Designing an open-plan living and dining area is all about finding balance between style and functionality. With the right approach, you can create a seamless flow between spaces while maintaining distinct zones for relaxing, dining, and entertaining. In this post, we’ll share five key tips to help you make the most of your open-plan space.
1 | Consider the flow between the spaces
Is it easy to access each space, and to use the furniture within them? Are doors and windows easy to access? Are there clear pathways between the two areas, leading to doorways and to the kitchen? These are all important factors that you need to consider when working out a layout and selecting furniture, which will allow the spaces to function properly. If you have a large family or like to entertain, make sure you take into account multiple people using both spaces at the same time.
2 | Create zones
Think about creating spaces that serve different purposes and create a visual separation between them. As well as the obvious two zones (living area and dining area), you may also have a little reading nook, a kid's play area, an exercise or medication space or even a little breakfast table. You can separate these through physical boundaries like bookshelves, couches and buffets, or you can be less obvious and use rugs and/or lighting to visually separate them.
3 | Don't block windows
When working out the best layout and selecting your furniture, always keep in mind your windows. Both natural light and views of greenery, will make your space feel brighter and more welcoming. It's therefore important to place furniture in a way that allows the light and views to reach all areas. We also recommend selecting low furniture to help maximise the views.
4 | Be smart with your lights
These days I see a lot of homes with open plan spaces that just have a ceiling filled with evenly spaces downlights. While this does provide lots of light, it also provides glare and can make it difficult to wind down at night due to our circadian rhythm. Instead, we recommend thinking about what really needs light and layering different types of light sources. This could be a pendant or ceiling lights above the dining table, track lights above the lounge, spot lights to light up artwork on the walls and maybe a soft wall light or floor lamp for relaxing at night.
5 | Don't forget power points
There are many things and activities that may require power, and the last think you want is to have cables and extension cords crossing over your walkways. Consider what you want to plug in at the TV (consoles, surrounds systems, etc), where you might want lamps, where you might want to plug in a laptop or phone charger, where you might want to plug in a vacuum (if you don't have a cordless one), etc.
I hope these tips have been helpful! If you want to find out more about how we can help you with your project, get in contact with us below:
Have a wonderful week!
Nina xx
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