Open-plan floor concepts have become synonymous with most homeowners, thanks to the functionality and aesthetic value they afford you. They also facilitate a strong family bond since everyone is in the same space. Nexxus Remodeling develops appealing open-plan spaces for small and large houses. So if you want one, we are here to help.
Common Open-Concept Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
Lack of Proper Zoning
It needs zoning for an open plan to be visually appealing and practical. One should easily identify the dining area, kitchen, and relaxing area. Ideally, the zones act as separate rooms in an open-plan house.
And for improved aesthetics, you should create a visual continuity. For example, use complementing colors or furniture. Such elements help create anchor points that separate individual areas in an open-plan space. As such, your open-plan will, in fact, feel more spacious.
One simple way to create zones is to use sofas as dividers. Essentially, you should use them to split the house in half. Adding a carpet beneath the sofa and a lamp stand can help define the zones.
And then use the same flooring throughout the other zones. For added visual hierarchy, you can use vertical layers such as potted plants, floor lamps, and pendant lights.
Using Many Different Styles
Using too many styles and colors can overcomplicate your open-plan spaces, making them look crampy and disorganized. To avoid this, you ought to use complementing elements such as colors, furniture, and plants, to mention but a few.
You can choose your favorite style that will work in your open-plan space. However, ensure they don’t appear forced. Use almost similar accessories and select colors, for example, different shades of the same color. It can go a long way to make your space look more appealing and spacious.
And since open-plan spaces appear somewhat noisier than closed-off rooms, you can add softening accessories such as curtains and rugs with subtle colors.
Poor Lighting Positioning
Most homeowners will have lighting as their last priority when creating kitchen and living room floor plans. It means the lighting will often be in the wrong area. It reduces the ambiance for each individual zone. The ambiance is also affected since the lights cannot be dimmed or switched on or off individually.
To avoid such unforeseen scenarios, you should plan your lighting and electricity system during the early stages of the project. Regarding furniture placement, you should consider how the lighting system will complement the layout.
For example, if a sofa is in the corner, you can install a power outlet on the wall. And since open-plan spaces have fewer walls, you need to be deliberate about your electricity and lighting systems.
The kitchen Not Complementing The Open-Plan Space
It is not uncommon to find a kitchen that doesn’t complement the furniture and aesthetics of the open-plan space. You should ensure the kitchen blends with the adjoining living area, from the cabinets and kitchen tops to the floor. You can use the same colors, creating cohesion between the two zones.
Poor Furniture Placement
Another common mistake is placing your furniture poorly. It not only makes the room look busy but also ruins the aesthetics of the space. Keep in mind that the decorating principles of an open-plan area are different from closed-off rooms.
While sofas and similar furniture are placed beside a wall in closed-off rooms, doing so in an open-plan space can make it look sparse and cold. If possible, place the sofa in an area with no wall behind it. Consider buying a couch with a low back to create a clear sightline.
And if you have a small space, you can use smaller sofas or have a big one and a slender armchair. It will ensure they do not swallow the space.
Not Being Open Minded
Often, people will move to open-plan spaces and still use decorating and furniture principles of a closed-off room. Ideally, open spaces require a different approach since they have less space. Homeowners will use the same color schemes as in their previous house, not realizing an open-plan floor is a continuous space.
It can feel cluttered and uncomfortable. To avoid this, start from scratch and decide which furniture will go in. You can even take inspiration from online design ideas. The point is to take a different approach.
Using Too Many or Not Enough Materials
Finding the perfect balance of types and number of materials can be a daunting affair. Homeowners often use too many materials, making the spaces appear cluttered or too busy. Alternatively, they can use too little, portraying a dull environment.
Before decorating your space, visualize how the area will look and work. You can easily tell how the room will look with a plan, elevation, and a three-dimensional model. You’ll also have a clear idea of the number of finishes. The rule of thumb is to use at least three and no more than five.
Using Too Large Furniture
Another common mistake is using too large furniture for open spaces. Having big furniture can inhibit the visual flow. Besides, it can make walking through a bit hectic. Before buying furniture, see how it will fit your floor plan and ensure there’s enough room to walk through. If you can’t find a perfect size, consider hiring a designer.
Tips for Ideal Open-Plan Floors
Use Color for Coordination
While separating segments is critical in open-plan spaces, ensure a consistent color scheme. And since it is a lot of square space, consider using subtle colors. Choose a neutral as the main color and incorporate two bolder hues to add visual hierarchy.
In addition to color, you should repeat similar textures, patterns, and prints in your accessories for visual continuity.
Keep Your Spaces Open
If you want your room to stand out, ensure to have negative spaces – empty areas around each zone. That said, do not use tall and large furniture in your segments, as this can ruin the aesthetic element. For example, if you are to place a large sofa near the kitchen, it would obstruct conversations. Likewise, you should ensure windows and natural light are unobstructed.
If possible, go for a minimalist design to avoid overwhelming the eyes. If possible, use elements with double duty, providing functionality and aesthetic value. The open spaces are also ideal for creating pathways between zones. It can help in eye relaxation and refocusing.
Have a unique feature in each zone
Having a unique yet complementing design feature in each area will help define individual zones and make your room more comfortable. While it is advisable to identify a focal point, open-plan spaces often require more than one. Each zone should have its focal point, such as a piece of art.
You can play around with the lighting for the living room, hanging an oversized chandelier above it. Alternatively, you can use a fireplace, unique furniture, or potted plants.
Advantages of Open-Concept Kitchen and Living Spaces
Brings Friends and Family Together
Unlike closed-off rooms where family members are in different rooms, open-plan spaces allow you to spend much time with your family.
For example, you could cook while your kids do their homework or watch television. It helps the family catch up in a single area, which is ideal for developing a strong bond.
Helps To Entertain
Since open-concept floor plans have less room, you can gather your friends and have fun in a single space. They play games, chat, and eat without moving from one room to another. And for added fun, you can open up your bi-folds door for that ultimate summer experience.
The Space Is Brighter
The room is brighter and lighter. And since natural light is therapeutic, it will make people feel more energetic and happier. With large open windows and doors, more natural light will make the space airy, lighter, and more pleasant.
Adds Value to Your Property
As you’d expect, homes with open-plan concepts tend to sell more than closed-off options. Turning your home into an open-plan space will make it appealing and increase its value should you decide to sell it.
Disadvantages of Open-Concept Kitchen and Living Room Floor Plans
Can be noisy
While ideal for sporadic chat, multi-functional spaces can get noisy, especially with kids around. Besides, kitchen utensils and equipment noise can ruin a chilled evening. You can use rugs and fabrics to minimize noise.
Can Get Messy
If one zone appears messy, then the rest of the space won’t seem appealing, especially if it is the kitchen. As such, you’ll have to do lots of cleaning after every meal to keep the space tidy.
Lingering Smells
Foods with strong scents, like fish, can ruin the space’s fresh air. With no doors, you are sure the smell will fill the entire room in no time.
Final Thoughts
Its no doubt open concept kitchen and living room floor plans improve the aesthetic element of your home. However, you should ensure you follow similar design concepts, color hierarchy, and complementing furniture to achieve that appealing design. If this is your goal, feel free to reach Nexxus Remodeling and let’s discuss your project.
