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Form or Function? Deciding Between Complex Design and Practical Living Spaces

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
24/1/2024

Form or Function? Deciding Between Complex Design and Practical Living Spaces

Credit: Ethan Interiors

So you’ve finally decided to renovate your home - congratulations! Now comes the tricky part: do you want form or function? A stylish space with the latest design trends, or a practical layout focused on how you actually live? At EZiD, we see homeowners struggle with this decision every day. But don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through the options for each room of your home.

The Complexity of Open Concept Living Rooms

Credit: Aestherior

Open concept living rooms are all the rage these days, but they may not be the most practical choice for everyone. On the one hand, open spaces create an airy, spacious feel and make entertaining easy. However, they also mean constant tidying and can lack privacy.

If you love having friends over or want a space for kids and pets to play, an open concept living room is ideal. You’ll have room for multiple seating areas, a dining space, and still keep sightlines open. Of course, that also means there’s nowhere to hide clutter and mess. You’ll need to stay on top of cleaning and organising to keep it looking stylish.

For a quieter space or if you value privacy, separate rooms may suit you better. Defined living and dining areas give you distinct spaces for different activities. You can close doors to hide a messy living room when guests pop by unexpectedly or to muffle noise from an early riser while you sleep in.

In the end, you need to weigh what’s most important for your lifestyle. Open spaces have a stylish, spacious quality perfect for entertaining, but defined rooms offer privacy and less pressure to keep everything immaculate. Either can work, so go with what will make your home functional and livable for you. After all, you’re the one who has to live in it!

Kitchen Design: Form vs Function

When it comes to your kitchen, you have to weigh design against practicality. A showstopping space won’t do you much good if you can’t actually cook in it! Here are some things to consider when deciding between form and function in your kitchen.

Appliances

High-end appliances like a professional range or a barista-grade coffee machine are stunning but often come with a hefty price tag. Basic appliances may not win any style points but get the job done for a fraction of the cost. If budget is a concern, invest in key appliances you’ll use often and select more affordable options for the rest.

Countertops

For countertops, we recommend making an investment into a high quality material like sintered stone or quartz irregardless of the amount of cooking you are going to do, as they offer better mileage compared to laminate and other materials. Their hardiness can handle years of chopping, kneading and spills without issue, and you never have to replace them!

Storage

An open concept kitchen is airy and stylish but typically offers little in the way of storage space. If you have an extensive cookware collection or buy in bulk, a kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets or a walk-in pantry is ideal. Creative storage solutions like pull-out drawers or hidden compartments can provide extra space in a streamlined, minimalist kitchen.

Seating

An oversized kitchen island makes a dramatic focal point but may limit traffic flow in a small kitchen. Simple bar stools or counter seating get the job done without sacrificing valuable floor space. If you have the luxury of a large kitchen, you can opt for a spacious eat-in area or a spot for casual, quick dining.

In the end, find the mix of form and function that suits your needs and lifestyle. A high-style kitchen is of little use if you’re not able to cook and entertain in it with ease! With some smart choices, you can have a space that’s as fashionable as it is functional.

Bedroom Design: Simplicity for Better Sleep

Credit: Ethan Interiors

When it comes to your bedroom, a practical and minimalistic design is ideal for rest and relaxation. An overly complex space with lots of clutter or loud colours can make it difficult to unwind at the end of the day.

Keep the walls a neutral shade like off-white, beige or light grey. These muted tones are soothing and help the room feel spacious. If you want to add a pop of colour, incorporate it through bedding, rugs, pillows or artwork that you can easily change up when you want a new look.

Beds

Choose a simple bed frame and quality mattress for maximum comfort. Platform beds with built-in storage or beds with under-bed drawers are great space-efficient options in smaller rooms. For bedding, natural fibres like cotton or bamboo breathe well and help regulate temperature as you sleep.

Less is More

Having too many things in the bedroom may cause distractions and hinder you from getting your much needed rest. Limit knickknacks and only keep necessities like lamps, charging stations, books and a clock on your bedside tables. Add task lighting for reading along with overhead ambient lighting on a dimmer switch for flexibility.

Your closet and dresser space should also be practical and clutter-free. Use matching hangers, drawer dividers and a colour-coordinated organisational system to keep everything neat and accessible.

If you really wish to decorate your bedroom, we recommend having a low-maintenance plant like a snake plant that is not only pleasing to look at, but also slightly improve the air quality in your room.

A bedroom designed with simplicity and function in mind will give you the peace and quiet you need each night to rest well and recharge for the next day. Keeping your space minimal and neutral, free of visual distraction and optimised for sleep ensures your bedroom serves its purpose. Your rest and wellbeing depend on it!

Bathroom Design: Luxury vs Practicality

Credit: Ethan Interiors

When designing your bathroom, you’ll need to decide whether you value form or function more. Do you want a luxurious spa-like space, or a practical, no-fuss room? Here are some factors to consider for each style:

Luxury bathroom

A luxury bathroom focuses on creating an indulgent space. Materials like marble, granite and tile are popular for counters, floors and showers. Freestanding tubs, rain showers, heated floors and towel warmers provide that home spa experience. Dim lighting, candles and lush decor enhance the ambiance.

While a luxury bathroom is a peaceful retreat, the high-end materials and features often come with a hefty price tag. They also typically require more cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Let’s not forget that in order to have some of these items, you may need a larger bathroom, otherwise it’s going to be a really tight fit.

Practical bathroom

A practical bathroom prioritises function over form. Materials like laminate, vinyl and linoleum are affordable, low-maintenance options for surfaces. A standard tub and shower get the job done without frills. Good task lighting, lots of storage, and minimal decor keep the space clutter-free and easy to clean.

A practical bathroom may lack aesthetic appeal but is budget-friendly and low-maintenance. The simple, streamlined design also creates an efficient space that’s easy to navigate.

In the end, you need to go with what fits your needs, lifestyle and budget. Don’t feel like you have to choose strictly one style or the other, though. You can incorporate elements of each for a custom bathroom that balances both form and function—you can incorporate high end materials like marble, but cut down on the unnecessary features. With some compromise, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in your new bathroom.

Find the Right Balance for Your Lifestyle

 

Finding the perfect balance between form and function in your home ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and priorities. If you value design and aesthetics above all else, a complex layout with custom details may suit you well. However, for practicality and simplicity, a more minimalist approach could be better. At the end of the day, you need to decide what's most important for your lifestyle and needs. Perhaps a mostly minimalist home with a few high-design accents or a luxe house scaled back in some rooms suits you well. Analyse how you truly live day to day and what aesthetic makes you feel most at ease.

Either way, with open communication, an experienced designer can help you navigate the options to create a home that balances form and function perfectly for your lifestyle. At EZiD, our platform connects you with experienced interior designers who understand the delicate balance between form and function. They will help you navigate through the various options, crafting a space that seamlessly aligns with your aesthetic preferences while meeting the practical needs of your daily life.

Share this article
Articles
/
Guides

Form or Function? Deciding Between Complex Design and Practical Living Spaces

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
24/1/2024

Form or Function? Deciding Between Complex Design and Practical Living Spaces

Credit: Ethan Interiors

So you’ve finally decided to renovate your home - congratulations! Now comes the tricky part: do you want form or function? A stylish space with the latest design trends, or a practical layout focused on how you actually live? At EZiD, we see homeowners struggle with this decision every day. But don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through the options for each room of your home.

The Complexity of Open Concept Living Rooms

Credit: Aestherior

Open concept living rooms are all the rage these days, but they may not be the most practical choice for everyone. On the one hand, open spaces create an airy, spacious feel and make entertaining easy. However, they also mean constant tidying and can lack privacy.

If you love having friends over or want a space for kids and pets to play, an open concept living room is ideal. You’ll have room for multiple seating areas, a dining space, and still keep sightlines open. Of course, that also means there’s nowhere to hide clutter and mess. You’ll need to stay on top of cleaning and organising to keep it looking stylish.

For a quieter space or if you value privacy, separate rooms may suit you better. Defined living and dining areas give you distinct spaces for different activities. You can close doors to hide a messy living room when guests pop by unexpectedly or to muffle noise from an early riser while you sleep in.

In the end, you need to weigh what’s most important for your lifestyle. Open spaces have a stylish, spacious quality perfect for entertaining, but defined rooms offer privacy and less pressure to keep everything immaculate. Either can work, so go with what will make your home functional and livable for you. After all, you’re the one who has to live in it!

Kitchen Design: Form vs Function

When it comes to your kitchen, you have to weigh design against practicality. A showstopping space won’t do you much good if you can’t actually cook in it! Here are some things to consider when deciding between form and function in your kitchen.

Appliances

High-end appliances like a professional range or a barista-grade coffee machine are stunning but often come with a hefty price tag. Basic appliances may not win any style points but get the job done for a fraction of the cost. If budget is a concern, invest in key appliances you’ll use often and select more affordable options for the rest.

Countertops

For countertops, we recommend making an investment into a high quality material like sintered stone or quartz irregardless of the amount of cooking you are going to do, as they offer better mileage compared to laminate and other materials. Their hardiness can handle years of chopping, kneading and spills without issue, and you never have to replace them!

Storage

An open concept kitchen is airy and stylish but typically offers little in the way of storage space. If you have an extensive cookware collection or buy in bulk, a kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets or a walk-in pantry is ideal. Creative storage solutions like pull-out drawers or hidden compartments can provide extra space in a streamlined, minimalist kitchen.

Seating

An oversized kitchen island makes a dramatic focal point but may limit traffic flow in a small kitchen. Simple bar stools or counter seating get the job done without sacrificing valuable floor space. If you have the luxury of a large kitchen, you can opt for a spacious eat-in area or a spot for casual, quick dining.

In the end, find the mix of form and function that suits your needs and lifestyle. A high-style kitchen is of little use if you’re not able to cook and entertain in it with ease! With some smart choices, you can have a space that’s as fashionable as it is functional.

Bedroom Design: Simplicity for Better Sleep

Credit: Ethan Interiors

When it comes to your bedroom, a practical and minimalistic design is ideal for rest and relaxation. An overly complex space with lots of clutter or loud colours can make it difficult to unwind at the end of the day.

Keep the walls a neutral shade like off-white, beige or light grey. These muted tones are soothing and help the room feel spacious. If you want to add a pop of colour, incorporate it through bedding, rugs, pillows or artwork that you can easily change up when you want a new look.

Beds

Choose a simple bed frame and quality mattress for maximum comfort. Platform beds with built-in storage or beds with under-bed drawers are great space-efficient options in smaller rooms. For bedding, natural fibres like cotton or bamboo breathe well and help regulate temperature as you sleep.

Less is More

Having too many things in the bedroom may cause distractions and hinder you from getting your much needed rest. Limit knickknacks and only keep necessities like lamps, charging stations, books and a clock on your bedside tables. Add task lighting for reading along with overhead ambient lighting on a dimmer switch for flexibility.

Your closet and dresser space should also be practical and clutter-free. Use matching hangers, drawer dividers and a colour-coordinated organisational system to keep everything neat and accessible.

If you really wish to decorate your bedroom, we recommend having a low-maintenance plant like a snake plant that is not only pleasing to look at, but also slightly improve the air quality in your room.

A bedroom designed with simplicity and function in mind will give you the peace and quiet you need each night to rest well and recharge for the next day. Keeping your space minimal and neutral, free of visual distraction and optimised for sleep ensures your bedroom serves its purpose. Your rest and wellbeing depend on it!

Bathroom Design: Luxury vs Practicality

Credit: Ethan Interiors

When designing your bathroom, you’ll need to decide whether you value form or function more. Do you want a luxurious spa-like space, or a practical, no-fuss room? Here are some factors to consider for each style:

Luxury bathroom

A luxury bathroom focuses on creating an indulgent space. Materials like marble, granite and tile are popular for counters, floors and showers. Freestanding tubs, rain showers, heated floors and towel warmers provide that home spa experience. Dim lighting, candles and lush decor enhance the ambiance.

While a luxury bathroom is a peaceful retreat, the high-end materials and features often come with a hefty price tag. They also typically require more cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Let’s not forget that in order to have some of these items, you may need a larger bathroom, otherwise it’s going to be a really tight fit.

Practical bathroom

A practical bathroom prioritises function over form. Materials like laminate, vinyl and linoleum are affordable, low-maintenance options for surfaces. A standard tub and shower get the job done without frills. Good task lighting, lots of storage, and minimal decor keep the space clutter-free and easy to clean.

A practical bathroom may lack aesthetic appeal but is budget-friendly and low-maintenance. The simple, streamlined design also creates an efficient space that’s easy to navigate.

In the end, you need to go with what fits your needs, lifestyle and budget. Don’t feel like you have to choose strictly one style or the other, though. You can incorporate elements of each for a custom bathroom that balances both form and function—you can incorporate high end materials like marble, but cut down on the unnecessary features. With some compromise, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in your new bathroom.

Find the Right Balance for Your Lifestyle

 

Finding the perfect balance between form and function in your home ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and priorities. If you value design and aesthetics above all else, a complex layout with custom details may suit you well. However, for practicality and simplicity, a more minimalist approach could be better. At the end of the day, you need to decide what's most important for your lifestyle and needs. Perhaps a mostly minimalist home with a few high-design accents or a luxe house scaled back in some rooms suits you well. Analyse how you truly live day to day and what aesthetic makes you feel most at ease.

Either way, with open communication, an experienced designer can help you navigate the options to create a home that balances form and function perfectly for your lifestyle. At EZiD, our platform connects you with experienced interior designers who understand the delicate balance between form and function. They will help you navigate through the various options, crafting a space that seamlessly aligns with your aesthetic preferences while meeting the practical needs of your daily life.

Share this article