Open Floor Plan Decorating Tips

Open floor plans have been a popular feature in homes since the early 2000’s (I am certain HGTV played a big hand in this).  While they offer a more spacious layout, decorating an uninterrupted space, large or small, can be challenging since it requires a balance between creating distinct areas and maintaining a unified look. Try these tips to create a cohesive open floor plan in your home:

My dining room window is my focal point. Watch for posts on how this 'blah' window becomes beautiful.

Start with A Focal Point

Define each area by identifying its focal point. Stand at the entrance of a room and look around. Where are your eyes naturally drawn to in each zone? Maybe it is a window in the dining room, or the fireplace in the living room. If you feel a zone lacks a clear focal point, create one with artwork or maybe an interesting light fixture.

Create a Cohesive Color Palette

Choose a palette of 3-4 complementary colors and use them across furniture, walls, and accessories. Keep it interesting by using different shades of the same color in different ways.  This will create a sense of harmony while allowing subtle variations to differentiate the zones. Choose a main color for the focal point in each area (i.e. in the curtains or artwork over fireplace), while repeating this color in smaller ways around the entire space. Be creative by using a different color or shade variation for each focal point.

Rocky Mountain Paint Pallet by Sherwin Williams

Use Flooring to Define Areas

Using area rugs is an effective way to define a space when the flooring is the same throughout. This works especially well in smaller rooms where it would be difficult to use furniture to create separate zones. Unless your goal is to draw the eyes to the floor, be sure to use neutral colors from your palette.

Place Furniture to Create Zones

Furniture can be an obvious sign as to what a zone is designed for and can effectively define a space. A sofa or bookshelf placed so they do not block the flow of traffic can physically divide a living room from the dining room. Large plants can also serve as beautiful dividers.

In smaller spaces, however, an eat-in kitchen can include the dining space at the island, or the living room and dining room may compete for a small area outside the kitchen. It is still possible to create separate zones with color and accessories, rugs and even lighting. Each area can still have a focal point as well, just on a smaller scale.

thespruce.com

Personalize Each Area

Don’t forget to infuse personality and function into each zone. Add personal touches to define each zone, such as a favorite teacup collection displayed in the dining room, interesting baskets above the kitchen cabinets, and family photos in the living room.

Decorating an open floor plan requires a balance between creating distinct areas and maintaining a unified look. With careful planning using furniture, color, and accessories, you can design a space that is both functional and beautiful. With these tips, your open floor plan can become the inviting, versatile space you’ve always dreamed of.

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