ASSESS YOUR NEEDS

The following questions will prompt you to consider your lifestyle and needs, area by area, so that you will be able to identify the elements, plans, and style choices that suit you best:

LIVING
The quality and comfort of life in an interior depends on how much space you can create and how well adapted it is to your lifestyle.

- Do you find it easier to relax in a small intimate area, or do you like the sense of freedom found in a large open space?
- Would you prefer to define different areas by varying the floor coverings and wall colours, or do you want to maintain a unified, open-plan space?
- Can you arrange your living space to make the most of natural light?
- If your space is limited, do you want to keep it uncluttered by using furniture that can be moved aside when it is not needed?
- When you have friends to visit, are they happy to relax on floor cushions, or would they prefer more conventional seating?
- If you have a large collection of books, can they be stored in high-level shelving in spaces that would otherwise be wasted?
- Do you have collections of objects that you wish to display? If so, can they be housed in alcoves or wall units, or would a mobile storage unit be more useful?
- Would a mini or portable audio unit be adequate for your needs, or do you have a system that needs special installation?
- Would different kinds of lighting for relaxing, reading, or working improve your enjoyment of these activities?
- How important is a garden to you? Would a window-box or indoor plant display provide a replacement?


COOKING AND EATING
The most important influence on the design of this area is whether you see cooking and eating as important activities or as transient necessities.

- Would you like to separate the kitchen in some way, or would you rather include it in the general living space?
- When you are working in the kitchen, would you like to face into the living area, or would you prefer an outside view?
- Would you like to close off the kitchen, or would you rather make a feature of it by displaying attractive equipment?
- Are you a convenience cook, who needs only a microwave oven and fridge, or do you need space and equipment to prepare adventurous meals for yourself and guests?
- Do you use some pieces of equipment more frequently than others? Can they be stored so that they are accessible, with heavy equipment stored at low levels?
- Do you like to sit down at a table for everyday meals, or are you happy with a more informal tray or breakfast bar?
- Would you like a dining table that can be extended when necessary or could you manage with a folding or trestle table that can be put away when not in use?
- If space is limited, would a slimline or table-top dishwasher fit? Do you really need such equipment?
- If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen area, are you sure that the flooring is durable but “giving” and easy to clean?
- Is your cooking area in an unventilated or tight space? Have you considered an extractor fan or waste disposal unit?


WASHING
Your bathing habits will determine the setting and design of your bathroom. With imaginative planning, a bath can be installed even in restricted spaces.

- Which do you prefer: a shower or a bath? If space is limited, would you consider devoting the entire space to a luxury shower-room, or could you install a space-saving bath?
- Do you need a separate bathroom or could you incorporate a bath or shower cubicle into your living area?
- Can you make use of space above the bath and WC for bathroom storage? Do you have enough shelves and cabinets for toiletries so that the basin area does not become too cluttered?
- If your bathroom is likely to be used by visitors, have you considered how much of the contents you might prefer to conceal?
- Do you have the space for a large cupboard for spare towels, or will they have to be stored elsewhere?
- Have you made provision for clothes such as hooks for bathrobes, a laundry hamper, and a bathroom chair/stool?


SLEEPING and DRESSING
Would you feel happier with a semi-private, defined “bedroom” area, or must the bed double as seating during the daytime, and the sleeping area be used for working and relaxing?

- Can you be bothered with the inconvenience of a foldaway bed, or one that doubles as seating during the day, or would you prefer a permanent bed, either on the floor or on a raised platform?
- Is privacy in your sleeping area important? Would curtains provide adequate screening, or would you prefer something more substantial?
- What do you like to keep by your bed? Have you provided for storage of your alarm clock, reading material, and so on?
- If you plan to set up a platform bed, is there a source of natural light and ventilation nearby?
- How much hanging, shelf, and drawer space do you need for clothes? How do you like to store out-of-season clothing?
- Would you like a dressing area with a full-length mirror and good lighting?
- Are you likely to have guests to stay? Do you have room to store a foldaway bed, or could you have seating that doubles as a bed, such as futon, sofa-bed, studio couch, or truckle bed?


UTILITIES
In the early stages of planning, allocate spaces for cleaning-equipment storage and for clothes drying, as well as for plumbing in a washing machine.

- Will you need facilities to do your own laundry, or do you send it out?
- If space is limited would a half-size or table-top washing machine suit you?
- Will you need to install a clothes drying rack or pulley, or do you have a dryer?
- Have you planned for a ventilated cupboard for storing bulky cleaning equipment, such as vacuum cleaners?
- Could you have a space-saving fold-out ironing table fitted into a kitchen unit, or do you have room for a full-size model?


STORAGE
A good storage system is an absolute necessity for small spaces/studio living in order to reduce clutter and keep belongings in some degree of order.

- Do you prefer to hide clutter behind doors, or do you like the idea of using open containers, such as baskets and hanging wall pockets?
- Will you need space for long-term storage, such as gardening and sports equipment, tools, and DIY material?
- If you don’t want a fitted appearance in your kitchen, can you adapt existing pieces of furniture for storage?
- Do you have equipment that requires storage at a controlled temperature?
- Will items in long-term storage need protection from dust and insects?
- If you have valuables, is it worth investing in a safe for security?


WORKING
The design of your work area depends on whether you are happy working on the kitchen table, or whether you need privacy and a businesslike atmosphere.

- If you work from home, do you need a dedicated work space, or would a surface that can be folded away or double as a dining table suffice?
- Have you taken into account your realistic day-to-day and long-term work storage needs? Can you plan in sufficient file and shelf space near your work area for easy retrieval?
- Does your work require much specialist equipment? Can you arrange your work space so that there is access to ample power and telephone points?
- Would a purpose-built mobile computer table with shelves for printer and keyboard suit your needs?
- Is good natural light or task lighting essential for your work?
- Can you concentrate easily or do you need some sort of barrier, such as screens or a room divider, to prevent distraction?
- Can you adjust your work furniture and equipment in order to achieve maximum comfort and efficiency?
- Do you want your work area to look like an office, or would you prefer it to blend in to your interior scheme?
- Would screening your work area give a more professional impression when clients visit you?
- Is it important to you that your household accounts are well organized and accessible?