Space planning is the stage of interior design that analyses how a space will be used and organises it into zones, circulation paths and furniture positions before any decoration is chosen. Decoration answers “what will it look like?”; space planning answers “how will it work?”.
The steps
- Brief: who uses the space, for what activities, at what times, with what storage needs.
- Survey: accurate measurements, doors and their swings, windows, structural elements, heating, plumbing, sockets and light.
- Zoning: decide where each activity happens (lounge, dining, work, storage), considering light, noise and access.
- Circulation: plan clear paths between doors and zones; avoid routes that cut through a conversation area.
- Furniture layout: place pieces at real sizes and check clearances.
Deliverables
A space plan is usually a scaled floor plan with furniture drawn in, sometimes with alternatives. Only once it works do mood, materials and color palette come in.
AI image tools are not space-planning tools: they show a look on your photo but do not check dimensions or circulation. Use them after the plan, to choose a style.