Open plan dining and living room
22 open-plan living room ideas to create a seamless space
These days you're more likely to find free flowing living spaces than more smaller, closed off rooms. Open-plan living room ideas are a hallmark of contemporary homes, thanks to their ability to cater to nearly any occasion.
Our homes need to be more fluid than ever before, and your choice of living room ideas play a big part in this. After all, you need to create a space that works for the whole family in a range of different situations.
'We know by now that our homes need to be ready to transform into whatever we need, be that a home gym, classroom or office – often with just a moment’s notice,' says Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor, Furniture And Choice . 'Creating these dedicated spaces in our home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.'
'Open-plan spaces are increasingly popular and are great for entertaining, but can sometimes feel sparse or empty,' continues Martin Waller, Founder, Andrew Martin . 'Use contrasting colours to demarcate distinct spaces and inject personality into different areas of the room. Wallpaper can also be used in certain areas of the space to create a distinct zone.
'Use statement lighting to create different zones, that each have a purpose. Open furniture, such as cabinets, bookcases, or shelving can be used to create different zones, without making the space feel closed in. Alternatively, a folding screen can provide privacy, something that is often lacking in open plan living.'
Open-plan living room ideas
'Whether it’s a big project like adding some sliding doors or a divider wall, or simply laying out your furniture in an intelligent way,' says Rebecca from Furniture and Choice, 'there are plenty of ways to create self-contained spaces within open-plan living room ideas in a way that works for you.'
1. Create cohesion through colour palettes
(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark C. O'Flaherty)
'It is easy for the different areas to get lost and feel disjointed if the design is not cohesive,' notes Rob Ellis, Head of Design, dwell .
'So it important to zone the different areas, whilst keeping a common colour palette throughout.'
'Start by deciding how you will use the rooms, for example a distinctive dining space for friends and family, paired with a relaxing living room. To keep a consistent feel throughout, choose similar colours and textures across the two rooms.'
'If your scheme is blue, avoid it looking one dimensional by including different tones of blue to create layers and depth. This could be a soft, dusty blue rug under the dining table paired with a statement dark blue velvet sofa.'
This is especially useful in tandem with small living room ideas, as too many colours and textures can be overwhelming.
2. Zone with an oversized rug
(Image credit: Interior Fox/Daniel Villarreal)
You can visually zone spaces without any building work or big projects. A large, oversized rug goes a long way with open-plan living room ideas.
Choose an option which can comfortably fit your sofa, armchairs and coffee table.
This 'island' created by the rug becomes a room in its own right, differentiating it from the dining or kitchen areas in the same space.
For modern living room ideas, choose a rug with pattens that reflect the graphic shapes and lines used elsewhere in the area.
3. Use the same flooring throughout
(Image credit: Future PLC/Georgia Burns)
'In today’s modern home, people are choosing open-plan layouts to maximise the feeling of space and light,' says Simon Myatt, Brand Ambassador, Havwoods . 'This remains a popular trend in the living areas, where flooring is used to transition seamlessly from one room into the next, without interruption from door bars or floor strips.'
'Alternatively, use living room flooring ideas to zone. In this way, you can create zoned areas, perhaps by layering your floorboards in alternate patterns, or choosing slightly different tones or textures.'
4. Make it work for every function
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
'An open-plan living area is often a multifunctional space that is home to entertaining, relaxing and dining,' reminds Rob from dwell.
And while that it is on the whole a positive thing, it can be tricky to fully visually close off one function to focus on another. For example, tucking away the family/entertainment side of things when you want a relaxed, conservational space, or a WFH location.
Learning how to hide a TV is a great example of the ways you can keep all these elements in one space, but gloss over them when not in use.
5. Use steps for a subtle division of space
(Image credit: Future PLC/Robert Sanderson)
Not all home layouts are created equal. If you don't have a large, flat space to explore open-plan living room ideas, then think outside the box. A few steps leading to the dining or kitchen space will allow the spaces to stay open and connected, even if on slightly different levels.
This can provide a welcome small feeling of separation for family living room ideas, so you can easily keep an eye on the kids while still feeling as though you each have your own space.
Keep the colour palettes the same across the areas to really hone the link between the spaces.
(Image credit: Future PLC/James Balston)
'When designing an open-plan living room, think about the scheme as a whole,' advises Ann Marie Cousins, Founder, AMC Design . 'The different spaces need definition but there needs to be a thread that ties it all together.'
'So, if you have a navy sofa in your open-plan sitting room with richly-patterned scatter cushions with orange, teal and green, you might then opt for a leather upholstered bar stool at navy kitchen island ideas to merge the two together.'
'By bringing colour from one space to the other with pattern and texture, but allowing for differentiation, the spaces will tie together but not match.'
7. Use paint to define different zones
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Jo Henderson)
Open-plan living room ideas needn't be devoid of different personalities for different purposes. Opening up a living room and dining area is great to create a more generous space, ideal for busy family life.
But it does blur the lines when it comes to lifestyle choices.
Simple paint ideas on architectural details, such as widened doorframes and arches, helps to gently signify different zones within the open space.
Creating zones within the larger space helps to give a sense of purpose for a living room end to that of a dining area or a kids playroom. This unimposing way of dividing the living space doesn't defeat the object of making it open – it merely gives more structure to how you use the space.
8. Continue a style throughout
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Create a seamless flow from one living area into the next by way of a considered decorating scheme throughout.
'Keeping a cohesive scheme will allow the style of the space to flow seamlessly from room to room,' explains Juliette Thomas, Founder & Director, Juliettes Interiors.
'Whether that’s using the same paint colour across your living room wall decor or incorporating the same textures across your soft furnishings, from curtains to scatter cushions, this will tie everything in together.
'
9. Cheat it with broken plan
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Veronica Rodriguez)
Broken plan is the newer take on open-plan living room ideas. All the benefits of the latter, but allows you extra flexibility.
Replacing traditional doors with a unique glass door frame helps the open layout onto the space beyond. A feat in interior design, using glass in place of hard materials makes the walls disappear - while allowing you to shut off the living room for more intimate use, as and when some 'me time' is needed.
10. Leave a partition wall to benefit both areas
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
While you may desire the feeling of openness, you might not want to create one vast space that is devoid of structure. If this is the case consider leaving a section of wall still in place, to divide one end of the room to the other.
Having an element of division allows you to retain a living room layout – not losing a wall to place furniture against or hang wall art for instance.
A smart space could use the diving wall to situate open living room fireplace ideas to ensure both areas either side of the wall benefit.
11. Add personality with block painted zones
(Image credit: Dulux)
While lounging, eating and working may all take place in one large open-plan area, it doesn't mean you can't zone each area with a different colour. Signify a change of purpose with a splash of colour, with a thoughtful living room paint idea to transform with accent walls.
12. Utilise a neutral scheme
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rowland Roques O'Neil)
Create an effortlessly sophisticated and inviting open-plan lounge by choosing neutral living room ideas, using the same paint shade and flooring throughout.
This soft approach helps to make the space feel more grounded, and adaptable for all uses. Echo tonal accent pieces, such as lilac-grey and charcoal, to add soft colour contrasts without making the space feel overwhelmed.
13. Choose a sliding door
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith)
'Sliding doors work well for larger spaces and can really make a difference in a room' explains Rebecca from Furniture and Choice. 'While they require more work to incorporate into a space, including sliding doors into your interior design will enable you to separate an open space with style and versatility.'
'As an example, incorporating a sliding door into your kitchen/dining/living area will provide you with the flexibility to close off one space when you need to. Perhaps for home working, but then seamlessly transform it back into a vibrant space for dining and entertaining when needed.'
14. Create distinct areas with different textures
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Instead of zoning with paint colours or furniture, you can go a long way by playing with materials. Using different textures can be used to create distinct divides in open-plan living room ideas, separating off the dining or cooking areas.
You might want to overload the former with softer, plush items to hone the relaxed element of the area, while kitchen ideas or dining spaces may be filled with harder surfaces and materials.
15. Use partitions to display items to reflect the zones
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)
When planning how to design a living room, partially divide an open-plan space with a central column. Within that partition wall add handy alcoves to provide extra storage and also helps to add a decorative touch.
Each side of the partition can be used to display items relevant to the use of that space. For example, decorative kitchen items in the dining area, and books and plants in the living section.
16. Open up a period property
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Don't let the age of your property deter you from making modern alterations. Formal front rooms in older properties can often feel dark and enclosed, so knocking through to form an open-plan living room is a popular choice.
Removing a wall between rooms offers greater flexibility for the space and enhances the light in townhouses and terraces particularly.
Before undertaking any work make sure to consult a structural engineer and research any planning permission required.
17. Make rooms work on another level
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Not all homes have horizontal ceilings and single-level floors. Highlight these features by building clever storage and outside-of-the-box zones. Play with the levels in tandem with your open-plan living room ideas.
Be savvy with heigh ceilings and create a mezzanine to act as extra living space – such as a home office or guest bedroom. Using a tonal colour palette throughout will help tie the areas together.
18. Boost light and energy with a skylight
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Claire Lloyd Davies)
The beauty of open-plan living room is the sense of space, keeping the mood as light and airy as possible aids this effect.
Skylights are the ideal solution for single-floor spaces or extensions.
19. Take windows from floor to ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC/ James Merrell)
Think about natural light sources to ensure the room stays bright. Making the most of natural light is a great way to keep a room feeling vibrant and lively and can even help a space feel larger than it actually is.
Take things further by optimising your open-plan living room to flow seamlessly out to an adjacent outdoor space. Consider wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling patio doors - they will extend your room and optimise light. Make the transition from inside to out seamless by colour-matching internal flooring with external garden decking ideas.
20. Choose an L-shaped sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Use a corner sofa to define the seating area in a multi-functional open-plan living room ideas, and add a sense of intimacy to a large room. Create a comfy haven and nestle a rug and coffee table into the gap made in front of the living room sofa ideas to give a friendly, more cosy feel.
To further enhance the warm mood and create a cosy feel, paint the wall in this area a darker shade than used in the rest of the room. The moody colour behind the sofa helps to enhance it and make it even more inviting.
21. Plan out your space
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Nicholas Yarsley)
As one of the most social spaces in the house, your living room needs to look good, work hard and function well. Before you begin any work, take a little time to work out how the space functions for you. Is it a relaxing haven, and entertaining space of family central? A sophisticated neutral palette helps create a comfortable feel in this kitchen living area.
The trick is to pay attention to balancing the colour scheme and keeping everything in proportion. After all, open-plan living room ideas are a fundamental part of modern family schemes and need to incorporate all aspects of living.
22. Reconsider furniture placement
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
It's very easy to keep your dining areas in, or linked to the kitchen section of your open-plan living room ideas.
However, this really doesn't haven to be the case.
There's no reason why your dining table can't sit at the other end of the space, leading on from the living area.
If you love entertaining, we recommend positioning your dining table and chairs by the window with the most light. It also creates a lovely flow to a dinner party and you will naturally feel more relaxed sitting near the window and the comfier parts of the space.
How do you style an open-plan living room?
The way you style your open-plan living room ideas helps to determine how you use the space for maximum potential. Think carefully about how to arrange living room furniture. 'Use furniture to separate multi-functional spaces,' advises Rebecca from Furniture and Choice. 'Nothing adds personality to the home like the furniture you choose, and beyond adding to the style, furniture can be positioned in such a way to stylishly divide rooms into clear sections.'
'Start by taking measurements of your furniture, then mapping out on paper what you want each area of the space to be used for.
Having this plan in place will help you to visualise the finished product and notice where you can use accessories and statement pieces to create clear “zones” within the room.'
'A bookshelf can be a good way to break up and separate a room in two, just fill the shelving with plenty of books and some trailing houseplants to create a cosy but stylishly-vintage reading nook,' suggests Rebecca. 'This style is perfect if you’re living in a studio apartment or have an open floor plan, as you can add a bookshelf next to your bed to separate your sleeping area from the rest of your space.'
How do you divide a room in an open floor plan?
'Dividing open-plan living room ideas can be done in a number of ways,' says Juliette from Juliettes Interiors. 'If you want a physical divide without compromising the light and feeling for space, opt for a glass screen or Crittal doors. These will give both privacy and separation, but still allow for the rooms to flow together.'
'Alternatively, you could zone the spaces with the use of rugs.
Whether it's in the centre of a living space or under a dining table, rugs are a great way to create separation.'
11 open plan living room ideas – seamless and stylish spaces
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Well thought-out open plan living room ideas can boast the most clever and stylish of designs. As a multifunctional space, your lounge come dining room takes on a number of different roles, depending on your household and on your lifestyle.
Your living room layout ideas can be tweaked to accommodate for absolutely everyone.
They can be a space to entertain friends in the evening, a place to watch movies with the family the next – and an impromptu playroom at any given time. But, these areas don't have to look cramped or messy, as carefully carving and zoning areas means that everyone has their own section without stepping over each other.
Where formal dining areas have fallen slightly out of fashion, a modern open plan living room has become an acceptable place to tuck in. So let these seamless spaces whet your appetite and break the walls of outdated architecture down.
Open plan living room ideas unveiled
'Family living spaces often mean open plan, where one space has to fit all – from watching TV to schoolwork, mealtimes to play, working from home to cooking, and of course relaxation,' Jennifer Morgan, interiors writer, John Lewis & Partners .
'But this hard-working hub of the modern home can look great, too. Style is combined with function, storage is smart and adaptable, while hero pieces give this space as much personality as its family.
'
1. Be strategic in a small space
(Image credit: Dabito (Old Brand New) in collaboration with West Elm)
Working with West Elm , Dabito (aka Old Brand New ), a graphic designer, photographer, and art director based in New Orleans took to making over his small living room. He proves you can incorporate open plan living room ideas, even if you're short on space.
'When you have a small space, pick furniture that sits low to the ground, like this coffee table. It will make your ceilings feel higher. Choosing leggy furniture also makes any room feel airer, because pieces like these take-up less visual space,' says Jake Lemkowitz, associate manager, social media and digital content.
'Even with a small space, sometimes you have to go big. Start with large pieces and work around them. Dabito went with an 8×10 wool rug which is almost the size of his entire living room. It grounds the space and actually makes it feel bigger.'
'Dabito uses a modular system to store his books, cameras and tchotchkes all the way to the ceiling.
He added a small desk component to make the system more functional, and painted the brackets gold so it doubles as an eye-catching statement piece.'
'Add art and mirrors, and you create visual interest in your small space. The only problem is that art can be expensive and hard to find. Dabito turns to magazines to discover frame-worthy art.'
2. Make a cozy space with mustard
(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)
When looking at hues to decorate this space, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of choice and the difficult decision in choosing a living room paint color. But one expert advises us to look at spicy ocher notes for your open-plan living room ideas.
'Mustard yellow is a great choice for a family space, and works well with both light and dark furniture. Choose a practical, washable paint finish for the walls – Little Greene Paint Co’s Intelligent Matt Emulsion in Yellow Pink adds warmth to an open-plan space.' says Morgan.
3. Create a free-flowing, modern boho look
(Image credit: Homesense)
A neutral living room is the perfect canvas for an open-plan living room idea.
It's a foundation where you can really make the space your own, adding affordable homewares to inject your own interior personality. Here, white walls are decorated with three frames to stop the living room wall looking too sparse.
‘Choose an adaptable palette for an open-plan space, saving color and pattern for a separate room where you can go a little more crazy as you aren’t there the whole time,’ advises Fionnuala Johnston, partner and senior designer, home design studio, John Lewis & Partners.
4. Choose light furniture that can be easily moved
(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)
The versatility of an open plan living room layout idea means that you can navigate where you want your furniture and other decor to go – chopping and changing the structure as the seasons change, or more often if you wish.
Certainly, material advances in design means that modern living rooms are full of lighter (and even stackable) furniture at an affordable price point.
'Make occasional pieces lightweight – you’ll be more likely to move a coffee table out of the way for a yoga session if it’s easy to lift,' says Morgan.
'One of the simplest updates for a living room that can work in many guises all day long is a pouffe or footstool. Pop a tray on it for a quick snack, prop your feet up after a long day, use for a quick tidy up thanks to its hidden storage, or pull it out as a casual extra seat.'
5. Break the traditional layout
(Image credit: @emeraldterrace)
Period homes are privy to having lots of rooms with very distinct purposes, like a traditional living room idea or dining area away from the lounge. But that shouldn't stop you from breaking away from this structure and creating an open plan living room. Yes – this may involve some remodelling so make sure you don't knock down supporting walls. It's always best to check with a professional if in doubt.
'We've designed the layout of the house so that everything is open plan - unlike a traditional Edwardian Terrace,' says Alicia aka @emeraldterrace , an Instagram home enthusiast.
'As much as the idea of separate rooms and spaces was appealing, in a small terraced house like mine, space isn't really a luxury we had so it made the most sense for us to have everything out in the open.'
'However, I've learned a lot about the art of zoning a room and adding in corners like a reading nook and bar area separates the spaces so it really does feel like a proper living room and dining room.'
6. Use every inch of space
(Image credit: John Lewis)
We often think about our open plan living rooms blending into our dining setups and kitchen spaces. But with the cost of childcare rising and an ever-ageing population – sectioning off a space for a playroom may be essential in your modern open plan living room.
Barbie and her brood needn't take over your Dreamhouse as her own. But it's a good opportunity to show your little one that there is a designated space for dollies and dress-up. And, a good use of dead space that would other wise remain empty.
And for the fitness fan in the house, framing a bike on the wall (instead of parking it against the wall or in a hallway) is a genius idea that means no one will trip up over cycling equipment.
7. Bring the outdoors in
(Image credit: DFS)
Bringing the outdoors in by adopting a biophilic scheme is always going to be a winner when it comes to open plan living rooms – for our mental and physical wellbeing. So when we saw this mint green living room – we were obsessed.
We've often seen sage and khaki take precedence in this space, but this time herby mint proves a fresh and horticulturally-inspired overhaul. Like being in your own greenhouse (plants included), there's lots of light peering through the window and open shelving. And, as a nod to our exterior spaces, exposed bright wall has been painted white to brighten up the terracotta blocks.
Special attention must be given the shiplap back walls too. A clever idea that a) doesn't cost much and b) gives us chic she-shed vibes.
8. Create a breezy coastal scheme
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Combining two laid-back and breezy styles to create a relaxed modern look, this blue living room by Dunelm merges coastal and global influences in perfect harmony.
In this open plan living room, there's a real casual and family-friendly mood and this is connoted in the furniture choices. A jute woven footstool, rope motif throw for when things get chilly. Peek through to the kitchen and you will find a bench that's good for casual dining.
'It's important with open plan living to have carefully considered the planning of the space and for it to feel inviting. The Global Coastal trend works particularly well in an open space as it has a light and airy feel that allows light to flow through the home.' says Carolyn Foster, art director, Dunelm
9. A warm Mediterranean vibe
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Whether or not the weather is on your side where you live, you can always fake it 'till you make it with an open plan living room idea with an exotic color palette and bi-fold sliding doors.
And, even when it's looking a little gloomy, you have two choices. You can either use a living room window treatment such as a curtain, or take grey skies in your stride – outdoor light will still shine through.
'Inspired by the design and culture of southern France, our Modern Mediterranean trend brings together natural materials alongside soft pastels and the sun-bleached hues of terracotta, plaster and pistachio. It radiates a calming, laid-back vibe that embodies creativity' says Morgan.
'The indoor/outdoor style with its relaxed holiday feel makes spaces feels inviting and sociable, places that you want to spend time in.’ adds Philippa Prinsloo, partner and head of product design home, John Lewis & Partners.
10. Contrast a colorful living room with a white kitchen
(Image credit: Future)
Full of energy, this living room with its pink velvet chesterfield-style table and bright yellow, pattered armchair is the perfect place for a confident color enthusiast.
However, look a little further into the background and a white kitchen is the perfect tranquil spot to take five, or for the kids to do their homework without any distractions... Except for the gorgeous smell of a home-cooked meal of course.
If you're looking for some concrete advice when deciding how to design an open plan kitchen, one simple take away is to use a bright color which will make it look like an invitingly social space.
11. Layer your lighting
(Image credit: Ruth Stolerman Design )
When looking at living room lighting ideas in an open plan layout, you'll want to accommodate for the size of the space you have. Bear in mind that a variety of different sources need to be taken into account including ceiling lights for general illumination purposes and perhaps a few task lights for family activities. One expert explains how to get it right in this industrial-rustic open plan living room layout idea.
'Spot the lights!' says Ruth Stolerman , interior designer.
'Pitched roofs often cause my clients concerns in regards to lighting. There are however so many ways you can go - here are just some of them.'
Pendants on a track like in this image, concealed lighting above the beams, strip lighting - this has come along a lot and doesn’t just look like office lighting now! Up-lights give interesting shadows and wall lights too.'
How do you zone an open plan living room?
'Open bookcases create a sense of privacy between zones and add height to the space, while rugs also help as the change of texture gives a different atmosphere.' says Bethan Harwood, partner and home design stylist, John Lewis & Partners.
How do you style an open-plan living room?
‘Good storage is key,’ says Wil Law, partner and home design stylist, John Lewis & Partners.
‘You just can’t close the door on open-plan spaces. Rooms that were once a fusion of kitchen, dining and living have become so much more. Look for cabinets to store office essentials, open shelving units positioned next to the dining table, for easy clear-up time, side tables next to a comfortable chair and baskets for quick tidy-ups.
And Foster adds: 'Interconnected zones like kitchen and living areas, allowing you to add interest with statement pieces like large pendants over a dining table or kitchen island, large mirrors to add to the sense of space and openness. Add in other key pieces such as soft furnishings and home décor, a little interest and texture goes a long way. Use natural, neutral tones, washed out denim and different shades of blue to create the look.'
'Last, but not least, don’t forget a touch of nature with house plants such as aloe vera and succulents. They are a great way to create a visual connection between different areas and help to bring the outside in.'
Bonjour, Yasou, Hello — I'm Christina, ecommerce editor at Real Homes. Along with my super creative colleagues, I create content to help you create a chic home on a budget. I live in a two-bed maisonette with a garage and garden in Essex. Geographically, it's perfect; I've got the forest on my doorstep, and London is just 15 minutes by tube or car.
I specialize in small kitchen appliances so that you can prepare food with ease at home. Prior to working for the Future plc family, I've worked on a number of consumer events including the Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, and Good Homes Magazine. With a plethora of experience in digital marketing, editorial, and social media, I have an eye for what should be in your shopping basket.
Kitchen, dining and living room in one room - 5 examples of functional layout
Articles: interiors, Interesting
Our customers are increasingly opting for open floor plans. We decided not to leave it unattended and share our favorite projects with you.
The main secret is multifunctionality. Each seat in such a room can be used for everything, that is, the more work surfaces and seating, the better. If there is a place on the sofa to decompose and sleep - even better, if there are a couple of shelves for books in the table - even better, and so on.
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Usually in an open plan, everything is arranged so that everything can be done in one place, except perhaps for a night's sleep and hygiene.
Apple tea with spices
A very appetizing room that evokes a festive mood in everyone who enters thanks to its palette and not only. Several rooms combined into one help the family and incoming guests to communicate with each other all the time and at the same time go about their business. Achieve unity, but at the same time do not fuss and do not interfere with each other. nine0003
Plus, this living room formally has as many as 5 workplaces - papers can be viewed while sitting in an armchair or on a sofa. The same goes for useful literature. As a working surface, you can use a desk, bar counter, coffee tables. And if the project is large, adapt a large dining table for this purpose. After all, when it is not served - it's just a lot of free space.
The zones are very clearly separated - the kitchen with a bar counter, the living room - with a perpendicular sofa, the study - with a large work desk.
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Terracotta living room
Living room interior with a Christmas palette - you always want to drink cocoa or mulled wine in such a room, wrapped in a blanket and reading plump books. The advantage of the layout is that each zone is autonomous. The kitchen and dining room are independent of the living room. You can go about your business and not interfere with each other.
Unlike the previous project, it can be seen that the room is designed not for frequent receptions, but rather for private gatherings and morning breakfasts with the family. There are no space limiters, such as bar stools or perpendicular sofas, zoning is done with the help of color accents - a carpet with a picture in the living room area, and a picture with lighting in the kitchen and dining area. nine0003
Enough colors
Living room in pastel colors, relatively small for a country house interior. Two visual centers of the room, separated by a passage.
The seating area is separated by a sofa, the kitchen and dining area is separated by a long bar counter.
We included this project in the selection because of the dividing strip in the form of a passage. The strip from the double door to the console with a decorative panel clearly divides the room into two parts. The same division is facilitated by a different floor in each part of the room - in the living room there is a brown parquet board, and in the kitchen there is a tile. At the same time, they are united by a single classic style and color accents. nine0003
Edible mosaic in classic style
A living room with a fairly large area, but not the most comfortable triangular shape. I didn’t want to close the panoramic windows, so there were only two working walls left - and this is in the room where you need to fit the living room, kitchen, dining room and office. The task turned out to be not easy, the selected furniture had to be verified by millimeters, and what was chosen was highlighted with the help of color so that the zoning did not turn into objects randomly placed in the room.
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This is how a tile insert appeared in the interior of the kitchen, its purpose is not only practical, but also decorative. And a Persian carpet, which was accidentally found in the process of repair.
Boho loft
Perhaps our first experimental project. Everything is mixed up in it - here is a smart sofa, and an open layout and boho-chic, and a redevelopment of a balcony and eco-technologies. And all in one living room. The project is one of my favorites - very intense, with a lot of oddities. This is what we like about him. nine0003
Only the sofa is accentuated by zones. It stands in a triangle, fenced off from the kitchen with a dining room. Plus, in this place, the brightest spot of color is the carpet. All other objects in the room are in free flight. Fortunately, the area allows them to settle down as the hostess and designer want.
Open floor plan is not for everyone. In one of our publications, we already wrote that this is more a way of thinking than an interior. No matter how the zones are separated from each other, you still can’t hide in them and you can’t retire. Try to prioritize. If you want to spend more time with your family or in a noisy company, feel free to choose an open house. If you're tired of people and want some privacy, opt for a classic four-wall layout, don't risk your peace of mind. nine0003
Open plan. 8 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
An open floor plan is a way of organizing an interior that combines traditional rooms into one space. For example, in our new house, the kitchen, living room and dining room will occupy one common space. Since things are slowly moving towards interior decoration, I decided to ask if there are any rules for organizing open-plan spaces.
In the old house we also have an open plan, but the zones are separated from each other by arches. In the new kitchen, living room and dining room will be in one not very large rectangular room - this is a new situation for me, I want to make it both convenient and beautiful.
I found eight common mistakes when planning such spaces that professional designers often pay attention to. nine0003
Photo by Three Salt Design Co.
1. No zoning
For greater attractiveness and functionality, an open plan space must be zoned. For example, it is necessary to allocate a cooking area, a dining area and a recreation area. These zones work like separate rooms in a regular layout, but at the same time, you can create a sense of visual integrity of the space.
Very often in interior design, this key point is forgotten, which defines separate zones within an open space, as a result it evokes the feeling of a huge entrance hall. nine0003
Photo by Hutker Architects
SOLUTION: The easiest way to designate separate zones is to place the sofa in the center of the room, dividing it into two parts. Adding a rug by the sofa, a floor lamp or table lamps will further emphasize the seating area. And to give integrity to the entire space of the kitchen, dining room and living room, use a common floor covering.
TIP: Spice up your interior by adding vertical layers. The best way to do this is to create levels of varying heights using floor lamps or floor lamps, pendant lights and houseplants. nine0003
Photo by Arch Studio, Inc.
2. Too many different styles
Mismatched furniture and décor complicate the open plan and overload the interior. Different elements should “communicate” with each other, as if they belong to the same family, but at the same time not be similar one-on-one or deliberately the same.
Photo by Johnston Architects
SOLUTION: Choose one style that will be supported throughout the space. Choose furniture and accessories that are different in color and materials, but are visually combined with each other (like different shades of the same color). nine0003
TIP: Open-plan rooms are often noisier than isolated rooms. You can muffle sounds by adding soft materials such as carpets, curtains, blankets and other textiles.
Photo by Lauren’s Interiors
3. Poor lighting for different areas
Lighting plays a huge role in creating a mood in a room, but lighting planning often starts too late. As a result, fixtures are often not located where they will actually be used. This makes it difficult to create the desired atmosphere in certain parts of the open space. It's hard to create a mood if the lights don't have a dimmer function or can't be turned on separately. nine0111
SOLUTION: Plan lighting and electrical at the very beginning of the design project. Think about the arrangement of the furniture and make sure that the lighting fixtures are located exactly where you want them. For example, if the sofa is located in the center of the room, electrical elements may need to be placed in the floor.
Keep in mind that outdoor living, dining and kitchen spaces have far fewer walls than isolated spaces, so you need to be even more thoughtful when planning your lighting fixtures, sockets, switches and cables.
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Photo by StudioLAB
4. The kitchen doesn't match the rest of the space
Often in an open space you see kitchen furniture that doesn't match the style of the architecture of the house and the adjacent living area.
Photo by J.A.S. Design-Build – Discover dining room design ideas
SOLUTION: The kitchen should match the architecture of the house and be designed in the same style as the living room. And you need to take care of this at the very beginning of interior planning. When you choose kitchen elements - color, style of kitchen fronts, countertop, backsplash - make sure that they match the style and decor of the areas adjacent to it. Using the same colors and materials will help to create a sense of integrity in the kitchen, dining room and living room. nine0003
Photo by Ellen Weiss Design
5. Bulky furniture
Too bulky furniture blocks aisles and makes it difficult to move.
Ideally, the distance between pieces of furniture should be 80-100 cm.
SOLUTION: Before buying furniture, see how it will look on the house plan, make sure there is enough room to move around the room. If the room is small and you can't find furniture of the right size in stores, it might be worth considering making furniture to order. nine0003
Also try to look for double-use items: for example, a large round banquette can serve as both a coffee table and storage space.
Photo by AXIS Productions
6. Follow the usual rules for isolated rooms
Very often, when people move into a house with open space, they bring old furniture and old interior design ideas with them. They use the same colors and materials that they used in separate areas of the kitchen, dining room and living room, forgetting that now all these areas are part of one common space. As a result, the new interior seems overloaded, uncomfortable, and its details contradict each other.
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SOLUTION: Instead of trying to reproduce the old interior in a new space, try to look at it with fresh eyes. You can start with a neutral wall color in the living room, kitchen and dining areas. This will create the basis for the future interior and the feeling of a common space. Then add one or two complementary colors in different shades that you can use in the furniture and decoration of these three areas.
Photo by Meadowlark Design+Build
7. Poor furniture placement
Poorly placed furniture is one of the most common mistakes in open spaces. It's all about the different principles of organizing rooms. The rules for designing an open space differ from similar rules for isolated rooms.
Traditionally, a sofa or storage system is placed against the wall to free up as much space as possible. But if you do the same in open space, it will look cold and empty - like the open sea.
SOLUTION: Be bold with the position of the sofa (usually the main piece of furniture in the living room).
Try putting it in the center of the room. Or think of two small sofas facing each other. Or about a sofa and one or two armchairs. By the way, such an arrangement of furniture encourages communication much more than one huge sofa on which everyone sits in a row. When considering buying a new sofa, consider a low-back sofa that opens up a clear line of sight to the room.
Photo by Board & Vellum
If you are using existing furniture, choose only the essentials to avoid feeling overwhelmed and cluttered. If space is limited, replace some items. For example, you can replace the second sofa with small chairs. Or a bulky coffee table with a couple of small tables on the sides of the sofa to free up space.
Photo by Form + Field
8. Using too many different materials. Or vice versa, lack of variety
Achieving a balance in the use of different materials in an open space is not an easy task. Often, too many different types of finishes and materials are used in such a room, which leads to the fact that the space looks overloaded.
