Casa com design funcional.

Functional design: 5 tips to optimize environments

House and garden

In recent years, the trend in architecture and decoration has shifted from large, spacious homes to smaller, more welcoming homes. Therefore, each space, no matter how small, can be planned in different ways, as long as there is creativity for new ideas. As a result, a functionally designed environment is very important!

After all, multifunctional spaces allow you to carry out different activities within the same location. To do this, you need to have elements that can be rearranged and moved to various functionalities.

Why have a functional home?

Decoration in grey, white and navy blue.
Font: @wearecasai

To better explain the importance of functional design, no one better than Alexa Backal, who is Casai’s Head of Design. The Latin American hosting startup is a reference when it comes to functionality.

According to the professional, a room with a functional design guarantees balance between the elements of the space and also the free areas.

Although some objects are useful for practicing a certain activity, it is important to keep in mind that the freer a space is, the easier it will be to move around and enjoy it.

“Verticality is essential in small, spaced rooms. Every corner and inch is important to the experience. Therefore, pay attention to the use of flexible furniture and built-in furniture that can take advantage of these spaces”explains Alexa.

As a result, Casai created 5 tips on how to create a functional design and optimize environments. Keep reading!

1. Define space usage

Kitchen with island.
Font: @wearecasai

First of all, the question that must be asked when planning a room is: what do we want this space to be? This is because, to create a functional space, you need to understand what its purpose is.

Even though it seems obvious what should be in a room, think that different activities can be carried out within the same walls. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the definition of use of the location.

As a result, creativity will flow much lighter during planning and putting it into practice.

2. Know your lifestyle

Single apartment with functional design.
Font: @wearecasai

The second question to create a space with functional design is: who will live in this space? After all, the needs of the user of this room are very important.

Different people will have different views of functionality for a given area.

Furthermore, it also comes in line with identifying the purpose we want the space to have, and all needs must be included in the project.

3. Create a consistent line of functional design

Home office na varanda.
Font: @wearecasai

Next, you need to assess whether the element you want to include in the decoration will be functional or just decorative. There’s no harm in adding unused items to a small home. However, you need to plan ahead and give a reason for this object to be there.

Keep organization and comfort a priority when developing a proposal. After all, this will directly affect how functional a space can be.

  • You may also like Mess? Find out how to get rid of it using decoration

4. Harmonize the elements

Wooden staircase with functional design.
Font: @wearecasai

The rhythm and harmony of elements are essential for functional design. Therefore, create a pattern of shapes, textures, lighting and colors. This will create balance in the room and make these items interact.

Comfort and warmth, which are fundamental in a harmonious room, are achieved with a well-thought-out design and the correct use of spaces, both free and occupied.

5. Bet on balance

Decorated dining table.
Font: @wearecasai

Balance can be achieved by combining all the previous tips. Always taking into account functionality and empty spaces that give the possibility of enjoying the room.

Light is also important because it directly affects how we appreciate a space and how inviting it is.

So make the most of natural lighting and consider adding warm lighting that’s easy on the eyes. This will create a cozy feel, especially in the living room.

Ultimately, keeping a functional design style in mind will also be advantageous, as it will help maintain a visual language throughout the project.

More Functional Design Inspiration

Small loft.
Small apartment with integrated living room, kitchen and home office. Source: @wearecasai

Mirror in the dining room offers functional design.
This dining room was designed to offer comfort and storage space. Therefore, benches fixed to the wall have a chest below the seat. Source: @arqpaulalaguna

White kitchen.
Kitchen decorated in neutral tones with wooden table matching the laminate floor. Source: @wearecasai

Staircase with home office below.
Furthermore, how about optimizing space below the stairs and creating a functional design? The area was used to create a spacious home office with a table that serves two people. Source: @nokaarquitetura

Dining room with functional design.
Elements in woody tones create harmony in the dining room. Source: @wearecasai

Balcony with living room.
This balcony has been transformed into an incredible TV room. This feature is excellent for those who usually receive a lot of visitors and want a cooler space for this interaction. Project: @vivivcirelloarq Source: @landhi_br

Table with two chairs.
Furthermore, even the narrowest part of the apartment was used to create a small dining room. Source: @wearecasai

Kitchen with island.
In addition to functionality, a functional design must also meet the style and taste of the residents. Therefore, this American kitchen has hydraulic tiles on the floor, which offer affection and class to the environment. Project: @tatianewaileman_arq Source: @landhi_br

Double bedroom.
On the other hand, the functional design of this room is in the continuity of geometric shapes. Source: @wearecasai

Beachy decor with functional design.
Designed to connect residents with beach nature, this kitchen was integrated with the gourmet space to offer social gatherings and coexistence in the same environment. Project: @rawiarquitetura Source: @landhi_br

Living and dining room.
Apartment with dark green decor and velvet furniture. Source: @wearecasai

Room with functional design.
Do you want to give a feeling of spaciousness in your apartment? Nothing better than removing the dividers. In this case, the master suite was integrated with the home office and closet. Project: @mr.marinaromeiro Source: @landhi_br

Small kitchen with functional design.
Finally, a small kitchen with cozy elements. Source: @wearecasai

Conclusion

Betting on functional design allows you to make the best use of every corner. And this is important especially for those who live in small houses and apartments!

Therefore, it is necessary to define the use of each space, consider your lifestyle, create a consistent design line, harmonize the elements and focus on balance.

Finally, get to know the Decoration section from the Fashion Bubbles Portal. There you will find trends, inspirations and tips to make your home look like you!

Alane Dias, Davi Brito and Giovanna Lima are in the 18th Paredão! On Sunday, another one of them says goodbye to the house; Which brother do you think will leave the program? Participate in the vote in the Fashion Bubbles poll and check partial results in real time!