Layout + function
Use a free interior design application such as Sweethome3d.com to model your space. Make sure you have the correct dimensions for each room and don’t forget to include furniture measurements on your essentials list. Use the aerial and virtual view tools in the program to see how it all works together. For example, make sure you can walk past furniture comfortably, have plenty of space to open doors and drawers, and so on. Then use masking tape on the floor/walls in your real space to see how it functions as a room before deciding on major furniture pieces. Keep it simple – especially in a small area – and remember the main function of the space.