Design with Longevity: Part 2

A well-designed home seems nearly timeless.  Sure, some pieces will require replacement as they become worn or tired, but we don’t have to be at the mercy of the latest arrivals to curate a home of which we’re proud.  What elements contribute to design with longevity?

Authenticity, Functionality, and Relevance

In this post, we’ll look at functionality.  This principle is pretty straightforward:  if a home doesn’t work for you and with you, that angst will be felt.

A classic example is the stand alone dining room.  Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of redesign or  “reapplication” of these spaces.  Many have removed walls in favor of an open-concept space.  Where this is not feasible, others have allowed their more consistent needs to define the space as a playroom, office, or project room.

So, as you walk through your home or redesign a specific space, observe which items always seem in the way or keep getting moved because they’re not a good fit.  Do you really need them?  If so, but not very often, is there a landing spot or storage option that more accurately represents it’s use?  Can you make some exchanges that better reflect how your family lives?  Maybe that big bulky chair in the family room gets moved to a corner in your bedroom (because the benefits of a “man cave” or “she shed” don’t always require a whole room!) and replaced with that spare bench to provide seating and better traffic flow.

In reverse, is there an unmet (or inconveniently met) need that it is time to resolve?  Do you consistently find yourself looking for a place to put down a drink near that chair you love to unwind in?  Would a slipper table, stack of sturdy suitcases, or small shelf hung nearby complete this little parcel of refuge? Would you dearly love to prop up your feet when the conversation gets good and no one wants to leave?

We have a tufted ottoman that invites all to sit back, relax, and stay a while.  It’s round shape facilitates traffic flow, and the wheels allow it to be easily removed when we need the floor space (ie. family dance competitions!).  The lid can be removed to access storage.  It’s where I keep magazines for lazy days moments (!) and comfy throws for snuggling.

Functionality

A space that functions is fluid and frees one up to appreciate those meaningful moments you design a home for in the first place.

Other Photo Credits:  (Top–Down) Jason Leung on Unsplash, (mine), Kevin Wolf on Unsplash, William Warby on Wikimedia Commons, Alisa Anton on Unsplash, (mine)