When you live in a space that is limited by a specific interior design, like walls, beams, rooms, etc., making more space or creating an illusion of a more open floor plan doesn’t always come with ease. If your home is small, it can be difficult to figure out how to go about organizing it effectively and decorating it appropriately and to your taste.
Part of the appeal of an open floor plan in homes is that there is more space or at least, it looks like there is more space. Generally speaking, people don’t like to feel trapped or suffocated in any place, especially somewhere they call home. Though it may seem like a tough job, giving your home the feel of an open floor plan is easier than you think!
Are you currently living in a home that’s restricted by specific kinds of design? These top five tips will give your home a comfortable and more breathable feeling!
Open Floor Plan – When in Doubt, Go Minimal
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “less is more”? Well, in the case of trying to create an open floor plan when your home doesn’t allow for one, less is more and will give you more! Try incorporating the color white into furniture pieces, accessories, or and most importantly on your walls! White will help to make the space feel more open and less cramped and tight.
Sarah Lyon of Apartment Therapy writes, “Leaving your walls painted plain white and keeping artwork to a minimum will draw less attention to the fact that your floor plan does, in fact, include dividers.” White walls can sometimes be considered boring, but plain walls will definitely help create a more open space!
Open Floor Plan – Take Advantage of Natural Light
Taking advantage of natural light is a great way to open up any space in general. Kelly Weimert of The Spruce affirms this stating, “natural light has a knack for making any space feel more open and airy, so maximize yours as much as possible.”
When creating an open floor plan, try adding mirrors in the direction of natural light to give the illusion that your home, specifically kitchen/living room/dining area, is larger than it appears. Additionally, when decorating your home, place a mirror, whatever size of your choice, in front of a window. Doing this will reflect the outside, making your space look bigger while also reflecting the sunshine to add brightness to your space and boost your mood.
Open Floor Plan – Get Creative with Furniture
Having an open floor plan requires a little creativity with furniture, as you have to be smart and savvy when choosing what pieces you want to put where. You don’t want a huge couch or giant dining room table taking up all the space that you’re trying to create, as that completely defeats the purpose of what you’re trying to accomplish! Treat your space as if it has an open floor plan, and arrange your furniture in a way that is quirky, fun, and gives a fresh feel to the specific areas you’re targeting.
Give Each Area a Unique Feature
Just because you’re creating an open floor plan doesn’t mean that everything has to be monochromatic, boring, or the same. To help give your space both pizzazz and personality, give each specific area a unique feature to help designate it from the others in your new open space. Neila Deen of Fresh Home suggests, “Creating a standout design feature in each area will not only help to define each space but also make your room shine. For example, you might try a gallery wall in the dining room. Hang an oversized chandelier in the living area, or use zebra wood for the base of your white kitchen island.”
Add Mirrors
Living in a small space can seem cramped and leave you feeling claustrophobic whenever you try to decorate it. However, adding mirrors to narrow spaces can give the illusion that the space is broader and less cramped. Try adding a medium-sized mirror at the end of a narrow hallway or in your bathroom to make it feel more airy and spacious.
Creating an open floor plan in your home is a simple way to give your space a fresh and comfortable feeling that you might not have had before. Remember to have fun and be creative in the process!