How To Make The Most Out Of Open Plan Living
Open plan living spaces are an efficient way to make the most of your home, whether you’re a busy family or a professional on the go. With the right balance of warmth and detail, your open plan living space can become an inviting, free-flowing haven. Here’s our guide on how to nail open plan living.
Start by creating zones. Zoning is the perfect way to give a space an identity without closing it off completely and is crucial in creating both a practical and impressive space. You should aim to give each area a purpose. For example, if you have a desk tucked in an alcove of your living room it’s important to keep all working-from-home related items to this area. This enables us to take advantage of a fully fluid space while introducing boundaries between working and relaxing.
Zoning can be achieved in a number of ways. Firstly, you can use pieces of furniture in order to create subtle confinements that don’t enclose your space. L-shaped sofas are the best example of this. They not only offer a practical seating option, but also allow you to introduce the on-trend minimalist theme to your home through clean lines and simplistic styling. Pair with the odd scatter cushion and throw for the ultimate lounge look.
Rugs are also essential when creating distinctive areas in your home. Whether you opt for a large round cotton rug or a simpler bamboo style, these are the perfect tool to divide a large space whilst breathing personality into your room.
The various uses of a media unit are not to be underrated. While they are a great for displaying vases and frames, they also create the perfect partition between areas in your home without introducing structural changes
Painted walls and wallpaper are also a clever way to introduce different living quarters whilst enabling you to showcase your creativity. While it is important to keep the flow of the room as one (which we’ll come to later), it is also important to give each space its own subtle and unique identity. Whether it is a feature wall or paneling, distinguishable visuals give each space a focal point and therefore a sense of purpose while still feeling open and airy.
It is not just larger properties that benefit from the advantages of an open plan layout. Smaller homes can be transformed through a combination of this architectural arrangement and clever styling. Try introducing mirrors in certain areas in order to accentuate the space. If you are going for a fool-proof method, a wall mounted mirror is the simplest but arguably most effective way to do it. However, if it is a statement piece you are looking for, why not add a large free standing mirror against your wall.
When it comes to the overall look, themes can help to keep the flow of the room. Consider using a colour palette to tie the room together. Neutral tones are key in creating an open space that feels almost symphonic when you pass through. When applied consistently throughout a space, cooler tones and soft warm colours make any room feel more open.
While we are fans of the minimalist look, done wrong and your space can feel impersonal. Be sure to add varying textures to give your home added warmth and comfort.
Using matching furniture or furniture of the same finish can also help to create a sense of unity. By adding items within the same range you can not only create and aesthetically pleasing arrangement, but also one that feels safe and familiar.
Perhaps you’re not ready to take the deep dive into open plan living just yet. Why not explore alternative options such as the broken plan layout. This method gets the most out of what open plan living has to offer while still providing the security of being able to close off one environment from another. This can be achieved through the use of archways rather than doors, crittall style doors or even the use of screens.
Finally, don’t forget the details. Adding a few accessories can really bring your open plan living space to life. Whether you opt for cushions, rugs, artwork or plants, make sure they’re in line with the overall theme of the room.
Overall we believe that open plan living spaces are a great way to make the most of your home. With the right balance of character and cohesiveness, you can create a free-flowing space that’s perfect for modern families and busy professionals alike. By following this guide, you’ll be sure to nail open plan living in no time.
