Guest blog post by Bash Sarmiento

Solid walls, distinct spaces, and separate functions: this is how we traditionally design our homes.

Think about the homes where most of us grew up in distinct boundaries defined each space.

The dining room for meals, the bedroom for rest, and the living room as the hub for family movie nights.

Now, let's reimagine these spaces, not as separate entities, but as a fluid continuum of living. Each area, harmoniously blending into the next, fostering a sense of unity and coherence.

This is the essence of designing your home with fluidity in mind: creating multifunctional, interconnected spaces that adapt to our evolving needs.

Just as the walls of our lives have become increasingly open—think of remote work, space to exercise, and Zoom calls—the walls of our homes can (and should!) become more open, too.

Agree? Then here’s the way!

Preparing to Flow

There are few, if any, hard and fast rules here, but to keep you from going off the rails, your design should be based on two things:

• who you are.

• and what you're working with—your space.

Who you are covers your personality, needs, and lifestyle.

Are you someone who craves transformational life experiences outdoors?

How important is work-life harmony for you?

Do you have any pets or small children?

Identifying these aspects will amplify your vision, paving the way for a home that mirrors your essence.

For example, a stack of influential business books in your dining area might feel "wrong" somehow, but if that's where you get most of your reading done, then it's the right fit for you.

The other ingredient is your space: its size, shape, and existing features, “what you’re working with.”

• Do you have an open floor plan?

• Is there a lot of natural light in certain areas?

• Are you working with multipurpose rooms or separate, compartmentalized areas?

These questions will help you decide which rooms should be combined or kept separate.

For instance, a large basement with little natural light is perfect for a home gym and playroom combo.

Alternatively, a sun-filled living area can be used for both lounging and working.

Sorting the Details

Once you have a firm grasp of your needs and space, it's time to start sorting through details.

The key is to separate items into functional groups and think about how they can be arranged for maximum efficiency.

This includes furniture, storage solutions, equipment, art pieces, color palettes—anything that speaks to your style and lifestyle.

Whether you're aiming for a mid-century modern look or eclectic bohemian vibes, choose pieces that will best suit the space and enhance its functionality.

Think of things like a modular sofa that can be easily converted into an extra bed for guests. Or a kitchen island can double as a breakfast bar to savor your morning coffee and snacks.

Making Room for Movement

Another crucial aspect of fluid design is to make room for movement. This means anticipating foot traffic or sight lines.

Choose a certain part of the floor space as the flow area and figure out which items should go there to keep the pathways clear.

This can involve splurging on pieces like rugs and carpets to delineate the space, or picking furniture with clean lines that won't disrupt movement.

In terms of sight lines, aim to create a natural flow between spaces by introducing visual cues like wall art and mirrors to guide your eye through your space.

Hang larger pieces at eye level so they draw attention without blocking anything out. And select stylish accessories to add texture and bring continuity to the look.

Visualizing Your Space

Before committing to the hard work of moving furniture and decor, only to find out it doesn't fit, try to visualize your space as much as possible.

That means taking measurements and creating a two-dimensional or three-dimensional sketch of the area so you have an idea of what will work for your room.

A mood board with images, textiles, and other items that reflect the color palette and design elements you're aiming for will help you stay focused while shopping, as well as guide you towards pieces that match your vision.

360 Virtual staging is another helpful tool, where you can take a real photo and replace furniture and accessories with digital versions to create a realistic model of the room.

Any of these visualizing steps will make it easier for you to maximize your space, and help you spot any potential issues ahead of time.

Embrace this concept of fluid design and watch your home evolve into a warm, inviting space, brimming with openness, purpose, and personality.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works.