You found the perfect Pinterest kitchen. The cabinets, the countertops, that lighting! You’re tempted to just hit COPY and PASTE, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but no.
If you design your home based solely on how it looks, sure, it might end up looking great, but will it work for you? Will it fit your family’s needs? That’s the real question.
As a designer, I’m all about creating beautiful spaces, but more importantly, I want those spaces to improve your quality of life. If your home isn’t functional, it doesn’t matter how stunning it looks—you’ll end up frustrated in the long run.
So, how do you make sure your home functions for your lifestyle? Let’s dive into some ideas and tips to guide your design process.
Think About How You Live
Let’s go back to that Pinterest-perfect kitchen example. It may look amazing, but does it support your daily routines? Instead of copying someone else’s kitchen, ask yourself how you actually use your space.
– Morning Coffee Routine: Do you start every morning with a latte? If so, wouldn’t it make sense to design a built-in coffee bar with custom space for all your appliances, coffee pods, and supplies?
– Entertaining: Do you love hosting friends and family on Friday nights for pizza and drinks? If that’s part of your routine, maybe an oversized kitchen island designed for hosting is exactly what you need.
– Family Needs: Is your family growing? A second dishwasher or an extra sink might be a game-changer, saving you time and stress during meal prep and clean-up.
Design Tip: It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics, but starting with how you live is the best way to create a home that is both functional and beautiful. Once you’ve identified your specific needs, then you can work on incorporating those Pinterest-worthy materials and finishes.
Function Leads, Style Follows
Here’s the secret: function doesn’t have to compromise style. In fact, when you start by designing for how you live, you create a space that’s customized for you—and that’s a form of beauty all on its own.
When you design with function in mind:
– Your home will be more enjoyable to live in.
– Daily tasks become easier and less stressful.
– You’ll feel more organized and have better flow throughout the space.
You can always add the pretty details afterward. For instance, if you’re dreaming of a chic marble countertop, but you’re worried about its durability with kids, you can explore similar options like quartz, which has the same aesthetic but is more functional for family life.
Incorporate Your Favorite Design Elements
Now that you’ve designed for function, it’s time to pull in the elements you love from your inspo images. Maybe you loved that Pinterest kitchen because of the open shelving or the bold, dark cabinetry. You can absolutely incorporate those features—just make sure they fit within your functional design.
For example, if you love open shelving, think about where it makes the most sense in your kitchen. Maybe it works best on a wall away from your busy prep area so that it stays clean and uncluttered. Or, if you love dark cabinets, think about the natural light in your space and how the colors will complement the flow and feel of the room.
Use Our Design Pillars for Guidance
If you’re feeling unsure about how to balance function and style, I have a HOT TIP for you! Use our Design Pillars to guide your process. These pillars are designed to make sure your home works for your environment and how you live, not just how it looks.
Incorporating the right balance of function and style will make your home uniquely yours—and it will be a space that truly works for you and your family every day.
Final Thoughts
When designing your home, always start by thinking about how you live and what your needs are. This will guide the entire design process. From there, you can bring in the materials and design elements you love to create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Want more tips on designing your home for function? Check out my Design Pillars blog post by following the link in my bio. Happy designing!
What’s one thing you’ve been dreaming of for your new home? Comment below!
