Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Planning and layout
with REENA SIMON — Acclaimed author, designer, and founder of Hygge for Home.
Lesson 4 of 12
Subscribe to watch
Once you have an idea of your project's footprint, it's useful to start thinking about furniture layouts and spatial planning. Reena talks you through her 'less is more' approach, and discusses how to create a pleasing flow throughout your home.
From the Lesson Workbook
Planning & Layout
Good planning is the cornerstone of successful interior design. I believe it's crucial to take a "less is more" approach when designing my space.
Overcrowding a room with furniture can disrupt the flow and make it feel cramped. Instead, I prioritise functionality and leave enough open space to create a sense of calm and ease.
Planning the Layout
When planning the layout, I start with hand-drawn sketches. I don't need fancy tools - simple pen-and-paper floor plans help visualise the placement of furniture and other elements. Doing this prevents costly mistakes later, as I have a clear sense of the space before making purchases.
Other Planning Tips
- Set a budget early on
This is essential, as it guides my choices and prevents overspending.
- Seek feedback from others
Whether it's friends, family, or members of online design communities, getting a second opinion provides new insights and helps me make more confident decisions.
Get the full workbook, video lessons, and more with a Create Academy subscription.
Subscribe to access the full workbookAlready a member? Sign in to watch
Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot
479 reviews
Read moreAbsolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renew...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
The best adventure
The best adventure. I like all the courses, but my favorite are both Rita Konig interior design courses and Anna Jones. Excellent!
Karolina Kluczewska
May 20, 2026
Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Reena Simon
Acclaimed author, designer, and founder of Hygge for Home.
Known for her modern Scandinavian aesthetic, Reena has gained a huge social following through her online lifestyle journal Hygge for Home where she shares advice on how to create beautifully designed, joyful living spaces. Documenting her cosy lifestyle Reena shares her journey of building and remodelling a 1960s bungalow into her dream family home, a black-clad cabin-style propoerty with a backdrop which could easily be mistaken for a Swedish landscape and an interior that you could find in any of the Nordic countries. Alongside co-writing a bestselling book, Scandi Rustic, which has sold over 75,000 copies worldwide, her acclaimed substack offers Scandinavian inspiration and innovative design ideas.
Access to all courses