5 Ways To Cosy Up An Open-Plan Home

It can help to cosy up an open-plan as sometimes it can feel bare, empty or even cold. There are many reasons this happens, but by using design methods such as focal points, contrasting colours and textures with lighting, you can turn an uninviting space into something you will love.

Consider Private or Intimate Spaces

The whole point of open-plan is to develop a cohesive space that blends together for form and function. But it doesn’t always work well, and you can find yourself feeling exposed to the design choices. Privacy is a major concern, so it helps to consider this. Spaces such as the sleeping and bathroom area, of course, require some privacy. So it helps to think about things like shower doors, sliding and retracting doors and room dividers for cosy privacy across the entire home.

Use Focal Points in Zones

Designating functional zones is one of the keys to developing a great open-plan living situation. It helps define the spaces you need and breaks up the monotony of a larger area. However, it can still feel cold and empty without some aesthetic tricks. These still include standard design concepts such as focal points that you would use in an enclosed room. There aren’t as many walls for fireplaces or hanging. Ornamental pieces, shelving and even a TV can enhance this.

Furniture Placement to Cosy Up an Open-Plan

Like any room and space, the furniture you place and how you place it can completely change the way an open-plan situation feels. For example, with an open-plan, the dining area is typically the main division between the cosy living space and the more functional or utilitarian. However, shorter rooms can feel cluttered if a table is placed the wrong way, such as taking up the space longways. It also helps to group living space items together to encourage friendly intimacy.

Using Colour and Texture

Some of the standard design rules you may be familiar with are absent with open-plan. For example, neutral colours don’t tend to work as well because you are dealing with a much larger space, so they can seem dull. To encourage the feeling of an airy and inviting space, bolder colours than you are used to work better. Textures and patterns, alongside plants, can also layer the depth of the verticality of a room and help with the definition of zones and focal points.

Don’t Forget About Lighting

Most people go open-plan to make better use of natural light. This is often done via skylights, wall removal and larger external doors and windows. But of course, sunlight only lasts for a limited time, so it’s necessary to use artificial lighting. Open-plans can feel cold, so warm lighting options are a good choice. Orange hues are excellent, and it helps to layer lighting well. Some brands of smart bulbs also come with programs that can set the mood and tone using colour.

Summary

Designing around your intimacy and privacy needs can help cosy up an open-plan living style. How you place the furniture also changes the feel and certain lighting can help you feel warmer.

By claire.