How to arrange furniture for impact

Experiment with space, proportion and balance to give your room a whole new vibe.

The placement of furniture in a space sets the tone for how you live. Where you set the furniture can completely transform a room and create a certain feel and vibe.

The first step in arranging a space is determining its size. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of a room. Make sure to also check the dimensions of the hallway, stairs and doors leading to the room so the entrance area is large enough for potential purchases.

Every object has a height, depth and width. To add visual interest to any space, incorporate a variety of furniture with different characteristics.

The size of the pieces relative to one another and the size of the space is their scale. Similarly scaled pieces are more serene when used together, but a nice balance of pieces creates harmonony, utilising the physical qualities of height, depth and width throughout the room.

The relationship of items to one another to form a pleasing whole contributes to balance. There are two forms of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Play with both. Symmetry is very restful, while asymmetry can be used to add visual excitement.

Jerome Abecassis, founder of Divano Designs, and feng shui professional, Brigitte Beltran