Open floor plans are becoming a common concept in new homes. Open floor plans, also referred to as open concepts, are floor plans that combine two or more rooms that would traditionally be separated by a floor-to-ceiling wall. To many, open floor plans are considered a fad but modern homes commonly have open floor plans because of the benefits. For many homeowners, the appeal of natural lighting, social interaction, expanded space, and less wasted space has led them to pursue open floor concepts in their home remodeling plans. Are you considering remodeling your home’s living areas with an open floor concept? Here are 5 design tips to create the most appealing open floor space in your home!
- Define the Spaces Within Your Home
Open floor plans aim to integrate living spaces and create a seamless layout. However, homeowners often struggle to differentiate between these interconnected areas. When your kitchen, dining room, and living room merge into a single open space, defining each space becomes a challenge. One effective solution is to incorporate a well-chosen area rug into your open-design floor plan living room. These rugs not only establish boundaries for conversation areas and direct foot traffic but also contribute to a cozy and grounded ambiance within the expansive space. For a more eclectic touch, consider layering rugs with diverse designs to designate specific gathering areas such as the dining room, living room, great room, or family room. Rugs are ideal in the context as they create subtle divisions without sacrificing the overall visual openness of the area.
- Coordinate Spaces With Color
When dealing with a spacious and open area, it becomes crucial to select colors with intent, unlike when decorating a closed room. Begin by choosing an overall color palette that harmonizes with the entire space. Then, incorporate elements of this palette into each individual area. Additionally, select two or three accent colors and introduce subtle touches of these hues through fabrics, rugs, and accessories in each specific area. The accent colors serve as dividers within the room, while the overall neutral palette ensures a unified feel throughout the expansive space. Embrace the opportunity to make bold color choices! Large open areas devoid of vibrant colors can come across as bland or empty.
- Utilize Proper Lighting
Open floor plans offer the advantage of maximizing natural light in your home, but incorporating artificial lighting can also play a significant role in defining different areas within the space. Well-designed lighting is key to dividing open floor plans into functional zones. In the kitchen area, utilizing pendant lighting above countertops serves as efficient task lighting that remains unobtrusive. For the dining area, a pendant or chandelier can be employed to establish a vertical delineation for that specific space. To define and illuminate the living room area, consider using floor lamps and wall sconces. Side areas can be distinctly and cohesively illuminated with the help of a simple table lamp placed on a desk or side table. Lastly, recessed lighting is essential as both an ambient light source and a guide for the flow of the room. By strategically implementing a combination of these lighting options, you can effectively separate and define various areas within your open floor plan while ensuring a harmonious and functional overall design.
- Use Your Furniture to Define Areas
Utilize your furniture strategically to establish distinct stations within the expansive areas of your open floor plan, creating a sense of navigability. A vast single room can feel overwhelming and lacking in direction, but when it contains well-defined areas for conversation and relaxation, dining and work, and food preparation, it becomes more inviting and comfortable. Additionally, ensure that there is a clear pathway between these stations, allowing ample space for people to move around and pass by one another easily. This clear pathway enhances the flow of the space, making it more functional and user friendly. By strategically arranging furniture to establish specific stations and maintaining a well-defined pathway, your open floor plan will become more approachable and enjoyable to navigate.
- Create Barriers Without Walls
If you find a fully open-concept space to be too messy or disorganized, there are ways to create visual barriers without the need for walls. Furniture pieces like bookshelves or consoles can serve this purpose effectively. Open shelving, for instance, can be used to block out the clutter of a specific area, such as the kitchen, while still allowing light and a sense of openness to permeate through. Another useful addition is a console placed behind the sofa, which helps to divide the living and dining spaces. This arrangement enables you to keep an eye on children playing in the adjacent room while maximizing the utilization of your square footage. Even in a small home, open floor plans have the potential to make the space feel more expansive, particularly when it comes to incorporating dining areas within the kitchen. By strategically employing furniture elements like bookshelves and consoles, you can introduce visual barriers that provide a sense of separation within your open concept space while still maintaining a spacious and airy atmosphere.
D&L Home Remodeling Services
If you’re looking to remodel your living space and are interested in learning more about adding an open floor plan to your home, contact the D&L Builders to schedule a consultation. Our design team is here to assist with all your needs and can provide different layouts and design options that will fit your budget and make your vision come true.
Call (858) 522-9603 or email dandlbuilders7@gmail.com to get started!