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Form follows function Vs Function follows form – The unending dilemma of home interiors

Form follows function Vs Function follows form – The unending dilemma of home interiors

Imagine having a dream house assembled right how you envisioned it? What would you consider first? Does the durability, and functionality of living spaces in your dream abode hold precedence or the aesthetics and outlook?
Ponder over this!

Are your thoughts now fluctuating from wanting your desired bookshelf to finding the apt spot which provides enough space and lighting for your bedroom?
Oh, we know! We’ve escaped this trap by contemplating interiors from its very roots and we are certain we can fix this for you.

History speaks volumes of such confusing train of thoughts until Louis Sullivan, an American Architect coined the term “Form follows function” in his 1896 essay, The tall office building artistically considered.

What do these terms mean anyway? 

In simple words, in interpreting form and function, form means the nature of shape, style, and structure that an article appears to be. It is what people visualize and interact with. On the other hand, function equates to the purpose of each and every living space. It behaves as a problem-solving tool. Form prioritizes an appealing outlook while function emphasizes the application and utilization of spaces.

Timeless interior designers gravitate towards the “form follows function” code in their work-flow to get rid of the grunt work that comes from following the vice versa – “function follows form”

But why? Let’s discover and decipher this notion! 

To realize and understand this better, let’s consider a section of your home, the bedroom as an example. There’s no formula for a perfect bedroom but a perfect bedroom does exist. A perfect bedroom no doubt accommodates comfy layered bedding, ample lighting, storage wardrobes, mirrors, study tables, bookshelf, personalized frames, arts, and plants. On introspecting the function or purpose of a bedroom, a bedroom should be designed to impart a feeling of calm, coziness, and serene atmosphere given the obvious that the core function of a bedroom is to enjoy a nap. Every other aspect be it the furniture, lighting, your favorite bookshelf, or art, should progress in spiritual union to attend to the fundamental function of the bedroom.

That said, what happens if we reverse the process?

If you erect your aesthetic bookshelf that holds more area than required, set up curtains that eradicate entry of light, and tap into your favorite colors that probably kill the essence of a bedroom primarily, giving articles the highest consideration, several mishaps in the brightness, spaciousness, and ambience of a bedroom occur damaging the function a bedroom is duly supposed to serve.

That’s the whole deal. It just doesn’t make sense to put up furniture or objects without serving a purpose. Once the purpose is served, it can inevitably be created in ways that represent and define your identity and values.


Such setbacks transformed to every Interior Designers’ watershed moment. To transcend these living limitations, and create superior living experiences, the “form follows function” code became the standard illustrating that the outward semblance of every interior design should emanate from the innate function.


To conclude, it is imperative that a striking balance between form and function be achieved keeping the purpose intact while also crafting your personalized dream abode.
Henceforth, reimagine and redefine Interior Designs!

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