While open-concept homes seem to be the popular trend in the home construction industry, sometimes decorating for large spaces can be a challenge. The flexibility of a large living-dining-kitchen space can allow you to enjoy more time with your family and entertain with ease, but creating a sense of purpose for each space while still maintaining a flow to the room requires a bit of know-how and creativity. You’ve got the space to do it, and here are a few ideas on how!
Defining Purpose
The first step in decorating a large open-concept space is to define what you want the space to include. In most homes constructed today this is a large living space with open access to the kitchen, but it can also be a basement or even a single level apartment that will include bedrooms as well. Regardless of the space you’re working with, knowing what kind of living you will be doing in this space is the first step. For most homeowners it will be the challenge of combining a dining room, kitchen, and living room.
Defining Space
Once you know the purpose of the space, lay it out. For kitchen-dining spaces, be sure that you keep the dining room space close to the kitchen. It makes serving your guests or family easier, and creates a better sense of flow. The living space should flow with the rest of the room, but making it separate can allow for a cozier feel to the space, and means that you won’t be staring at that pile of unwashed dishes while trying to unwind after dinner.
Tips For Creating Space
Now that you know what the space will be, and where each living space should go, here is how to do it!
Dividers are always a great idea to define space, and are easy to move when entertaining.
Arrange furniture to define space, such as laying out the living room with the sofa facing away from the dining room or kitchen.
Create a focal point for each space. It could be a fireplace, painting, or an interesting architectural feature.
Use the same color scheme, but emphasize different colors in each space.
These are just a few ways to tackle a large space, but ultimately your home has to work for you. The best tip to keep in mind when defining space in an open-concept home is whether it works for you and your family and, of course, does it reflect your lifestyle!