Your Guide to Decorating the Perfect Open Floor Plan
If you've flipped on home improvement shows lately, you've likely seen the popular open floor plan concept in action. Walls are being torn down (did someone say DEMO DAY?) to create large, open spaces that flow from one room to the next. It's a great way to make small homes feel more spacious and create a more cohesive living area.
If you're lucky enough to have an open floor plan in your home, you might wonder how to best decorate the space. After all, you don't want your living room to feel like it's in the middle of the kitchen. And we all know that our homes don't exist in a vacuum – open floor plans just invite clutter and chaos if we're not mindful about how we use the space.
Whether you’re building a new custom home or want to renovate your current space to achieve an open floor plan, we’ll give you some tips on making the most of your new-found square footage.
Defining "Open-Concept" Floor Plans
"Oh, it's an open-concept floor plan," you'll likely hear your real estate agent say as they show you homes. But what does that even mean – other than fewer walls?
An open-concept floor plan is defined as a design that incorporates large, uninterrupted spaces. In other words, there are few (or no) walls separating the rooms in your home. You simply glide from the living room to the kitchen to the dining room with ease.
This floor plan concept became popular in the 1950s to help smaller homes appear more spacious and inviting for growing post-war families. But the style has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as homeowners are looking for more flexible and family-friendly living spaces.
The Benefits of an Open-Concept Floor Plan
There are plenty of reasons why homeowners are drawn to open-concept living. Here are just a few of the benefits:
It feels more spacious.
By definition, open-concept floor plans create large, uninterrupted spaces. This can make even the smallest homes feel more spacious.
It's great for entertaining.
An open-concept floor plan is ideal if you love entertaining. It allows you to move easily from the kitchen to the living room to the dining room without any walls getting in the way of your conversations with guests.
It's more family-friendly.
An open-concept floor plan can be a lifesaver if you have small children. It allows you to keep a close eye on your little ones while you're cooking or working within another area of the house.
Admittedly, there are a few downsides to open-concept living. For example, finding privacy when you need it can be difficult. And if your home isn't well-designed, an open floor plan can feel like one big room with no defined spaces. But if you take the time to thoughtfully decorate your open-concept space, you can create a beautiful and functional living area that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Tips to Decorate Your Open Floor Plan
When you have an open-concept floor plan, it's important to consider how best to use the space. After all, you don't want your living room to feel like it's in the middle of the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you decorate your open-concept space:
1. Define the key functions of the space and assign areas.
Before you buy anything, start with your goals for the space. Define the different areas in your open floor plan, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Then, determine how you want to use each space.
Picture how you and your family will use the different areas of your home. For example, are you hoping to have the ability to cook dinner while the kids play in the living – with full sightlines to both areas? Or do you want to be able to entertain guests in the living room while you're cooking in the kitchen?
Once you have a clear picture of how you want to use your space, it will be easier to start shopping for furniture and decor.
2. Separate the areas with rugs or carpeting.
Just because you don't have walls in your open-concept space doesn't mean the different areas have to flow into one another. One way to create defined spaces is by using rugs or carpets.
For instance, you could put a large rug in your living room and a smaller rug in your dining room. Or you could use a carpet to separate the kitchen from the living room. The goal is to create a visual boundary between the different areas without making the space feel cramped.
Remember to keep the size of your rugs in proportion to the size of your furniture. You don't want your carpet to overwhelm your space or make it feel cluttered. Also, consider the style of your home when choosing a rug. A contemporary home, for example, would look out of place with a traditional Persian rug.
3. Use furniture to create spacial boundaries.
Moving up from the floor, don't be afraid to utilize your furniture to create boundaries between the different areas in your home. A popular method of delineating spaces is to use a large piece of furniture, like a bookshelf or a console table, as a "room divider." Doing so allows you to keep an open floor plan while still creating distinct areas.
You can also use your furniture to create visual boundaries. For example, you could put your sofa in the middle of the room with the coffee table in front of it. This would create a natural boundary between the living room and the dining room or kitchen.
A word of warning – don't simply add furniture for the sake of adding furniture. Only buy pieces you love that will be practical for your needs. Otherwise, you'll end up with the exact opposite of open and airy space.
4. Use strategic lighting to gain space.
Have you ever heard of using light to create the illusion of space? It's a real thing and can work wonders in an open-concept home. The key is using various lighting sources to create different layers of light.
For example, you could use recessed lighting as your primary light source. Then, add floor lamps and table lamps for ambient light. And finally, use string lights or candles for a touch of romance or whimsy. Not only will this make your space more interesting, but it will also give you the ability to adjust the light depending on the mood you're trying to create.
Ready to retreat to one part of the space? Place your lighting on smart switches so you can easily turn off the lights in the areas you're not using. This will help you save energy and create a more intimate setting that feels like its own separate space.
5. Incorporate nature or natural elements.
One of the best things about an open-concept home is that it allows you to bring the outdoors in. And what could be more relaxing than being surrounded by nature?
If your home has limited natural light, consider adding some plants. Not only will they add a touch of greenery to your space, but they can also help purify the air. If you have a patio or balcony, make sure to take advantage of it! Add some outdoor furniture and string lights so you can enjoy the fresh air even when the sun goes down.
Whenever possible, try to incorporate nature into your decor. For example, you could use a vase filled with fresh flowers as a centerpiece for your dining room table or add a potted plant to your living room.
6. Choose a neutral color palette.
When it comes to decorating an open-concept space, less is more. That's why it's best to stick to a neutral color palette. Not only will this make your space feel more open and airy, but it will also give you a blank canvas that you can easily accessorize. Plus, it will be much easier to change up your decor in the future if you're not married to a specific color scheme.
Allowing the walls to fade into the background will also make your space feel larger. So, if you're looking for a way to make your open-concept home feel more spacious, painting the walls a light and airy color is a great place to start.
7. Use textures to create warmth.
Once you have your color palette down, it's time to add some texture. This is where you can really start to have fun with your decor and make your space feel like home. Go back to tip #1 and revisit your strategies for the space. You can then start to add unique pieces that incorporate different textures.
For example, if you want your space to feel cozy, you could add a knit throw blanket to your sofa or a sheepskin rug in front of your fireplace. If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen, consider adding a backsplash made of glass or stone.
Not only will these finishing touches add personality to your space, but they will also make it feel more inviting. And isn't that what you want your home to be – a place where you can relax and unwind?
Explore Open-Concept Ideas with Llano Real Estate Group
Open-concept homes are becoming more and more popular as people are looking for ways to maximize their living space. But if you're unsure how to decorate an open-concept home, don't worry – we're here to help!
At Llano Real Estate Group, we specialize in custom homes and can help you create the perfect open-concept floor plan for your needs. As the leading home builder in Amarillo and Mesquite Ridge, we have a team of experienced professionals who can help you bring your vision to life.
Contact us today to learn more about our services, or browse our website for open-concept floor plans and decorating ideas. Our team of designers is ready to help you create the home of your dreams!
