Get in the zone for a successful open plan home
Open plan rooms work best when you clearly define the areas within your new space
Open-plan living is very much the trend these days in both architecture and interiors. The first thing anyone buying a home or moving into a new place seems to be looking to do is knock down some walls, ‘open it all out’ and merge an entire floor into one big, happy space.
And while it’s a great idea in theory, there are some important things to watch out for when undertaking a job like this in your home. Firstly, and most importantly, it’s worth noting that open-plan living does not mean throwing out the rulebook and creating a free-for-all where anything goes in terms of layout and use. In fact, it’s actually all about creating clear and defined borders inside the newly-expanded space.
Your walls might be coming down but you’re replacing them with invisible divisions and sub-conscious rules that mean you don’t find yourself cooking in the sleeping quarters or entertaining in the kitchen. As a guide, here are seven essentials for open-plan living that will help you keep control of your living space.
1. A CORNER SOFA
A corner sofa is a really useful way to help you quickly identify the living/relaxation room in an openplan room. Being sectioned off in a neat right angle means, visually, it’s much clearer than a scattered three-piece suite. And while you might think you need a large home to accommodate one they work just as well in smaller areas. With a corner configuration you won’t need an armchair or a floor division, saving you valuable floor space
Flexible furniture seating that can be reconfigured in different layouts is also really handy, allowing you to set up zones for different activities in next to no time. When needed, push the seats together to make one massive family hangout.
2. A LARGE RUG
In an open-plan living room, squares and right angles are your friends. Use them to highlight areas with different functions. Use an eyecatching rug to carve out the living area, or, place one underneath your dining table and chairs.
3. STATEMENT DINING AREA
Invest in a statement set of dining chairs or a colourful table. Like the corner sofa, they pull your eye over to their space and let you know that this is where the eating happens.
4. KITCHEN ISLAND
Kitchen storage is naturally lost when the walls come down so breakfast bars and islands are a great solution – plus they provide extra work surfaces. Add a set of barstools, and you will create a casual spot to grab a quick breakfast or cuppa. Additionally, if you don’t have space for a dining area, a set of barstools with a console table will take up next to no space.
5. STATEMENT LIGHTS
Large statement lighting is essential for open-plan living as it highlights and defines individual areas. It also needs to create a cosy, intimate mood when needed. Use various styles and strengths to suit particular areas. Make sure lighting in a kitchen area is bright enough for food prep and also that ambient lighting in a relaxing zone is low key. Low-hanging overhead pendants define dining areas.
6. A ROOM-DIVIDER BOOK SHELF
A freestanding bookshelf helps to obscure kitchen areas and hide dirty dishes and an overloaded sink. Similarly, you could employ a midheight unit to partition off a children’s play area. Make a focal point of it by arranging its contents in an artful manner.
7. PLAY WITH PAINT
Paint colour choices are an easy way to define alternating areas in an openplan living. And we’re not just talking about walls – painting the floor and ceilings with different shades can truly create the feeling of a room within a room. For tips and inspiration of open-plan living styles check out made.com