Open floor plans are not that new in the world of design. Architects and home builders have been designing them for years. However, it was very interesting to watch how home designs and interior design trends changed during the pandemic. After spending more time working or studying from home, many homeowners realised that some of the spaces in their homes needed to be more flexible. By now, most of us have adapted a home office or at least a work area in our home.
It is not difficult to transform your living space into an office without completely converting it into a bedroom. A dutch door, a set of French doors, or even an accordion-style bookcase can do the trick to close off an area in your home. Remember that you don’t have to tear out walls or create more square footage to add a new set of rooms. A change in finish or furniture arrangement can make all the difference during this time when we are all on the go much more than before.
You can’t deny it. The home office is now a necessity in most homes.
Open floor plans can make a space feel airy, spacious, and connected. But before you can design your layout, you need to consider its overall layout. Use these tips to develop new ideas for future rooms in your home.
- You need to know where your family will be spending their time when you’re designing your home; areas of high traffic are important to keep in mind so you can determine the size of furniture and what floor covering to use.
- The direction of the door swings and the clearance area for the door is a good idea to measure everything before you start.
- Decide where to place rugs as they can bring together each section of the open plan environment.
- Now to decide where best to place the seating and how much seating you will need. Having your sofa and chairs facing each other can make the area more inviting.
Consider your colour palette and style
Consider your intention for the open plan, and use that intention to guide your colour palette. For example, if you are hoping to create a modern and organised environment, opt for clean lines and neutral tones in your furniture, cabinets, paint finishes and rugs. Or, if you are trying to create a more relaxed vibe, incorporate muted floral patterns into your decor that don’t compete with each other. Or go with a bold colour scheme that supports an eclectic style!
Lighting
Lighting is often left for last or overlooked completely, but it can be particularly important for everyday tasks. Once you’ve decided on the large furniture placement, it is easy to decide where side tables and lamps will go. You might want dimmers in various rooms so that you can control how bright or dark they are at different times of day and night.
Outdoor spaces
Keep the style flowing outside by using exterior shades that match or complement your interior paint choices. And don’t forget a storage shed to store the fun things that make outdoor days and evenings so enjoyable.
