The Importance Of Designing A Cohesive Open Concept Living Space
An open floor plan is highly desirable, from the suburban single family home to the urban condo. With that said, continuity and creating a refined spatial design are essential when the entryway, kitchen, dining room and family room seamlessly flow together. Here, we will discuss the importance of designing a cohesive open concept living space, as well as ways to create a more ambient and connected home.
Open Concept Living
In an open concept floor plan, two or more rooms are combined to create a spacious, shared space. Typically, this is achieved by eliminating the walls that would traditionally divide the kitchen, dining room, and main living area. These distinct spaces merge to form a single great room that is tailored for entertaining and spending quality time with the family. This appealing, contemporary approach to spatial design has grown in popularity over the past few decades, however, it is not without drawbacks.
Containing clutter can be an issue in any home, but this is a particular challenge in a living space where everything is out in the open and visible. And it’s not just everyday messes. Cluttered and disjointed décor and furnishings can also detract from the beauty of open concept living. Without careful consideration and a holistic approach, you could end up with an overwhelming sense of chaos instead of a refined and comfortable interior. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure your interior design maintains a consistent visual flow throughout the home.
Connecting The Dots
Like puzzle pieces, each space in an open concept living area should be distinct yet connected. Collaborating with an interior designer can help you achieve a more ambient flow and cohesive spatial design, as well as find solutions to the challenges of an open floor plan. Through bespoke custom furnishings, designer fabrics, and a thoughtful color palette, it is possible to create visually cohesive and refined open concept spaces that are tailored to your taste and lifestyle.
This elegantly mastered kitchen by Stella Ludwig Interiors is a prime example. Soothing gray walls are paired with crisp white cabinetry and wainscotting in the kitchen, while a Roman shade window treatment offers pops of vibrant green and orange. This clean color scheme is carried from the kitchen to the adjoining family room with a sofa upholstered in luxurious designer fabrics, a woven area rug, complimentary light fixtures, and chic, decorative elements.
In addition to color and décor, architectural details can also help visually separate spaces while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. You will often see kitchen islands used as a natural transition between open concept spaces, with seamless flooring, ceiling beams, wainscotting, or crown molding utilized to visually connect other rooms, as seen in this modern University City townhouse.
While there are some unique spatial design challenges, open-concept living also has many benefits that are desirable to homeowners. With careful planning and an eye for continuity, you can create the ambient and refined home of your dreams. If you reside in the Greater Philadelphia Area, contact Stella Ludwig Interiors today to see how we can help.
Stella Ludwig Interiors is an award-winning boutique design firm specializing in high-end residential design. Located in the historic Rittenhouse Square area, we service discerning professional clients, empty nesters, and busy executives, as well as international families living in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. We are known for creating distinctive interiors that exude elegance with style and panache, and feel privileged to work in an ever-changing creative industry that allows us to use our experience and talents to bring joy to those we serve. Stella Ludwig Interiors projects and ideas have been featured in Architectural Digest, Philly+Home Design Magazine, Philadelphia Style, Philadelphia & Suburban Life Magazine, Bucks House & Home, Kravet Design Share, and Real Estate and Design Industry Blogs.