Spotlight on a Tranquil Home

Planning and layout

with REENA SIMON — Acclaimed author, designer, and founder of Hygge for Home.

Lesson 4 of 12

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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.

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Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot

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Reena  Simon

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.

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