How to make your home a happier, more functional space

Home of the Year winner Jennifer Sheahan shows how the principles of ergonomics can be applied to every room 

If you apply the principles of ergonomics in your interior design, your home will be a joy to live in, not just to look at. Picture: iStock

The word "ergonomics" usually evokes images of ugly office chairs and feelings of guilt about how much time we spend slouched over our laptops. 

The reality is actually much more exciting than that. Ergonomics — also known as Human Factors — really means designing a space that best meets all the needs of the person using it.