Welcome to the world of open plan living, where walls are knocked down, spaces are combined, and the possibilities are endless! Designing an open plan home is an exciting adventure full of creative ideas. With an open floor plan, you can let your imagination run wild and create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle.
Open plan homes are a popular choice among modern homeowners. These home designs offer a spacious and flexible living area, where the kitchen, dining, and living spaces are integrated into one open space. However, open home interior designing can be challenging, as you must balance functionality with aesthetics. And with so many options available, where do you even begin?
Here are 8 home design tips to help meet your needs and looks, resulting in a functional and fabulous home plan!
1. Define Zones
One of the essential things to keep in mind when designing an open plan home is defining zones. With no walls to separate the different spaces, it can be challenging to differentiate between areas. To define each zone, use different flooring materials, rugs, furniture, or lighting. You can also use visual cues like colour or texture to create a boundary between spaces. Defining zones will help you create a cohesive design and provide a clear purpose for each area.
2. Think About Flow
When designing an open plan home, it's essential to consider how people will move through the space. You don't want the kitchen island or dining table to block your living room. Think about the natural flow of movement and create an easy and intuitive path through the space. This can be achieved by arranging the furniture to promote movement or using furniture as a divider to guide traffic.
3. Use Lighting to Create an Atmosphere
Lighting is a crucial element of any interior design, but it's imperative in an open plan home. Without walls to block light, it's essential to have multiple lighting sources to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use a combination of floor, table, pendant, and recessed lighting to create different moods in different areas of the space.
For example, you might use pendant lights over the dining table to create a focal point or floor lamps in the living area to create a cosy atmosphere. You should use lighting to accentuate artwork or architectural features, such as a statement pendant light over a kitchen island.
4. Create Balance
When designing an open plan home, it's essential to create a sense of balance. You don't want one area to feel overpowering or cluttered compared to others. Achieving balance can be as simple as using the same colour scheme throughout the space or similar textures in different areas. You can also use furniture and decor to create balance by choosing pieces that complement each other.
5. Storage
Storage is essential in any home but particularly important in an open plan space. It can be challenging to keep the space tidy without walls to hide clutter. Consider using built-in storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, and drawers to keep everything organised. You can also use furniture pieces that offer storage, such as ottomans or benches.
6. Consider Furniture Scale
Choosing the right furniture is crucial in an open plan space. You want pieces that are appropriately sized for the space, neither too big nor too small. Large pieces can overwhelm the space, while small pieces can get lost in the open area. Consider the scale of the furniture in relation to the size of the room and the other pieces in the space.
For example, choose a sectional sofa that is appropriately sized for the living area and won't overwhelm the space. Similarly, choose a dining table that can comfortably seat your family and guests without occupying too much room.
7. Use Texture to Add Interest
The texture is an important element of any interior design but is particularly important in an open plan space. Without walls to add visual interest, texture can create a sense of depth and dimension. Consider using different textures in different areas of the space, such as a plush rug in the living area and a sleek countertop in the kitchen.
You can also use texture to add warmth and cosiness to the space. Consider using soft fabrics, such as velvet or chenille, for throw pillows or blankets in the living area.
8. Flexibility
Finally, when designing an open plan home, thinking about flexibility is important. Your needs may change over time, and your space should be able to adapt to those changes. Consider using furniture pieces that can be easily moved or rearranged. You can also use room dividers or screens to create more privacy. The beauty of an open plan home is that it allows you to customise the space to suit your needs and preferences. Do not hesitate to rearrange furniture or swap out decor to create a new look and feel for the space.
Consider using modular, easily moving furniture, such as a sectional sofa with interchangeable pieces. You can also use decor elements, such as throw pillows or artwork, to switch up the look of the space without investing in new furniture.
Designing an open plan home can be a liberating and exciting experience, but no doubt, daunting. Whether you're remodelling your current space or building from scratch, a few essential tips and tricks can help you create the perfect open plan layout. From choosing the right furniture to creating defined zones, we've got you covered.
Conclusion
The above suggestions will help build a functional, beautiful, and flexible space. So, grab a cup of coffee, put on your creative hat, and get started!
