Style Advice: Open Plan Living

Creating an open plan space is not always as easy as it looks. Combining the styles of what are usually different rooms so that they coherently flow from one to another without looking disjointed is something that takes a little practice. If you’re not careful, some furniture can appear out of place while other pieces can fade into the background. However, when done correctly, open plan homes can ooze modern sophistication and style while acting as an inviting and social space. We’ve put together a few tips on how to achieve the perfect open plan home, whatever your style!

When designing an open plan space it is important to think about creating zones. Though you are combining two or maybe even three rooms, it is crucial to keep some boundaries so that your interior doesn’t look unorganised. The above kitchen, dining and living room shows this excellently by using the kitchen counter and breakfast bar to create a divide between the kitchen and the dining area. This effect is easy to replicate in your home by placing certain items of your fine furniture to outline the different areas.

For example, positioning a corner sofa, such as the Moroso M.A.S.S.A.S. Sofa, at the edge of one of the zones in your room will help with this – the back and sides of the sofa will represent the end of one area and the beginning of another. Similarly, you can section off different areas by using sideboards or bookshelves. Using these items of furniture to create a boundary around your living room zone will ensure order in your home while allowing you to enjoy an open and social space.

Often, though not always, open plan rooms have one type of flooring throughout all of the areas. This is a practical choice as you don’t want any spilled food carting underfoot from a wooden or tiled kitchen zone to a carpeted living room section. Having a continued colour scheme throughout the areas, both in terms of flooring and on the walls, also helps link the spaces together. However, having just one material and colour on the floor throughout the room, especially in large open plan spaces, can look a bit boring. By introducing rugs into different spaces, you break up the floor by introducing individual elements to different spaces while bringing in a touch of comfort.

For large open plan rooms, including rugs with bold and colourful patterns like the Nanimarquina one above will help create a dramatic aesthetic, while for smaller spaces, sticking to lighter and more neutral colours for your furniture and home accessories will help make your room look bigger. Hanging pieces of art on the wall will also help separate large spaces of solid colour, while introducing a different colour feature wall may also be an option for you.

Lighting is key to all rooms, but it is especially crucial in open plan homes since natural light from any windows might not reach into all areas. Installing ceiling or suspension lights in the centre of your room will infuse a warm glow while not taking up valuable floor space. Owners of large open plan homes have the luxury of bringing in statement designer lighting pieces that will have a striking impact, such as the Mambo Unlimited Ideas Revolution Suspension Lamp. Anyone who has a smaller space will benefit by introducing more subtle lighting that won’t overshadow your other pieces. Similarly, arranging wall lights around your room will introduce light further while also helping to break up the solid colour of the wall.

Hopefully we have given you some inspiration on how to create a gorgeous open plan home. Have a look on our website for more fantastic pieces of luxury furniture!