=====So you’ve taken the leap and have decided to create an open floor plan in your home. But truly achieving an open floor plan doesn’t stop at ...
So you’ve taken the leap and have decided to create an open floor plan in your home. But truly achieving an open floor plan doesn’t stop at the remodel. Everything between your rug selection, lighting choices, and furniture arrangement matters when it comes to creating airy, free-flowing spaces in your house.
Of course, the possibilities are endless when arranging your rooms with an open floor plan, so there is no one design or layout that is recommended. However, we’ve compiled some helpful open floor plan design tips to help you create rooms that will help you maximize your space and show off your unique style!
Ready to remodel and create an open floor plan in your home? Contact a remodeling contractor today and get quotes from pros in your area, for free.
Maintain Continuity In Design & Decor
You’ve torn down the physical walls separating the rooms in your house, now it’s time to unite them through design and decor choices. There are a number of ways to achieve continuity throughout your home, including utilizing the same or similar fundamental design features in each space, such as flooring or recessed lighting.
Color is a big way to create a coherent theme throughout your house. For your overall color palette, choose neutral colors, which almost always coordinate well with one another. Going with more neutral tones also allows you to bring in vibrant accent colors in rugs, fabrics, and accessories without being too overwhelming. Even the smallest accents add cohesion across kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms and take an area from bland to lively in an instant.
Define Areas With Lighting & Furniture
This may seem counterproductive to the first tip; but yes, it’s possible to have areas that are united but still defined! Use furniture placement and lighting to carve out spaces and strategically divide each functional use area. For example, a ceiling fan in the center of the living area can help make that area feel like a living room and not just an extension of the kitchen. Similarly, a kitchen island can be used to visually demarcate the cooking and food prep area from the dining room, without completely blocking off or separating the two.
A standout feature in each area will also work to define spaces, as well as give each room a little pop. Consider bold pieces of art, playful rugs, or eye-catching lighting fixtures. You can also go a step further by coordinating these standout focal points. This will give each area something unique while simultaneously bringing the entire area together.
Use Symmetry To Balance
There are tons of open floor plan decorating tips out there, but one popular trend that homeowners love is creating symmetry with furniture. Bring balance to your rooms by using two armchairs instead of one, doubling up on sofas, or showcasing a dining room table with matching chairs on each side. Symmetrical placement delivers a hint of sophisticated design while also maintaining practicality.
Consider Flow
When it comes to arranging furniture in an open floor plan, flow is everything. One of the many reasons people opt for the open floor plan is to improve the flow of traffic, light, and energy throughout a house. Keeping this in mind, make sure to place your furniture in a way that doesn’t block foot traffic or cause someone to navigate around obstacles just to get from point A to point B. Create clear paths for people to walk through and ensure that there is room for people to comfortably pass one another. If you find that people are having to squeeze by furniture or others just to move around, consider rearranging.
Similarly, don’t put larger pieces of furniture in places that prevent light from reaching other parts of the house. Poorly placed decor and furniture can make otherwise open rooms feel more like a cave when the light can’t flow freely across the areas.
Create A Functional Layout
When arranging furniture, you also want to keep functionality in mind. If you plan on watching a lot of movies or television in your living area, ensure that the furniture is facing the TV. If you plan on entertaining, opt for more seating instead of less. The important thing here is that you customize your areas based on what you will use them for, not just what looks good.
Keep It Organized
One of the cons of having an open floor plan is that it is a little harder to keep clutter behind closed doors. It’s likely that if you still haven’t cleaned up the mess made in the kitchen at breakfast, a dinner guest will be able to see it when they walk into the living room. Not only does a messy area distract the eye from your beautiful home, but it also makes the area feel smaller. Maintain your open space by cutting through the clutter and organizing your areas. This can be anything from investing in multi-functional furniture that doubles as storage or simply forming good cleaning habits.
There are many ways to create a space that works for you with an open floor plan. Just by following these few simple tips, you’ll be on your way to having the space of your dreams in no time!
Looking for more ideas on spacious design? Watch this video on Open Shelving and share your opinion.
