The appeal behind open-plan living spaces is understandable: Revered for its modern aesthetic and bright and airy qualities, this layout is still sought after in homes of all types. However, it’s not uncommon for open plan owners to occasionally want to flirt with a more fragmented, zoned space — and when that time comes, it’s hard to completely change the layout of your home.
So instead of giving up your open plan living room ideas Well, it’s better to follow the joint advice of three top designers who agree on the same effective layout tips. their solution? Strategically place area rugs.
Break up your open space with area rugs – a designer-favorite solution
(Photo credit: Foley&Cox / Bjorn Wallander)
“When designing with an open floor plan, it’s best to use a rug to separate the space. This creates a definition for each section and gives the feeling of being in a different room.” Aditi Design (opens in new tab). Her advice is not alone.
“When using an open plan, you can use furniture and rugs to create separate spaces inside. A rug is a great place to start because it sets boundaries for a specific area,” adds studio director Elizabeth Sesser. Ike Krigman Buckley (opens in new tab).
This solution provides the feeling of a separate room – whether you want to interrupt your open kitchen ideas Create a boundary where you cook and eat – or separate yourself from the workspace at the end of the day.
(Image credit: Photo by Ike Kligmern Barkley/Darren Bradley)
While many different rug ideas can differentiate areas in your space, Michael Cox’s principal Foley and Cox (opens in new tab)recommends using “two area rugs (one solid, one striped or patterned) to immediately define the area in the open plan.”
Use furniture as a “natural barrier” in your space
To further break up your open plan, designers are equally urging you to use large furniture smartly—whether you opt for a double-sided bookcase or a gorgeous room divider that instantly transforms your room.
“Using large pieces of furniture like double-sided bookcases or decorative screens can help further divide the space, while also providing some privacy from one area to the next,” explains Elizabeth. While Michael suggests these pieces act as “natural barriers” that can Helps delineate rooms within open spaces.
(Photo credit: Foley & Cox / Tim Lenz)
‘Another trick is to divide the ‘room’ with a console or sofa table to break up the space. I also designed the open floor plan with multiple sofas to help delineate areas for reading and TV watching,” added Rozette.
Whether you start with rug tips, or go a step further and interrupt your open plan with large furniture, you can rest assured that these tips are fully designer-approved and effective immediately.
