Balancing Function and Form in Interior Spaces

Perhaps the biggest struggle in decorating a room is striking a balance between utility and aesthetics. While it’s easy to get carried away with the look of things, it’s also important to remember that the space has to be functional and comfortable. There are few things less appealing than a beautiful but impractical and unusable space. On the flip side, a drab, uninspired space with no sense of beauty isn’t desirable either. Finding a balance between these two elements is key to creating a space that you will love and enjoy spending time in.

What I love about the best interiors is that they strike a perfect balance between function and beauty. They never sacrifice one for the other, but instead allow the two to coexist. Truthfully, it’s the spaces that function properly that are the most beautiful. A kitchen that has designated locations for items, minimizes clutter, and offers materials that can withstand the test of time, all while boasting simple lines and harmonious colorways is one that I would never grow tired of.

This balance is also about understanding the reality of a space and how it will be used in real life—not just how it will be photographed. Traffic flow, how natural light circulates, and the use of spaces at different times of day are essential considerations. In a living room, there’s no harm in a decorative open shelf if it’s simple to retrieve and dust things on it; if not, it’s just a clutter trap. It’s wonderful to make a statement with lighting fixtures, but not at the expense of getting some real work done—though there’s also a good deal of joy to be found in shadows dancing on walls and ceiling all day long. Making spaces comfortable—ergonomically considerate seating, a kitchen counter at the right height, wide enough hallways to walk through—is an essential part of making them good.

In the relationship between function and beauty, the materials we choose become key. They need to endure the functional aspects of a room while adding to its sensory appeal. The hardwood floor may be there for the longevity of the finish, but the feeling of warmth underfoot and the pattern of the wood grain as it develops patina over time, contribute to its beauty. The natural stone on the counter may be chosen for its imperviousness to stains and scratches, but its inherent naturalness means it will have markings and patterns that add warmth to the space. Fabrics can contribute softness and acoustical control — a velvet covered dining chair can add glamour to a room while maintaining its geometric proportions, and linen used for curtains both filter the light and reduce echoes in the room.

This is where trends can be detrimental if it lures designers into creating less functional homes that look great in photographs but are not comfortable to inhabit. This is why it’s crucial to create prototypes and live with them, work on proportions, see how natural light performs throughout the day, and continue tweaking until the functionality and aesthetic are equally fully baked. In smaller spaces, I recommend using furniture that is designed for multiple uses, such as a dining table that can expand for dinner parties, or a sofa bed that can function as a daybed when not in use.

Ultimately, the most successful spaces—the ones that perfectly blend the practical with the beautiful—tend to become invisible, because they are so ably serving their owners’ needs. They make life easier; they aid and abet your routine, rather than complicate or dictate it. This balance will always make your life more pleasant now, and in the future, as the space stays relevant, doesn’t date too quickly, and remains a delightful and timeless backdrop to your life. So, when practicality and poetry exist in harmony, that’s when you know your space not only looks smart but also feels good—a pleasure we all can appreciate in life.