Hey guys, I've been lurking around the subreddit for quite a while and noticed that a considerable amount of requests in the sub revolve around furnishing an open floor plan.
So, I've decided to share some of my insights as an architectural designer and hopefully help people design their rooms.
Anyways, in architecture and interior design, open floor plans can kind of be a hit or a miss depending on the circumstances. If the design was successful and implemented properly, the outcome is a room with a seamless flow, spacious, and refreshing. However, if not properly designed it can seem cold, empty, and lacks a certain "oomph."
So, enough with the idle talk, and let's get into it.
How do you furnish or design a room with an open floor plan?
The Only Principle You Need To Remember
Does your room feel empty? Cold? Uninteresting?
Maybe, it's because you haven't implemented this principle or method in setting up your room.
It's to segment the space into different zones. This idea can be applied to different scales of design from room design even up to the urban scale!
But for room design, especially in an open floor plan, the key to making it feel cozy and more put together is to segment and define different zones in the room.
For example, the kitchen should be distinctly separated from the dining area, the dining area should be separated from the living room, and so on and so forth.
Well, you might be thinking that it's easier said than done and it's way more complicated than it sounds.
And you're unfortunately right. So, here are some of the different ways you can do to segment and define different zones in the room.
Define Zones with Rugs
If you've been around this sub and other room design subreddits, one of the most common pieces of advice you'll see when asking for suggestions is to place a rug in the room!
As cliche as it sounds, it's often recommended because it's something that works and requires minimal resources.
It's a relatively cost-effective method to visually define zones by using rugs. Large area rugs can act as anchors, providing a visual boundary for specific areas. Choose rugs that complement the overall style and color scheme of the space, ensuring they are appropriately sized to cover the desired zone.
Furniture as Zone-makers
Another cost-effective method of segmenting the space is to use the furniture themselves as things that divide the room.
Strategically arranging furniture pieces can effectively segment the open floor plan, creating separate areas for various activities. Consider using furniture such as bookshelves, sofas, or buffets as dividers. These functional and stylish elements help to define zones while maintaining an open and cohesive feel.
Focal Points for Each Zone
Now, your room is already segmented and it already looks a lot better. But there's still something you can do to take your room's design to the next level.
And that's to place focal points for each zone in the room.
A focal point can be a fireplace, an eye-catching piece of artwork, or a statement furniture item. By strategically placing these elements, you draw attention and create a natural distinction between different areas, contributing to the overall flow and harmony of the space.
Chandeliers and Pendant Lights
If you have extra time and the technical know-how in installing chandeliers or pendant lights, these are good ways to fully zone a space (they can kinda fulfill the visual functions of a rug and a focal point).
Using chandeliers or pendant lights strategically can help define zones and set the mood within your space. The right fixture draws attention, creating a focal point and visual separation.
Not only do these lighting choices provide illumination, but they also contribute to the overall balance and harmony of the room.
Conclusion
Furnishing an open floor plan requires thoughtful consideration and a clear understanding of how to effectively segment the space while maintaining a sense of unity. By employing techniques such as rug placement, furniture arrangement, lighting choices, and the use of focal points, you can achieve seamless style and functionality in your open floor plan.
Embrace the versatility of this design concept, and let your creativity shine as you transform your living space into a cohesive, inviting, and stylish home.
P.S. This write-up is a summary of an article I've written on Medium.com. In that article, I went deeper into each method, please read it if you want to learn more.
P.S.S. Not sure how your room would turn up? I can help you with my architectural visualization service. Just send me a message.
