Re-watching Architect Explains: 4 Common Layout Mistakes (and Our New Apartment Tour) by Daniel Titchener again to take notes.

• Layout Problem 1: TV Placement
  • Putting the TV on the wall with the couch opposite of it results in the additional seating either blocking the patio door or having its back to a circulation space.
  • To fix the problem, the dining table can be swapped with the couch and TV. This allows additional seating to be against a window, away from circulation spaces.
  • This also allows the two spaces where people naturally congregate to be next to each other.
  • An ultra-short throw (UST) projector along with a retractable screen allows the window to be seen when the TV is not being used.
  • The lesson to learn here is that you don't need to use spaces or items in the default way (like always putting a TV against a wall) you might expect them to be used and to embrace the layout in how it can best be used.
• Layout Problem 2: Kitchen Islands
  • The apartment unit Daniel is currently living in has a large, built-in kitchen island. He pointed out that he would normally prefer the kitchen island to not be built-in, as it would allow you to decide if you want a kitchen island or if you'd rather use the space in a different way.
  • Anyway, he already had some small stools to place next to the island, but he didn't have enough of them to span the entire island. Instead of buying more of these stools, he decided to buy new stools that were larger and more comfortable, which made the kitchen island a more appealing place to be.
  • The lesson to learn here is to focus on the property's features instead of undervaluing or dismissing them as mistakes.
• Layout Problem 3: Corner Windows/Curtains
  • The master bedroom was on a corner, which meant that there was only one wall big enough to place the bed without windows or doors. This restricted where the bed could be placed and made it hard to get enough darkness in the room for sleep.
  • Approaches that didn't work for him:
    • Tension rods don't work, because you can't tension on the windows.
    • Adhesive tracks can damage the wall or ceiling.
  • Room dividers work, because they apply tension to the floor and ceiling instead of to the walls. However, they should not be used with electric baseboard heaters due to the fire risk.
  • Room dividers are usually designed to create separate spaces in studio apartments, but they can be used in other situations too!
• Layout Problem 4: Bed Placement
  • Now that blackout curtains block the window, the bed can be placed in the "command position", which is the position that gives you psychological control of the room by bringing in all doors and windows into your line of sight.
  • This gives you a sense of security, improving rest.
• Every layout will have its compromises and furniture that won't quite fit. Instead of throwing money at the problem, try to embrace the layout, use what you have, and buy items within your budget.
• Treat constraints as something to celebrate and make intentional.