Furniture Flow 101

Hey friends! It’s Jess here, and today I want to chat about one of the most overlooked (but so important) parts of designing a space: furniture flow. Its not just about picking pretty piecesits about how everything works together in your space. The goal? A home that feels open, balanced, and easy to live in. Heres how I like to approach it:

1. Start With the Purpose
   Before I place a single piece of furniture, I always ask myselfwhat is this room really for? Is it for entertaining, cozy nights in, working from home, or maybe all of the above? Knowing how you want to use the space helps guide every decision that follows.

2. Leave Room to Breathe
   One thing I always remind my clients: dont overcrowd your space. Furniture (and people!) need room to breathe. I like to keep about 18 inches between seating and coffee tables, and at least 3 feet of space in walkways so everything feels open and accessible.

3. Create Conversation Areas
   I love creating little conversation zones that encourage connection. In a living room, Ill arrange sofas and chairs so everyone can chat comfortably without raising their voices. A great rug helps define the area and anchors the layout beautifully. If you have a big space, try layering in multiple zones for different types of gatherings.

4. Let the Layout Guide You
   Think about how you naturally move through the space. You shouldnt have to zig-zag around furniture or feel blocked by a bulky piece. I always walk the room myself to feel out the flow and adjust as neededit makes such a difference.

5. Play With Scale & Proportion
   This part is so fun for me! I love mixing larger anchor pieces with smaller accent furniture to find the right balance. Keep an eye on scalesomething too tiny or too oversized can throw off the vibe. And dont forget about height! Varying the heights of furniture and decor adds dimension and keeps the room feeling dynamic.

6. Move Things Around (Seriously!)
   Dont be afraid to play around with your layout. I do this all the time, even in my own home. Sometimes you just need to see how it feels. Live with it for a couple of days, then tweak as needed. Trust your gutif something feels off, it probably is.

7. Use Vertical Space
   We always think about floor space, but dont forget to go up! Shelving, artwork, sconcesthese elements help draw the eye upward and create a more finished, layered look. Its one of my favorite ways to elevate a space without adding more furniture.

Good furniture flow doesnt require a huge budget or major renoits all about being intentional and flexible. If youre stuck on a tricky layout or just want a second opinion, reach out! Id love to help brainstorm ways to bring your space to life.