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With origins in 15th century Japan and ancient Feng Shui practices, the “open-space” gained momentum during the Bauhaus era, which later served as the platform for modern furniture and architecture.  For the past several decades, new home construction has incorporated the open floor plans, a layout that’s been proved to be convenient, socially encouraging and perceptibly pleasing.  Yet with the obvious advantages of such layout, one clear obstacle is how to decorate a large space, subdivided into functional areas.  Key rules for open-floor plan décor include:

Focalized Areas

Eye catching pieces bring the attention to each area individually.  Living/family room (fireplace, television), dining room (dining table, chairs, buffet), kitchen (island with a great counter top and barstools).

Viola d’amore Dining Table and Lulu Dining Chairs by Cattelan Italia

Artificial Walls

The lack of physical separation between the living-dining-cooking spaces, necessitates to utilize dividing elements like stand alone bookshelves and screens.

Bellydance, double-sided, ceiling mounted mirrored screen by Tonelli

Stylistic Uniformity

The open floor plan areas must have the same or very similar style which translates to the flooring, walls, windows and of course furniture and accessories.  By nature, open floor plans are very modern and their décor usually utilizes contemporary furniture or furniture with a modern design.

Lighting Trickery

The open floor-plan may appear to grand (although that is the essence) and thus lack intimacy at which point the play with natural light and the incorporation of lighting is helpful.  Making a larger area like the living space appear more intimate with dimmers and soft glowing floor lamps while dining and kitchens that are usually smaller areas appear more formal with great pendants and ceiling lamps.

Flag Floor Lamp by Cattelan Italia

Color Flow

Whichever color palette is used, it should be consistent throughout the open floor plan.  Slight alterations and change-ups in dominant and accent colors are welcome, but hue consistency is instrumental and the play with complimenting “color-families” is essential.

Tags: Contemporary Furniture, Design, Designer Furniture, European Furniture, Home Decor, Italian Furniture, Modern Furniture