Linda Merrill, the owner of an award-winning interior design & decoration firm Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings, said that function is the first thing we should be looking at when designing and decorating a room.

"A kitchen can be pretty - but if it's not doing its job of helping make kitchen work productive then it's not a successful design no matter how pretty it might look," Merrill told Bored Panda. "Examples of bad design might be: too many steps to take between appliances, too many barriers like a dishwasher or refrigerator doors that block walkways, no safe place to put a hot pot down, no place to put grocery bags to easily empty them into the fridge, surface materials that are hard to clean and maintain. A bathroom where we might shave or put on makeup needs appropriate lighting for those tasks."

But as a designer Merrill highlighted that aesthetics are equally important. "We want to be excited by our spaces - whether in our own or in our clients' homes. A modern minimalist may love a perfectly executed kitchen that solves all needs but is plain and stark. However, even though it is functionally perfect, a minimalist kitchen won't be attractive to a maximalist person who loves traditional forms and lots of colors."

Conversely, a minimalist will probably hate a maximalist kitchen loaded with stuff, even if it's functionally well-designed. "Basically, the balance between form and function is like a dance. Too much focus on one may leave the other sadly lacking. But not speaking to the owner's aesthetic vision will also be a disappointing endeavor."

An important addition that can enhance both function and form is comfort. Like comfortable seating (which, according to Linda Merrill is worth spending more on) and a comfortable layout.

"Don’t fall for every trendy and especially don't try to shoehorn in all the currently trendy things into one design - because trends come and go and they don't always all go together!" she added.

When looking for inspiration, Merrill advised thinking of a room like a haircut. "The best hairstyles fit the hair texture as well as face and lifestyle of the wearer," she said. And when you think about it, the same applies to rooms.

"Their architecture, the way the light hits them, and how much regular work do we want to do to keep it looking great; it’s great to take inspiration from magazines or Pinterest, but remember that photos are only a snapshot of a space and don’t usually show the full context of a home. Finally, just have fun!"