June 29, 2022). “Designing an entryway – expert advice and layout tips”: Home and Garden

https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/designing-an-entryway

Molly Malsom (January 6, 2024). “Are floating shelves still on trend? Designers have their say on this once popular style”: Home & Gardens

(October 5th, 2023). “Why Is Space Important in Interior Design?”: JD Elite Interiors

https://jdelite.decoratingden.com/why-space-important-interior-design/