Open-Space Home Decorating

Creating a Cohesive Design

• When you are dealing with a wide open space, it is necessary to create a cohesive design. Otherwise, the area can appear cluttered and without purpose. In homes with individual rooms you have more freedom to have different design styles, but in an open-space home, it is best to pick one theme and stick with it throughout the entire space. The visual effect of having the same theme throughout creates harmony and makes the space seem ordered.

Separating "Rooms"

• Open-space houses are designed for maximum flow between living areas, but this can make a space seem cavernous and stark. To create "rooms" within an open space, certain design elements can be employed. For example, area rugs can be used to delineate space for specific room areas. Leaving some empty space between these "rooms" also gives a feeling of visual separation between the spaces and helps separate them according to their own purpose.

Lighting Issues

• Lighting can be a problem with open-space homes, simply because outlets are located only along walls. One way to deal with this is to use overhead lighting. Leaving cords and extension cords strung out through a space is not only a safety hazard, but it also makes the space look messy and cluttered. If the ceilings are too tall for overhead lighting to be effective, have an electrician sink outlets into the floor. These can then be used for table and floor lamps in each individual room space within the open-space design.

Furniture Considerations

• Unlike homes that have four walls in every room, an open-space design does not allow the luxury of simply placing an old sofa against the wall. The furniture you choose for your open-space home should look good from all angles. It is much harder to hide defects when everything is out in the open. In addition, furniture should not be overly "heavy" in design since this can take away from the open and airy feel of an open-space design.