Open-Plan Living: Avoid These 8 Common Mistakes
Whether you’re building, remodeling, downsizing, or daydreaming, chances are an open-plan layout is high on your wish list. And it’s easy to see the appeal. Open-plan kitchen, living, and dining areas feel relaxed and contemporary, and they make smart use of space and light. But with no defined borders and an unobstructed view through the space, open-plan rooms can be surprisingly tricky to decorate. We are sharing the most common mistakes people make when going open-plan — and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Neglecting Zoning:
The Problem: An open-plan space needs to be zoned into separate areas (like cooking, dining, and relaxation) to be functional and visually appealing. Without these zones, it can feel like an endless hall, lacking the cozy feel of distinct rooms.
Solution: To conquer the challenge of zoning in an open-plan area, consider these strategies:
Strategic Furniture Placement: Position your furniture deliberately to create subtle divisions. For instance, you can place the back of your sofa toward the dining area, effectively separating it from the living space. This instantly defines boundaries without the need for physical barriers.
Rugs as Visual Anchors: Rugs are versatile tools for demarcating zones. Lay down different rugs in each area to establish a clear visual separation. Ensure that the rug in one zone doesn't overlap with the rug in another, providing a clear distinction between spaces.
Floor Lamps and Tables: Incorporate floor lamps or small tables between zones. These not only add functionality but also act as visual cues that signal the transition from one area to another.
Consistent Flooring: If possible, use the same type of flooring throughout the open-plan space. A uniform floor covering creates a seamless flow from one area to the next, helping maintain a sense of unity.
Tip: To add a touch of flair to your open-plan layout, consider incorporating vertical layers. Utilize floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, tall potted plants, or pendant lights with varying heights. These elements draw the eye upwards, enhancing the perception of defined zones while adding an intriguing visual dimension to your space.
Image Source: Paulina Carcach Studio
2. Clashing Styles:
The Problem: Mismatched furniture and decor can create visual chaos in an open space, leading to a disjointed and overwhelming environment.
Solution: To bring harmony to your open-plan space with varying styles, follow these guidelines:
Unified Style: Start by selecting a cohesive design style that resonates with your preferences and the overall theme of your home. Whether it's modern, traditional, eclectic, or something in between, having a consistent style as your foundation is crucial.
Color Coordination: While sticking to your chosen style, play with color variations. You can introduce different hues or shades within the same color family to add depth and interest without causing a clash. For instance, if you have a predominantly neutral palette, incorporate subtle pops of color through accessories like cushions, artwork, or accent pieces.
Material Mix: Experiment with various materials and textures that complement your chosen style. For instance, if you have a contemporary design, you might combine sleek metallic finishes with warm, textured fabrics to create a balanced contrast.
Visual Connections: To bridge the gap between disparate styles, incorporate elements that visually connect different areas. For instance, if you have a rustic dining table in one zone, introduce rustic-inspired decor or materials in adjacent zones. This continuity ensures a smooth transition between styles.
Tip: Open-plan rooms often suffer from increased noise levels due to their expansive nature. To combat this, consider integrating softening elements like:
Curtains: Hang curtains made of heavy or textured fabrics. These not only add a layer of softness to your space but also help absorb sound.
Rugs: Place area rugs strategically in each zone. Not only do they define the space, but they also help dampen noise.
Throws: Decorative throws draped over sofas or chairs not only add a cozy touch but also provide additional sound-absorbing properties.
By incorporating these softening elements, you'll not only enhance the visual appeal of your open-plan area but also create a more comfortable and acoustically pleasing environment.
Image Source: Bernard Dubois
3. Poor Lighting Planning:
The Problem: In many cases, lighting is treated as an afterthought in open-plan spaces, which can result in inadequate ambiance and functionality.
Solution: To achieve an inviting and well-lit open-plan area, follow these steps:
Early Planning: Make lighting a priority from the beginning of your design process. Lighting decisions should ideally be made before furniture placement, ensuring that lights are installed exactly where they are needed for both aesthetics and practicality.
Consider Furniture Placement: Think about how your furniture will be arranged and where you'll need illumination. For instance, if you have a central seating area, ensure there's overhead or ambient lighting directly above it. Dining areas should have pendant or chandelier lighting centered over the table. In kitchens, under-cabinet lighting can enhance both functionality and atmosphere.
Dimmer Control: Incorporate dimmer switches wherever possible. Dimmers provide the flexibility to adjust lighting levels according to the mood and activity, which is especially important in open-plan spaces where different areas may serve various functions throughout the day.
Note: Open-plan spaces have unique electrical considerations. With fewer walls to contain outlets and switches, careful planning is required. Electrical outlets may need to be placed strategically in the floor, walls, or even within furniture to ensure convenient access while maintaining a clutter-free appearance.
By addressing lighting needs early in the design process and considering factors like furniture placement and dimmer controls, you can create an open-plan space that not only looks fantastic but also provides optimal lighting for every situation.
Image Source: Falken Reynolds
4. Unsuitable Kitchen Design:
The Problem: In some open-plan spaces, the kitchen doesn't harmonize with the overall style of the home or the adjoining living areas.
Solution: To ensure your kitchen seamlessly blends with the rest of the living space, consider the following steps:
Integrated Design: From the very beginning, make your kitchen design an integral part of your home's architecture. This means thinking about how the kitchen will not only serve its functional purpose but also complement the style and aesthetics of the surrounding areas. For instance, if you have a traditional home, a sleek and ultra-modern kitchen might feel out of place. Instead, opt for a design that incorporates elements that are in harmony with the rest of your home.
Color and Finish Coordination: Consistency is key to achieving a cohesive look in an open-plan space. Ensure that the colors and finishes used in your kitchen, such as cabinet colors, countertop materials, and backsplash choices, align with the design era of your home and the decor in adjacent areas. Repeating these colors and finishes in both the kitchen and living spaces helps create a sense of unity and flow.
By taking these steps and designing your kitchen with the broader context of your home in mind, you can ensure that your open-plan space feels balanced and harmonious, rather than disjointed or out of place.
Image Source: Rob Ryan
5. Oversized Furniture:
The Problem: In open-plan spaces, furniture that's too large can hinder the flow and movement through the area.
Solution: To maintain a sense of spaciousness and ease of movement in your open-plan room, follow these steps:
Measure and Plan: Before purchasing furniture, carefully measure your space and plan the layout. Ensure that there's ample room for people to move comfortably between furniture pieces. Avoid cramming too many pieces into the space, as this can create a cluttered and cramped feel.
Dual-Purpose Pieces: In open-plan areas where space is at a premium, consider furniture that serves multiple functions. For example, a large, round ottoman can double as a coffee table and provide hidden storage inside. This not only saves space but also reduces clutter.
Custom Furniture: If you're dealing with a unique or challenging space, consider having furniture custom-made to fit your dimensions perfectly. This ensures that every piece of furniture is tailored to your space, maximizing both aesthetics and functionality.
By carefully planning your furniture layout, choosing appropriately sized pieces, and incorporating dual-purpose or custom furniture, you can optimize your open-plan space for both comfort and style.
Image Source: Jolson
6. Transferring Old Habits:
The Problem: Transitioning from decorating closed-off rooms to open-plan spaces can lead to clashes in style and aesthetics.
Solution: Here's how to approach decorating your open-plan space with a fresh perspective:
Begin with Neutrals: Start by applying a neutral color palette to the walls in your open-plan area. Neutrals provide a versatile and cohesive backdrop that connects various zones within the space. This neutral foundation creates a seamless flow, allowing you to introduce color and personality in a controlled manner.
Complementary Color Scheme: After establishing neutral walls, select one or two supplementary colors that harmonize with each other. Use these colors strategically in different strengths and shades for finishes, furniture, and accessories in the various zones of your open-plan area. This method ensures that your space feels cohesive yet visually interesting.
Balance Materials: Be conscious of the materials and finishes you introduce. If your kitchen features a lot of hard materials like stone, balance them with softer elements like wood in the living and dining areas. This balance of materials adds depth and texture to your open-plan space.
By starting with a neutral base, employing a complementary color scheme, and balancing materials, you can bring harmony and a fresh aesthetic to your open-plan living areas. Remember, decorating open-plan spaces often need a different approach than decorating closed-off rooms.
Image Source: Thomas Melhorn
7. Poor Furniture Placement:
The Problem: In open-plan spaces, traditional furniture placement rules don't always apply, which can result in a room that feels either too empty or cluttered.
Solution: Here's how to master furniture placement in your open-plan area:
Think Flexibly: In open-plan spaces, it's crucial to think flexibly about furniture placement. Instead of pushing all your furniture against the walls, consider placing your main sofa or seating arrangement in the center of the room. This approach not only enhances the flow of the space but also creates a more inviting and intimate seating area.
Pairs or Alternatives: Experiment with pairs of sofas or a combination of a sofa and armchairs, rather than the traditional three-piece sofa sets. This can help break up the space into functional zones without needing walls or dividers.
Optimal Sightlines: Choose furniture with lower backs or open designs that don't obstruct sightlines. This allows you to maintain a clear visual connection throughout the open-plan area, making the space feel more cohesive.
Tip: To achieve an open and airy feel, pare down non-essential furniture pieces. By eliminating clutter and focusing on a few well-chosen pieces, you'll create a more spacious and comfortable atmosphere in your open-plan living space. Remember, open-plan spaces thrive on simplicity and functionality.
Image Source: Workstead
8. Using Too Many Different Materials — or Not Enough: Find the Balance
The Problem: Achieving the right balance of materials in an open-plan room can be challenging. Using too many or too few materials can greatly impact the room's overall aesthetic.
Solution: Here's how to master the use of materials in your open-plan space:
Strategic Material Planning: Plan your material usage strategically. Aim to incorporate three to five different materials in your space. This will allow you to create visual interest without overwhelming the senses.
Balance Hard and Soft Elements: Achieving balance between hard and soft materials is key. If you have a lot of hard surfaces like stone or metal in your kitchen area, balance them out with softer elements like wooden furniture or fabric-covered seating in the dining and living areas. This balance creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Note: Open shelves can be a wonderful addition to an open-plan space, but only if you enjoy styling them. They can be a great way to display your favorite items and add personality to the room. However, if you're not a fan of arranging and rearranging decor items, consider other storage options that suit your preferences.
Remember, thoughtful material selection and balance contribute significantly to the overall look and feel of your open-plan living space.
Image Source: Webster Architecture
Decorating an open-plan space requires thoughtful planning and execution. By avoiding these eight common mistakes and implementing the provided solutions, you can create a harmonious, functional, and visually appealing living area. Embrace the open-plan layout as a canvas for your creativity, and with a bit of strategic design, your home will exude style, continuity, and comfort.
Remember, your open-plan space should reflect your unique style and preferences. These guidelines are meant to assist you in making informed design choices that enhance your living experience.
xx Paulina
