5 Floor Plan Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Traffic Flow

Mistake: Placing furniture without considering the natural flow of traffic within a room.

Solution: Ensure there are clear pathways between furniture pieces and through the room to prevent a cramped or awkward layout.

2. Neglecting Functionality

Mistake: Focusing solely on aesthetics without considering the practical use of each space.

Solution: Prioritize functionality by arranging furniture to suit the room's purpose, optimizing for comfort and ease of use. Door swings are one area that should be checked on a floor plan. For example, if a door opens into a bathroom, and a vanity is there, you may not be able to access the vanity drawers if the door is open.

3. Scale and Proportion Issues

Mistake: Choosing furniture that is either too large or too small for the room, leading to an unbalanced look.

Solution: Pay attention to the scale of furniture in relation to the size of the room, ensuring a harmonious balance between elements.

4. Inadequate Lighting/Electrical Planning

Mistake: Overlooking the importance of lighting and placement and not considering different types of lighting for various functions and forgetting about outlets you might want. 

Solution: Plan for a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and inviting atmosphere. Avoid placing lights in awkward or ineffective locations. Consider where you will charge your phone/computer so you can plan for charging stations as well as items such as floor outlets or USB outlets. 

5. Neglecting Personal Style and Comfort

Mistake: Focusing solely on current design trends without considering personal preferences and comfort.

Solution: Tailor the floor plan to reflect your lifestyle and taste. Consider how you move through and use your house- do you need a drop zone for mail and bags when you walk in the front door? A storage space for backpacks and sports equipment for kids? A special spot for your furry friends to eat and sleep? All these needs should be considered when prioritizing personal design preferences over trendy aesthetics.