Issue 5 | Feature brought to you by Dot Property
Perfect for entertaining and spending time with family, open floor plans have been used in Thai architecture and interior design for many years. While Western developers have traditionally created exclusive spaces and walled-off rooms for kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and even libraries, the younger generations of international and local developers have clearly been taking note of the benefits that come with open floor plans, as it is now a wildly popular trend in home design around the world.
Having a communal space which shares the functions of a kitchen, dining and living area not only support a feeling of connectivity within the family unit but allows for more natural light, more usable space and stronger airflow—an element of design that’s particularly agreeable for homes in the tropics. While there are undoubtedly many functional and lifestyle benefits having an open floor plan, this style can present some visual challenges when it comes to decorating.
It’s important to keep in mind the big picture when selecting and arranging both furniture and decorative items for an open floor-plan; otherwise a home could end up looking more like a warehouse than a comfortable living space. With these six tips, even the most airy space can be transformed into one that’s as coordinated as it is comfortable.
1) Figure a Focal Point
Most floor plans have separate rooms, each serving a specific purpose. This makes it simple to determine what the focal point should be: In the dining room it’s the table. In the living room it’s often the comfy furniture. However, in an open floor plan the focal point is not so obvious. In this situation, the focal point can be determined by walking through the front door and recognizing the part of the room that’s immediately eye catching. Whether it is the corner with the most sunlight, the large wall directly opposite the door or the large windows on the left side of the room, that’s where extra attention should be placed. For example, if the dining table is the focal point, invest in a beautiful and tall centerpiece. If it’s living room furniture is there, add some special throw pillows, a decorative mirror or a plush rug. If it’s a window, frame it with a padded bench and elaborate curtains.
2) Keep Clutter Behind Curtains or Closed Doors
While it’s important to focus on what should stand out the most, it’s equally important to focus on what should fade into the background. Clutter stands out in open floor plans because it can be seen from every angle. To make sure everything has a designated place, work in as many closed cabinets and drawers into the plan as possible.
3) Get Creative in Separating Spaces
While the living space may be open, it will seem much more cohesive if it is separated into distinct areas. Without walls to separate the living room from the dining room, a little creativity goes a long way when trying to distinguish one from the other. Texture or color can be used by carpeting the living space and leaving the wood floor exposed in the dining area. One of the easiest ways to define a room is to put down a large rug, but hanging a prominent light fixture such as a chandelier from the ceiling will also help the eye naturally separate one space from another. Accent walls, or even accent sections of walls can be used as well.
4) Explore Lighting Options
As mentioned earlier, one of the greatest benefits for having an open floor plan is the flow of natural light. This light should be present in the evening as well, so make sure the design incorporates a variety of sources to brighten the room up once the sun goes down. Keep embedded ceiling lights to a minimum, as they will not have much wall space to bounce off of. Instead, wall scones and tall lamps or low hanging chandeliers are not only functional but can be highly decorative; with the ability to add pops of colour, texture or detail.
5) Establish Unity
While we have discussed ways to separate one space from the other when decorating an open floor plan, the space as a whole should still maintain a strong sense of unity. Choosing a harmonious color palette from the beginning of the process will help in selecting the right furnishings, lighting options, flooring and accent items. Themes that incorporate natural textures, such as particular types of wood or general atmospheric themes (such as a beach theme or country-chic) should be kept consistent throughout the entire space.
6) Maintain Mobility and Sight
One of the most appealing aspects of an open floor plan is the free range of motion and use of space, so furniture should be arranged in a way that aids movement. When it comes to arranging living room furniture it may feel natural to have every couch or chair face the television, but eliminating that restriction can open up many possibilities for more functional and attractive layouts. A chair that faces the majority of the room can become an ideal spot to sit, especially when entertaining guests.
Finally, keep a clear line of sight between spaces. Try setting up the kitchen counters in a way that allows the cook to see what’s happening in the living room, or use backless stools to give island-sitters the option to face either room with ease.
Remember decorating an open floor plan takes time, however working in stages and keeping the big picture in mind will create a final result that is both functional and fitting.