Today’s homebuyers are looking for a property that provides an open layout to create a spacious, functioning main level for the entire family. An open layout refers to a house in which two or more traditional-use spaces have been joined to form a larger space. This has been the dominant architectural trend in new residential construction since about 1990.
Although most buyers prefer an open floor plan, it can be a challenging space to furnish by determining where one area ends and another begins without a wall forcing a “stop” in design.
Here at Staged Interior, we’re experts at making these large, multi-functional spaces feel cozy, warm and welcoming. Here are a few basic principles when planning the design style of this layout.
Advantages of Open Layout
- Easier to Navigate. People can move through space without doors to open and close or walls to bump into.
- Get Social. This layout allows the conversation to flow across rooms.
- Kid Watch. An open layout makes it easy for parents to supervise children while conquering everyday tasks.
- Flexible Space. You can easily reconfigure furnishings and accessories to different room layouts and serve multifunctional purposes.
- Light It Up. The entire floor plan gets natural light from windows on exterior walls.
Functional Social Togetherness
In an open layout, it’s important to distinguish the various areas of the room from one another, without walls dictating the decision. In the picture above, we decided to make a sectional sofa be the natural divider of this open layout that combined the kitchen, dining area, and family room. When you have an open layout make sure to float furniture off the walls throughout the room so it’s not one-dimensional.
Design to Scale
When choosing to furnish a large room like this, smaller pieces can often get lost. Our team opts to utilize larger pieces that command a presence in the room. It’s also important to make sure there is enough furniture in each area so the entire room looks balanced overall.
Create a Color Story
In order to create an open layout that visually flows together, our team favors one color or a unified colored palette. Notice in the image above we used hints of blue throughout the living and dining areas. Use furniture and accents to connect rooms together to direct the eye throughout the entire space. Keep the walls neutral so the entire space looks like one large room, even though it may be sectioned off with a doorway.
Light and Bright
Despite open layouts providing more natural light, pay attention to the light sources in this room since there may be several areas that require light. Basic overhead lighting helps create an evenly bright space. However, many times that’s not enough to illuminate the entire space. Consider defining areas with lighting and add task lights depending on the room’s intended use.
Do you have a challenging property featuring an open floor plan? Let us help you showcase the space for maximum efficiency. We’d love to help you! Schedule an online consultation with us today!
