Open-plan living has been the go-to for modern homes over the last decade and we don’t see any reason for that to slow down in the next ten years.
The major benefit of an open-plan layout is that it creates a welcoming atmosphere, that allows for the energy in your home to transfer from room to room. When done well, you can also utilise your furniture and interior design choices to create defined spaces within your layout, which is ideal for setting up a Netflix-watching corner or dining area!
Here are a few key tips our experts at Scossa believe you should use in your open-plan home, to make the very most of your spaces.
Grouped Seating
Just because you enjoy the light and flowy feel of open-plan layouts, that doesn’t mean you have to go without a cosy and comfortable corner for those relaxed evenings in front of the flatscreen! You can create an open living room that feels more intimate and independent with strategic furniture placement.
Simply group your seating closely together in a semi-half moon arrangement, with the seats facing each other to create the effect of a smaller, more inviting space. The back of a sofa can then functionally become a room divider, which still allows for the sight lines throughout your home to remain unbroken.
Defining Fixtures
Another smart way of distinguishing different areas in an open floor plan is with eye-catching light fixtures! From wall lights to pendant lighting, you can adjust the ambience of space with a shift from the general ambient light most of us have in our homes to a more focused approach.
For consistency's sake, you should choose fixtures that reflect the materials, colour, or finishes used elsewhere in the area you want to define. Next, think about function! For example, multi-drop pendants provide ambient lighting that works well over dining room tables, while an open-plan kitchen will benefit from bright and direct lighting over work surfaces.
Dressed-up Floors
Our last tip (at least for this blog!) is to build from the ground up when you begin to define a space. A large rug placed centrally in a living space is probably the most cost-effective way of pointing out the purpose of the locale.
However, you can certainly pair together smaller rugs and runners to represent walkways, seating areas and even working spaces!
For more tips on how to furnish and make the most out of your home’s layout, visit us in person and take advantage of our one-on-one advice from a member of our team.
