Plus, how to achieve functionality in your own space.

Couch Corner design by Andrea Lackie Design
Design by Andrea Lackie Design; Photo by James Furman

When we feature house tours in Sunset, 95% of the time there is a mention of functional design, clients wanting a functional space, and layouts being functional. You could probably take an educated guess as to what that means—things like good flow to make everyday routines go smoothly and enough storage space to reduce clutter and keep things tidy.

But after writing so many features about homes that were designed to be more functional, I decided to get the official definition from interior designers themselves. And it turns out, that it’s not a one-size-fits-all term.

Playroom Storage designed by Linda Hayslett LH.Designs

Design by Linda Hayslett/LH.Designs; Photo by Lauren Taylor

What Does ‘Functional Design’ Mean?

“A functional home is a space that works for the people who live in it,” says Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. “It’s not just about aesthetics but how seamlessly your home adapts to your daily routines. From the placement of furniture to the flow between rooms, everything should be intuitive, making life easier, not more complicated.”

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And because everyone has different daily routines and different lifestyles, what makes a home functional will vary. “Functionality definitely depends on the clients and is very specific depending on who lives in the home and how they live,” says Amy Peltier. “For example, a client who cooks a lot would heavily rely on a functional kitchen versus a client who barely uses theirs, eats out almost every night, and just wants something basic.”

Living Room design by Jenny Williamson West Rose Design

Design by Jenny Williamson/West Rose Design; Photo by Allison Corona Photography

When working with clients, designers will ask them how they live in their space and what frustrations they have with their current setup. “We ask them to create a list of activities that take place in each room,” says Jenny Williamson of West Rose Design. “From there, we decide what activities are currently working and not working to determine what’s needed to create the optimal functionality in their home for their daily/weekly routines. Do they have kids and need a space to store all the sports gear, jackets, and shoes when they walk in the door? Are they a cocktail enthusiast who needs a separate wet bar away from the kitchen to home in on their craft and entertain?”

Kitchen Countertops design by Amy Peltier

Design by Amy Peltier; Photo by Marisa Vitale

Features That Make a Home Functional

While functionality can differ from home to home, there are common features, products, and details that can help a space. “Built-ins are a big one—they offer both storage and style without sacrificing space,” Hayslett says. “I also love adding clever storage solutions like pull-out shelves in the kitchen, hidden charging stations, and multipurpose furniture like ottomans with storage. These kinds of features make a home functional without compromising design.”

Peltier adds that durability and how easy something is to clean are also factors. “For example, you can choose a marble countertop in your kitchen or a quartz countertop and the function of those materials are drastically different,” she says. “Again, if you cook a lot and use things on your counter that will stain it or pit it, then you’ll never be happy with marble. It just won’t function the right way for you.”

Laundry Room designed by Linda Hayslett LH.Designs

Design by Linda Hayslett/LH.Designs; Photo by Lauren Taylor

How to Make Your Home More Functional

While it most certainly helps to team up with a designer to make your space more functional, you can make some improvements on your own. These tips below will help:

Start by Identifying Areas That Cause the Most Frustration

“Is it clutter in the entryway? An underused dining room? Once you know the problem areas, you can focus on simple solutions like adding hooks or bins for organization, rearranging furniture to improve flow, or investing in a few smart storage pieces,” Hayslett says.

Peltier suggests walking through your home and writing down everything you love about it and how it functions. Then, walk through it again and write down everything you don’t love about it. Make a list and adjust accordingly.

Sometimes what’s bothering or frustrating you won’t require a complete overhaul, but is just about rearranging and reorganizing things, or buying some storage or organization helpers.

Built-in Coffee Nook design by Linda Hayslett LH.Designs

Design by Linda Hayslett/LH.Designs; Photo by Lauren Taylor

Think About How You Use Your Space

“Consider how you, as the primary user, currently live. If you walk in the door and never have a place to put your shoes, it’s time to create a dedicated home for them,” says Andrea Lackie. “If you are always rifling through your cabinets to find the right cooking spice, you need to move these items closer to the range and move lesser-used kitchen items in a different cabinet.”

Start Small

“While it’s tempting to want to turn your house upside down and start from scratch, this is overwhelming,” Lackie says. “Choose one function you want to improve and work to make it happen. Once you’ve accomplished your goal, you can take on the next small task.

Entryway Seating design by Linda Hayslett LH.Designs

Design by Linda Hayslett/LH.Designs; Photo by Lauren Taylor

Declutter

Donate items you don’t use and resist bringing new items into your home unless they serve a function,” Lackie suggests.

Haylsett recommends focusing on practical furniture and items that will fit your needs. “Built-in storage can be a game-changer, but even small tweaks like organizing drawers or adding modular shelving can make a big difference,” she adds.

Repurpose Spaces

When going through your home, Williamson advises taking note of any unused areas. “Maybe these spaces could be repurposed to a become an area that is currently lacking purpose,” she explains. “And work in any other needs you may have to other rooms to help reflect the lifestyle you hope to lead.”