When flicking through glossy home design magazines or when scrolling through visually inspirational apps like Instagram and Pinterest, it’s hard to imagine your home to the same clutter free standard.
In fact, most family homes reflect the opposite. Is it possible to have it all - stye and comfort, or do you need to sacrifice one over the other?
Richard Misso, from interior design company, The Stylesmiths, knows how to balance style, comfort and functionality.
“Understanding how a family lives helps us respond with well thought out design solutions that satisfy our clients’ comfort needs,” Mr Misso said.
“We try to find out if they like to lay across the sofa or sit upright, do they like to elevate their feet? Do they require back support? Do the kids like to sit on the floor? Do they require an adult zone that reflects calm and peace?”
The Stylesmiths recently helped transform an original 1940s dark and disjointed home in Sydney into a family home for four with plenty of space and style.
“There was a strict budget in place with a brief to be very functional yet look good,” Mr Misso said.
“In keeping with a beachside feel, everything was kept light and bright in the interior with a bold exterior, navy contrasted crisply with white trims. The neutral palette of concrete floors and blonde timbers could then lend itself to pops of colour through artwork and furniture.
“Subtle features throughout included handmade ceramic tiles to the kitchen splashback and feature pendant lighting to the kitchen and master bedroom,” Mr Misso said.
The Stylesmiths captured the essence of laid back beachside chic that responded to the young family’s needs and style.
It’s about the details, both overt and covert. A balance between the two makes for a successful interior and cohesive home.
“Hidden or secondary details bring all the elements together connecting the furnishings, paint, surfaces, artwork and lighting; a good example of hidden details is good lighting versus harsh lighting,” Mr Misso said.
Of course, it’s not just the look at the interior design stage. A home’s functionality, style and comfort have to be considered in the very early stages of planning, and for the home-dweller it might not be immediately obvious what these designs are.
Japanese developers Sekisui House are designing homes with smart floor plans that cater to families.
“We consider how people move about the house,” says Takao Sawai, head of corporate marketing, Australia. “And position particular areas in close proximity to each other to provide comfort and convenience for residents,” he said.