unique ways to decorate an open floor plan
Some people dream of having an open floor plan with all the space it provides. However, there are several design traps that arise when decorating an open floor plan. DIY designers attempt to maximize the space by pushing all furniture to the walls. Others do not distinguish between living areas, creating a hodgepodge or furnishings and accessories. Begin your decorating project with a clean palette, removing all clutter, and then sketch out various furniture layouts, remaining attentive to the essential needs the space must provide.
Types
There are a variety of open floor plans that demand different decorating approaches. The most common open floor plan combines the dining room and living room or a family room area, requiring furnishings such as tall shelves or a large table that set apart the unique uses for each space. Some open floor plans include the kitchen as well, which can be ideal for entertaining. Other open floor plans, often seen in lofts and urban renovations, feature an open work area on the ground floor and an open living area on the top floor.
Features
Open floor plan decor is about planning vignettes within the larger context. Rugs or wall colors may set apart a living room from a dining area, which can be further divided, if necessary, with a shelf or a narrow bench filled with plants. Lighting fixtures often define smaller spaces within the space. A bright chandelier over the dining room table or a series of pendant lamps over the coffee table create subtle focal points. Anchor each room with a prominent piece of furniture, be it a French armoire or a Japanese Shoji screen.
Potential
Many open floor plans feature architectural details that can help define the space. Take advantage of exposed beams, stairwells, built-in bookcases, fireplace mantels, columns, niches or molding. Emphasize these elements by centering furnishings around or near them. Hang a prominent mirror over a mantel, or line a niche with a series of eye-catching watercolors. Paint molding a bold accent color and fill built-ins with books, artwork, souvenirs from world travel or retro toys.
Effects
A well-decorated open floor plan feels breezy and expansive without feeling empty. A large painting or a textured wall hanging add visual pop and texture to the walls. A layout that features conversational corners adds intimacy to the open layout. Arrange floor cushions around a low ottoman and set it near a window for an impromptu reading corner. Set a love seat and armchair in an L-shape around two small cocktail tables, or place a couple armchairs within view of a picture window or fireplace.
Palette
Avoid matching everything between the vignettes in an open floor plan, which results in a muddy look. Instead, subtly connect the rooms with details such as Oriental rugs, bamboo mats, dark cherry wood floating shelves or ethnic throw pillows, while giving each area its unique look. You might pick up the red from a living room couch with red dishes in the dining area, but allow different colors and patterns to predominate each area. Wall colors may stay the same overall, but feature modest differences, such as an accent wall in a complementary color or with a mural, or a faux finish the integrates the surrounding wall color.
Even though you want room to breathe in an open floor plan, it's important to have pieces of furniture or architectural elements to identify each "room." Here, the fireplace and open shelving serve as a focal point and let you know you've arrived in the family room.
USE DIVIDERS.
With no walls to divide a space, find other pieces to take their place. Folding screens or a set of chairs with a table in between can do the trick.
USE COLOR FOR FLOW.
Choose a colour palette to use throughout the floor plan, and stick to it. In this home, inspiration comes from the outdoors. Neutral greens, browns, and blues give the space continuity, while pops of color in accents and artwork add personal appeal.
MAKE STATEMENTS WITH LIGHTING.
Another way to set a space apart from the other "rooms" in an open floor plan is to install a distinct light fixture. Instead of a chandelier, a large rectangular pendant dressed in a linen lampshade defines the dining area.
Extend your open floor plan even further by incorporating an outdoor room. A covered porch or patio is extremely versatile -- add a table and chairs for dining, a hammock for relaxing, or even a set of appliances for cooking and grilling. The space will increase your square footage and give you more room for entertaining.
How to decorate a split entry with an open floor plan can provide a design challenge in the foyer area where the space is dominated by two staircases, one leading up and the other down. Following the upward staircase is often an overlooking rail or short wall that looks down into the foyer. The positives of the space may include extra height in the foyer, the floor space is often wider than other foyers and there is usually good light provided by the door or sidelight windows. It's important to make the entry welcoming, because it sets the tone for the whole house.
Instructions
1
Measure the walls of the split entry starting with the door wall. Make sure to include the dimensions of the door, the sidelights and any transom that may be present. Also. measure any upper windows if the space is vaulted. On each side wall note the locations of any electrical outlets and coat closets. Measure where each stair starts.
2
Draw the walls on the graph paper using the formula that a ½-inch equals 1 foot scale. Note all of the features and dimensions directly on the graph so that it represents an accurate depiction of the room.
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3
Measure the height of any walls that are vaulted. In general, the staircase walls should be included in paint color choices and if a wainscoted paneling is selected, this should continue in both stairwells for consistency. Staircase walls can showcase art or photos if mounted securely.
4
Replace any sub-standard entry floor (such as vinyl) with an upgraded material. Because this is the first room visitors see, it should have the best materials. Slate is an excellent option.
A well decorated entry must function well. For this good lighting is essential, check the ceiling fixture and update the fixture to a decorative new fixture. When possible this fixture should hang rather than be flush mounted. Change a solid front door to one with glass in order to light up the entry naturally.
5
Add an electrical outlet (if none currently exist) on the wall that doesn't have the closet or front door. Generally, the third wall is simply a straight wall. This wall should have an electrical outlet that is wired to the same circuit as the ceiling fixture.
6
Paint the entry and staircase walls a neutral tone that picks up color from the flooring selection. Paint the ceilings two or three shades lighter in the same tone of paint. This will create a finished look. Paint the trim a glossy white unless all of the trim in the house is stained, then the trim should match the existing stain and finish.
7
Decorate the entry with a console table with a table lamp. Use the graph paper and measurements to select appropriately scaled furniture for the space. The console table should be placed on the open wall. Above the console place a larger mirror. This is functional as people often like to check their appearance before leaving the house. Place a receiving bowl on the table for keys and mail but leave most of the table open so that someone entering has a place to put a hat and gloves, prior to placing them in the closet. Add accessories that bring in a pop of unexpected color.
8
Add a sculptural art piece or larger plant in the corner. Use a plant stand and decorative pot in complementary colors. In the corner between the closet and front door, add a small sitting bench that is decorative or uniquely shaped. This should be sufficient for sitting to remove boots or shoes. Use a fine but durable rug for locations where snow or mud may be tracked into the home. This rug should center on the entry floor but not cover the nice new floor completely. Use a rubber backing pad for the rug to hold its grip.
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