Furniture design: all the best tips for making the right decisions for you!

Furniture design is a discipline that goes far beyond choosing furniture and colours. In particular, it takes the form of a complex design process, which we will describe in this guide.

So, starting from a neutral space, you can achieve an elegant, functional and pleasant environment, both at home and at work. What steps are involved? Let’s take a look!

What is furniture design? The definition

Furniture design is a structured process involving various professionals and numerous stages.

Every successful project starts with listening: it is the analysis of the context and the needs to be met that sets everything in motion. Those involved in high-end interior design observe every aspect of the space, assessing the physical characteristics of the area to be furnished, such as the amount of natural light, the proportions of the room, any architectural constraints, etc. They fully understand its potential, so that they can furnish it in the best possible way thanks to careful furnishing choices.

For a satisfactory and effective result, it is not enough to consider the type of environment to be furnished, but also the daily habits of those who live in or frequent it. It is also important to consider the atmosphere you want to create.

The creative and design phase takes shape based on the results of these assessments. In this stage of furniture design, the focus is on the elements that will characterise the furnishings and the concepts are defined. The main choices made at this point concern the materials to be used for the furniture and accessories, the colour palette to be used as inspiration and the furnishing solutions most consistent with the clients’ taste.

As ideas are selected, the design plan takes shape through sketches, floor plans, and 3D representations. These tools are essential for getting a taste of how the space will look once the interior design is complete.

This is followed by the development of the executive project, with a detailed definition of all the elements – furniture, finishes, textiles, lighting – in accordance with functionality, aesthetics and budget. After final approval by the client, the project moves on to the implementation phase, which involves the best craftsmen and suppliers, in order to turn the project into reality.

What is essential for good furniture design?

A quality interior design project is distinguished by certain fundamental elements. What are they? Firstly, the choice of materials is an aspect that requires particular attention.

Choosing quality materials, such as solid wood surfaces, natural stone countertops or refined fabrics, guarantees durability and a high-value result. It should also be considered that, today, quality is also assessed on the basis of the sustainability and traceability of the materials used.

These materials are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their functional characteristics, above all their resistance and ease of maintenance. The importance of functionality and ergonomics should not be underestimated either, principles which, by placing the person at the centre of the project, contribute to the daily well-being of individuals.

A well-designed environment also stems from a careful balance between volumes, furnishings and empty spaces. Furniture design is not about filling a room, but rather creating a harmonious result between the various elements, taking into account pathways, proportions and usage requirements.

What makes a space truly unique is its personality, often expressed through bespoke furniture or handcrafted details. In this sense, specially designed furnishings, integrated architectural elements or particular attention to finishes contribute to defining a recognisable identity that is far removed from standard solutions.

What advice can you give to improve the design of your furniture?

Tackling a furniture design project requires method and awareness. For this reason, a fundamental first step is to rely on qualified professionals who are able to interpret your needs, manage your budget and coordinate the various stages of the work. Specifically, the role of the interior designer is to guide the process, transforming an idea into a concrete and coherent project.

At the same time, it is also useful to explore different interior design styles and compare different solutions with the aim of identifying the one that best suits your sensibility and the context.

Direct experience is another key element. It is clear that visiting showrooms and exhibition spaces allows you to touch and evaluate materials, finishes and colour combinations. This comparison helps you make informed and conscious decisions, as well as facilitating the definition of the character you want to give to the space.

Finally, the idea of using custom-made furniture is always a valid one. Such a choice can make the difference in the success of furniture design activities, allowing you to create an elegant and refined environment. Thanks to solutions designed specifically for the space to be furnished, it is possible to fully satisfy the client’s needs. This leads to the creation of a high-value environment with a distinctive and unique character.

Il Piccolo, second generation family-run carpentry shop, opens its showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the many interiors designed and furnished all over the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents the most prestigious brands of furniture worldwide. Il Piccolo designs, manufactures and sells the best of interior design made in Italy, following the customer from design to implementation, delivery and installation of the work, integrating the process with a precise and professional service. CONTACT US