Like any other discipline, interior design also comes with its own set of rules. But, of course, pros don’t all stick to each one religiously because the design process comes almost naturally to many of them—however, what most interior designers swear by are the 3 Fs of interior design, even if the designers don’t refer to it that way.
The 3 Fs stand for function, flow and feel – these are the elements of a room that need to be considered and explored at the outset of any designing, arranging and decorating said room. And while I hadn’t heard of this rule before the start of this year, it’s one I’ll be sure to remember because it’s one of the most useful design tools I’ve come across since the start of the year. 4-inch seat rule And 18-inch rug ruleBoth of which I now swear by.
‘I would say that this is the approach that we consciously use when designing any project,’ he says Francesca LeetOwner, Director and Head Designer of Francesca Leet Interiors. ‘The 3 Fs are used to describe the utility, layout and appearance of a space.’
(Image credit: Future plc/Caroline Mardon)
How to use the 3 Fs of interior design principles?
The best way to use this rule is to turn the 3 Fs into questions – What is the function of this room? What do I want to experience here? And does the layout and movement around the room flow and work?
‘Clients often get stuck before starting a project because they have an idea of the look and design they want but don’t know how to properly bring their vision to life. Having these important conversations about all aspects of a space’s design and appearance can help the pieces of the puzzle fall into place and move the project forward,’ says Francesca.
But let’s break it down step by step.
function
Get the look: This room perfectly mixes textures—from the marble coffee table, alike Tisbury Design of Soho HomeFor corduroy upholstery Thea made chairs And A scalloped jute rug like this one at John Lewis.
(Image credit: Future plc/B Homes)
‘When approaching any project, it’s important to first determine the purpose and function of the space, which usually involves in-depth conversations and site visits with the client,’ says Francesca.
But you can also ask yourself – and potentially your partner – these questions.
seems
Get the look: The pink modular sofa piece in this image is iconic Camaleonda by B&B Italia. But if you are after a budget option, then DUSK Bondi sofa Very close to the original look.
(Image credit: Future plc/James French)
Meanwhile, Joe LaneThe interior designer and founder of online interior design service See Your Place believes it’s best to start with the feel of the space as everything else should be decided after that.
‘Every designer has a different starting point and while some start with function, I really think emotion is the most important aspect of design,’ explains Joe. ‘My first question to any client is, “How do you want your space to feel?” A room designed to give the owner a certain feel is very personal, has character and soul and is a place they will always feel at home.’
flow
Get the look: The room is anchored by A black round pedestal dining table like Hattie from DUSK And naturally woven A jute rug like this one from La Redoute.
(Image credit: Future plc/James French)
Finally, flow is an important aspect to think about when making your choice Furniture And decide when How to arrange the selection of living room furniture.
‘Consider the layout and how it will serve the purpose of functionality,’ begins Francesca.
But it’s not just the function of the room that affects the flow of the room, but also the feeling, as Joe at See Your Place points out, ‘If I want to keep things light and uncluttered to be calm, I’ll layout my furniture in a certain way to achieve this.’
So while you can decide which of the 3 Fs you start with when designing your home, it’s important that you pay attention to each to create a space that functions well, is a joy to live in, and flows effortlessly. ‘All three are important to deliver a cohesive and considered interior design,’ concludes Francesca.
