We are quickly moving towards an era where a focus on minimalism and a trend towards “back to basics” is defining the way in which we envision interior design. One of the more common elements of this design approach is an airy and versatile open-plan home.
Why is open-plan becoming so popular? A general consensus is that it invites us to spend more time with our loved ones. This is especially true considering the current social dynamics we have had to quickly acclimate to in the past two years.
So whether you’re looking to create a space that is more family orientated or if you’re looking for ways to make the most out of apartment living. Follow our tips to define the perfect open-plan home unique to you.
Primary consideration – Defining Barriers
Before getting into the minutiae of what furniture and interior decorative effects you need, it’s important to first define where, for example, your dining room starts and where your kitchen ends.
Part of this process means conceptualising how you intend to utilise your space. Are you one for entertaining guests? Or do you prefer a more practical approach? While open-plan layouts can definitely impress your friends, ensuring that it works for everyday living should be your primary concern.
Once you know exactly what you want, start by placing invisible walls around your plan and use these as a template for furniture arrangements. Make sure you consider the purpose of each “room” in order to maximise space usage.
Secondary aspects – the use of glass
While on the topic of defining barriers, the use of sliding glass doors are a useful and tangible way to section off spaces while still maintaining the look and feel of an open plan. Not only do they define dimensions they are also effective at dividing your home into smaller spaces.
Glass sliding doors allow for effective light flow and ensure that barriers remain uninhibited. You can also utilise permanent glass fixtures as dividers and decorative accessories that can be turned into shelves for display.
This ensures that a home maintains dimension while also assuming a customised look and feel.
Separation through multi-levelling
Homes or apartments with high ceilings offer excellent options for defining vertical spaces. Think about some of the industrial and warehouse inspired penthouses in New York City or San Francisco that have limited space. These townhouses and apartments make use of mezzanine levels that are both functional and extremely trendy.
One thing to note about a mezzanine is that it is the ultimate space saver for smaller homes. They’re able to create an entire room whilst still feeling like just an extra addition. Mezzanine levels are also excellent for supporting the flow of your home interior especially if you’re defining them through multiple levels.
Homes that adopt multi-levelling with mezzanines and stairways are no doubt practical. But beyond that, they allow for rooms and home interiors to portray a distinct and unique character.
Textured and decorative finishes
One of the best ways to make open-plan spaces more definitive is a consideration of your backdrop. Decorative finishes for kitchen counters and cabinetry that carry variants of the same tone not only enhance interior cohesion, but make rooms feel more spacious.
Sonae Arauco’s Innovus Decorative Products makes use of sustainable wood-based materials that provide a limitless combination of décors and finishes that match the elements of contemporary living. Think back to the industrial aesthetic direction of mezzanine levels in apartments. Match this interior design direction with the Fantasies category.
However, if you’re looking towards a more neutral palette with softer and lighter hues, the Unicolours category is more than suited to making any room in your home seem warm and inviting while at the same time, open, spacious, and uplifting.
Finishing features – clean and pristine
At this final juncture, we revert back to the concept of “less is more” and keeping things clean. Because of this, open-plan living that adheres to a clutter-free, clinical, and minimalistic approach offers the best form of direction.
Consideration of the flow of your room, arrangement of accessories, décor, and furniture, and ultimately the correct use of proportion is essential to keeping things from seemingly overwhelming.
Variably, you need to be ready to let go of items and possessions that don’t fit and stick to simple aesthetics to achieve the best outcomes from an open-plan space.
For more information on our wood-based decorative panels and services, visit us at https://www.sonae.projects.coppertable.co.za/