How to Decorate a Room With an Open Layout

Use the same flooring throughout the space. This gives the entire area a feeling of cohesiveness. Different flooring materials will break up the space, making it look smaller and busy. Put down a light wood floor, such as pine, for an authentic urban loft vibe. For something softer underfoot, use a natural-fiber hemp, jute, sea grass or sisal. These carpets are extremely sturdy, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Choose a color scheme, and use it throughout in the same way as the flooring. Items such as artwork and accessories can be used to give each area a slightly different feel if necessary. Use white to create a clean, fresh, ultra-modern look. Accent with black or a bold, bright color for a striking contrast. Combine with light grays for a softer effect. Use visually receding cool colors such as steel blue and light green to create a feeling of space. For a warmer effect, use neutral colors with undertones such as light tan, rich cream and light coffee.

Add simple, modern furniture with clean lines and no elaborate detailing. Use light wood to complement a neutral color scheme or add warmth to a cool palette. Use black for contrast against white or cool light colors. Use white pieces for a bright, fresh effect.

Position furniture so that you can easily walk around each piece. Use open-shelf dividers to create a functional division between two areas if you need to. Create a cozy seating area near the television. For example, place the largest sofa opposite the television. Then place one or two secondary pieces at a right angle to the sofa. The secondary seating can be a love seat, another couch or two chairs. Add a floor rug to the central space, and put a coffee table on it.

Introduce splashes of color with fabrics such as cushions, throws, rugs and window dressings. For a totally white or neutral color scheme, look for fabrics made from different materials. Combine silk, velvet, brocade, leather, faux fur, cotton and cord for lots of texture. Match curtain or cushion fabric, patterns and colors with the dining tablecloth or table runner to create a cohesive look.