How to Make the Most of an Open Concept Layout

Whether you’re house hunting, renovating your already-lovely space, or you’re simply looking for ways to make the most of the open concept layout you already love, open concepts are open in more ways than just the physical. They’re also open in terms of your design options.

You can find so many ways to make the design of your open concept space work both with your style and within the mechanics of the space itself. IIf you want to start decorating your open concept layout, here’s what you can do.

The Simpler, the Better

Sometimes, minimalism is the best way to go when it comes to large and sleek spaces. Minimalist design is all about clean lines, sleek designs and neutral colors — and being selective about the items you keep in your home.

Why clutter a space that’s meant to look open and airy? From decluttering to keeping your style streamlined, a simple style can open up your space and make it feel cleaner and bigger. Commit to a more minimalist look to help the open concept layout flow.

Create Zones

Let’s say you’re not aiming to open the space up, but rather create a more designated and streamlined system of rooms. Zones are the best way to do this. By creating zones, you can designate areas for different purposes, just like you would have in a closed-off space — but with much more light and flexibility.

For example, your living & kitchen area can be broken down into zones with area rugs and furniture arrangements. The bookcase and cozy armchair in a corner can evoke a quiet study area while a dining table by the window will be sunny and inviting for family meals.

Use Mirrors for Dimension

Mirrors are a great way to open up a space by reflecting light and making any room look bigger and more spacious. If you want your open concept layout to feel even more open and wide, try using mirrors on walls and close to windows to brighten up even the darkest corners.

Mirrors will help reflect natural light across a large room and keep the open space looking connected and inviting throughout the day.

Use Organic Shapes and Textures

If you’re looking to create a sense of flow throughout your home, organic textures, textiles, shapes, and colors will all be of great use to you in your design process. This can create a sense of dimension and comfort while still offering a light flow and open feeling throughout your home.

Light Your Space Well

One major benefit of open concept spaces is that they tend to be lit well. However, that doesn’t negate the benefit of good internal lighting.

Lamps and light fixtures can go a long way, especially when it comes to transitioning your space into nighttime. Make sure your open concept space can work both with natural light and without it.

Go Big With Artwork

Having lots of room and wall space can be great for those large art pieces you want to deck your space out with. Choose your art carefully, and go big with it. Gallery walls and bold, oversized pieces can help fill lots of blank space and add character to your open-concept design.

Use Consistent Colors

A great way to create a sense of flow with your space is to use a consistent color scheme throughout your home. This tip works even without an open concept layout, but it can work especially well with one. This is because it brings a layer of cohesion into your home that you may not otherwise have had.

Making the Most of Your Open-Concept Design

You can utilize the best features of your home and your style in order to make the most of your open concept space. Whether you go for zones, big artwork, or consistent colors throughout, your versatile space will feel even more like home in no time.

Author

Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.