Whether renovating or buying, one sought-after home décor trend is an open concept floor plan. Ask any retailer or turn on any home design TV show and the notion of “open plan” is sure to be a dominant theme. Gone are the days of floor plans filled with walls and separated rooms. Today's homeowners are seeking floor plans that are centred around one multipurpose space to enjoy cooking, eating, relaxing and watching Netflix!
There are countless benefits to open-concept living where the kitchen, dining room and living room are all interconnected. Your home will feel larger, brighter, and ideal for entertaining and spending quality time with friends and family. But combining multiple spaces into one undoubtedly comes with a challenge or two. Surprisingly, the biggest hurdle comes after walls have been removed and structural beams have been installed, it lies with the important decorating decisions that can make or break your space.
Image: LLP330 Worn Fabric Oak
Since each area is visible from another with unobstructed views at all times, your kitchen, living room, and dining room décor all need to work together. That means when decorating an open plan kitchen, you also need to consider the surrounding areas. There are two main fundamentals to remember when decorating an open-plan layout. Firstly, there needs to be a level of continuity in your design theme and colour choices from area to area. And secondly, each space needs to flow seamlessly from one to another while also being carefully defined.
Image: Raven Oak LLP302
Theme and Colour
When deciding on design elements it is important keep the same colour palette and theme throughout. You can use a few different shades of the same colour to distinguish different areas, or even paint an accent wall in the same colour family. Using the same tone and style throughout will help the space feel connected and flow seamlessly.
Image: Fiore LM16
Defining Blurred Lines
The most challenging feat of open plan décor is finding the balance between defining spaces while also maintaining that highly sought-after openness. Where does the kitchen end and the dining room begin? With no walls or doorways, it is up to décor elements to define each space. One way to do this is with strategic placement of furniture. You can use the back of the couch to divide areas, or use an island to mark the central kitchen zone.
Image: CER20 Cambric
Continue to “push the boundaries” and get creative with different directions, shapes, and flooring styles to define specific areas. Discover more Karndean kitchen inspiration or share your designs with us on social media!
