For decades, open floor plans have been favored by homeowners. That’s because they’re great for flexibility and entertaining. They allow you to move easily from room to room, stay in conversation, and rearrange furniture when you want to. But, when it comes to decorating an open floor plan, you may face some challenges. For example, how can you ensure that each area feels like its own space but is still connected and cohesive? Discover five tips on how to create cohesion in your open floor layout.
- Clear the space of clutter.
Typical open floor plans include a living room, dining room, and kitchen. When these rooms are separate, you have more opportunities to store things out of sight. However, with an open floor layout, you can see everything all at once, so items may start to spill into places they don’t belong. To avoid your space feeling cluttered and overwhelming, limit what you’re putting on display—on the floor, walls, and tabletops.
- Choose complementary color palettes.
One of the essential parts of creating a cohesive open floor plan is the color palette. If you’re not familiar with the color wheel, it may be helpful to brush up on your knowledge. In design, complementary colors balance each other out and create natural movement throughout a space. When selecting the colors for your open floor plan, start with a neutral base. Your accent colors should go with the neutral you choose and can carry over from room to room.
For example, if you have light gray walls and a gray couch, place blue throw pillows on the sofa for a pop of color. Then use that blue in the kitchen and dining room. Think hand towels, the backsplash, and table runners. The accent colors won’t overpower the space, but they will tie the rooms together.
- Arrange your furniture thoughtfully.
Since better traffic flow is one of the advantages of an open floor layout, you want to ensure that your furniture is arranged in a way that promotes movement. One of the ways you can do this is by not overstuffing the room and keeping pathways clear for walking. You can also use your furniture as a room divider. For example, a couch can be the separator between your living room and your kitchen. Place a console table behind the sofa and use that to display candles, photos, or other decorative items. This arrangement visually tells you there are different purposes for each space.
- Use partitions, dividers, and area rugs.
Partitions and dividers can come in handy if you’re having trouble distinguishing one space from another. There are plenty of decorative options available, so you’ll be able to find something that matches your style, whether it’s modern, transitional, or bohemian. If you don’t like the idea of a vertical room divider, try area rugs. Place one area rug under your couch, accent chairs, and coffee table in your living room. Then, place a different one under your dining room table. Make sure the colors of the rugs play off each other and go with the rest of the space so they don’t seem out of place.
- Take advantage of the lighting.
An open floor layout means more natural light will flow into the space at any given time. That’s because no walls or barriers are preventing one particular room from getting any sunlight. Take advantage of this and hang valances or sheer curtains. You can use the same valance on every window for seamless cohesion, or you can find ones with similar patterns or color schemes.
Make Your Open Floor Plan Cohesive
If you have an open floor plan and want to ensure each room has its own look but complements the rest of the space, these tips are sure to help. For those who want to achieve that balance but aren’t sure where to start, contact us today at (317) 660-6421. Let’s get started creating something beautiful!
