A space strategy I wish I'd learned earlier is the value of creating an unobstructed path to "the place to land." A key mistake I made in our first house was that guests entering the front door saw a wall of entertainment equipment, but not the couch. (I've seen others make this mistake by having visitors greeted by the back of the couch.) In fact, until I rearranged the main living area, our house didn't sell. (Underlining the effectiveness of the strategy.)
Designing a room so that the "place to land" is in sight with no obstacles in the way is the difference between whether a room feels welcoming or feels cold. A secondary space strategy for this room that it uses low profile furniture. The room appears much bigger than it really is because there is "air" between the pieces. (The high ceiling also helps the illusion by creating "air" above.)
The "place to land" strategy works in bedrooms by having the headboard be the first thing you see when you walk into a bedroom. The bed essentially invites you to lay down. (Note that I wish we'd chosen a queen instead of a king to create "air" in this space.) While your space may not allow you to arrange in that format in the master or kids spaces, it is almost always achievable in a guest room.
Another use of the "place to land" strategy is in creating secondary places to land. This can be a rocker or bench by your front door. A stool in your kitchen so that someone could sit and talk as another prepares. A loveseat in an office or a chair placed by a window. In reality, these secondary "places to land" may never be used, but simply the fact that they could creates the message that the house welcomes a person to sit. To rest. To linger.
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