For many people, having an open plan space is a godsend. However, for many others, it can be a bit of a curse. Because there is so much space available to you, you have a lot of opportunity to experiment, but in doing so, you can often find things go wrong.
So, whether you are living in an open plan house or are looking to do some renovation, we hope this guide can give you some helpful pointers.
Flooring
One of the main reasons for having an open plan home is to open up your floor space. Because of this, you should be looking at getting consistent flooring – in colour and texture – across entire areas. This can cause problems when it comes to kitchens. If your cooking facilities are close to your living space, then a carpet is going to be a no-go. Think about having stone tiles or laminate flooring installed instead. You can use rugs to soften up your living areas.
Create Different Areas
While open plan homes are great for creating space, they can look a little dull if everything looks the same. Try and section off different areas with different styles and arrangements. For example, your sofas and comfortable chairs can break up the flow nicely to provide a comfy area for relaxing. You could also think about using cabinets or shelving as room dividers.
Stairs
Wrap-around stairs are an open plan classic, and can look great in any home. There are a few things to bear in mind. U.K. building regulations mean that all stairs must be built with slip resistant material, and you will need to have handrails installed if they are more than a metre wide. However, you can turn these regulations to your advantage by forming your handrails into a balustrade at the top of the stairs. Here’s a great example of the sort of look you can achieve: http://www.stainlesshandrailsystems.co.uk/balustrade-maufacturer-supplier. Not only can you plan for safety, but you can open up your top floor and tie it in with the rest of the house, too. Remember that open plan living is all about the line of sight, as much as anything else.
Storage
Storage can be more of a problem with open plan homes, so you need to plan in advance. Simple wall storage will look great for day-to-day items such as books, antiques, and display items. However, to keep the place clutter-free, you should think about utilising your cellar or loft for bulkier things that are only used occasionally. Our guide to building a storage loft is easy to follow and will give you an accessible area for storing all your junk.
Hopefully, these ideas will inspire you to upgrade your open plan space. Or, alternatively, assist you in planning your next renovation. Open plan living is certainly all the rage right now, and there are many ways to go about it. But, if you keep this advice in mind while you are in the planning stage, you will avoid some of the problems and ensure your new space looks fantastic.