Making rooms flow together in a closed concept space can be a challenge, but so can it be in an open-concept house. In an open-concept home, it’s even more important to make sure that all the elements work together and the space looks cohesive.
Here are some tips for decorating an open concept house.
Use Area Rugs to Define Spaces
One of the best ways to define a space is with an area rug. When there’s no natural division between rooms, area rugs can be used to create them. For instance, place a rug in an area where you’d like to have a dining room table and then place another nearby where you’d like to ground the living room. Instantly you’ve got two separately defined areas that become two rooms.
Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme
Decorating with a monochromatic color scheme is one of the safest options for an open concept house. Choose a color you really like and can live with and then use it in different shades and tones throughout the space. Don’t forget to incorporate some patterns as well. In a monochromatic color scheme it’s always nice to pair the color with white (or sometimes black) but try to incorporate an accent color as well to add some depth and interest. For example, in a monochromatic blue color scheme, it’s nice to add a few hits of something rich like red or orange.
Let the Architecture Be Your Guide
Look for architectural details to help you define the space. Sometimes open concept homes have moldings and paneling that create breaks between spaces. Other times you can simply look for corners and other transition spaces and use them to define your desired areas.
Add Architectural Details
If there aren’t any architectural details such as molding or paneling consider adding some to help you define the spaces. For instance, install wainscoting in the area you’d like to use as the dining room. That way, even if you paint everything the same color there’s a definition to the spaces that differentiates the dining room from the adjoining areas.
Make Your Furniture Work For You
Use furniture to break up spaces. In an open concept house all of the same rules of living room and dining room decorating apply. Move furniture away from the walls and create seating and conversation areas. You can also use large items like bookcases and screens to break up long walls and define spaces.
Paint All the Trim the Same Color
To help create continuity paint all the trim the same color. Even if you paint the walls different colors, using the same color for doors, ceilings, window trim, and molding will help make the spaces feel more cohesive and connected.
Source: The Spruce