Open plan living spaces are very popular in the modern world. They are a great way to make the most of the space if your home is a little smaller than you’d like. Open-plan can be fantastic if you entertain a lot or want to spend more time together as a household, and an open-plan living area can look incredible and be easier to keep clean and tidy.
But most open-plan spaces try to include a dining room, lounge, and kitchen all within the same space. Without careful design and good décor choices, it’s easy for things to become a little chaotic. Things can get messy, the décor can be overwhelming, and you can just end up feeling like you don’t have any of the rooms that you’d like.
If you are thinking of going open-plan, or you are worried that your open-plan living space is becoming a bit of a jumble, here are some tips to help you create a trendy but functional space that works as all three rooms.
Invest in the Right Furniture
There might be many pieces of furniture that you’d love to include. But this will depend on how much space you have to work with, and you might need to make cutbacks. Think about what you really need. Things like storage options, an LED TV stand, a table and chairs and a sofa. If you are short on space a round table for 6 might be more effective than a long option.
You might want to create a floor plan before you buy any large pieces to make sure everything fits comfortably and that you can still walk around.
Create Zones
In an open-plan space, creating different zones can be a great way to keep things tidy and structured. Try to think about your space as three separate rooms (or more if you want things like a toy area) and keep this in mind when you make choices about décor or buy new furniture.
Use Large Pieces to Separate Areas
Using large items of furniture, like shelving, tables or the backs of sofas is a great way to clearly divide the zones without the need for walls.
Use Flooring to Create Division
Your flooring can also be a great way to separate areas. A soft rug in the living areas promotes comfort, but a wooden floor might be easier to work within the kitchen.
Create a Cohesive Colour Scheme
You might want to use different colours in the different areas, but it can be overwhelming. You might want to keep the core scheme the same, and just add different accents or pops to different areas or use the same colours in different shades and tones to create cohesion.
Consider Your Layout Carefully
The layout of your open plan is crucial if you want it to work well. The last thing you want is to trek across the whole space to take food from the kitchen to the dining table. Think carefully about how your family will use the space before committing to a layout.
There’s a reason open plans are so popular. If they are done well, it can be a fantastic choice. But it can take a little planning to create the perfect wall free space for your household.
