Which is more important, form of function? Unfortunately for me, my wife is an interior decorator, so I often lose this argument. I think function is more important, while her vote is for form. We both agree that if you can possibly have both, that is the best of both worlds. We do have several pieces of furniture in our home that look esthetically beautiful, but are not as efficient in their function as I would prefer, so I'm probably listened to about as much as most men are on this topic.

In spite of my leanings toward function, I'm going to depart from my usual sensibilities; straddle the fence and say, “it depends.” It depends on exactly what you are trying to accomplish with your decorating choices. Take a good look at how you live your life on a daily basis. If you entertain often and have guests over to your home, then you would be wise to pick elegant pieces of furniture that show well. If your home is your haven of peace and security away from the hustle and bustle of daily living, then you are more likely to design your home and select your furnishings for comfortable living.

Then there's the “none of the above” category of people who like clean lines and clean houses and neither entertain nor stay at home much. They tend to do most of their socialization and living outside the home. The contemporary look is the style they tend to choose.

Everyone has to have a coffee table right? It usually has form and function. There are times however when form can overshadow function. When my wife first brought home our coffee table, I had never heard of “distressed” furniture. When the delivery truck pulled up and I began a careful inspection to make sure the movers were not careless, I told me wife I was sending the table back. “Why?” she asked. “There are oil stains and small chips in the table. It looks like someone was hitting it with a bicycle chain!” Over the years we've laughed many times about that one, and now I know better. After many parties and gatherings I realize how much of a conversation piece this has been for my wife and her friends.

Then there's the open style of living. Do you like to have your books showing on the bookshelves or place knick knacks and other decorative elements around the house? If so then you are more likely to have hutches, bookshelves and extra tables to display your decor.

On the other side of the coin are the people who like to keep their lives tucked away in drawers, cupboards and cubbies. I prefer to have my DVD and video collection on display for all to see, while my wife prefers to keep them hidden in a drawer.

Let's return to the question at hand and the title of this article. When choosing your home, should you make your buying decisions based on form or function? There are as many schools of thought as there are people, and the only answer I can give you is to decide what works best for you and your spouse. Go to open houses, model homes, home shows and furniture stores and discuss what options you like the best. In the end, you're the one who has to live with your furniture on a daily basis. The rest of us can go home to our own furniture choices.