How to Use an Apartment Layout Planner

Top things to know about creating an apartment layout plan:

• Having a clear idea of your project's direction can help take the guesswork out of your design process.
• Using digital design tooling early on will save you time as you move throughout your project.
• Seeing all of your pieces in one space in a layout planner makes designing a space from scratch less intimidating.
• Creating a layout is important when making informed decisions on significant purchases.

Whether you just moved into a new space or are looking to give your current spot a facelift, deciding where to put your existing furniture pieces, what to buy next, and how it will all work together can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming.  

If you're designing your apartment, but you're not sure how to go from scrolling endlessly through Pinterest to a completed space, here's how using a layout planner can make all the difference.

Take the guesswork out of the process.

It's easy to second guess every decision you make when designing your apartment, and shopping for pieces or making project plans without a clear idea of the space can result in decisions that don't stick. Part of the magic of creativity is that inspiration doesn't always spark during the "right" phase of the project, but zooming out and having a better idea of the project's direction can bring you more confidence with every step.

Save time by using helpful design tools.

We all love home remodel shows, but the truth is that designing any space doesn't happen overnight. It takes a lot of time to go from vibe board to the final touch. Being stuck in the "where do I start?" phase can make the design process feel even longer than it needs to. Utilizing easy-to-use tools early in your process gives you more time to dream up ideas and implement them!

Make designing your space feel less intimidating.

Sometimes sitting down and starting is the hardest part of designing a room (or any creative endeavor). However, once you can see everything on a layout planner, knowing what to do next feels less scary and is the perfect first step in creating your dream spot!

Keep track of all the details and don’t miss a mark.

When making a spatial plan, you can better see all the details to ensure you don't miss anything! A layout is a great place to visualize everything from how much space you want between your fridge and kitchen table to where you want to put rugs so that the next time you see the perfect piece, you already know if it will fit and function!

Make informed decisions on big purchases.

Let's face it, furnishing your apartment isn't cheap, and when you're investing in something as significant as a sofa or bed frame, you want to make sure it works within the room's parameters. When using a layout tool, you can better understand how your space will flow with certain elements.

Identify what to prioritize in your design project.

One of the most challenging parts of planning and designing any space is knowing where to start and what to do first. Seeing everything in a floor plan or mockup tool can help you visualize which elements will make the most significant difference in how you live in your space (both aesthetically and functionally).

‍

^{Photo Credit: (Left) Clare}