Fashioning an environment out of an open concept layout can get all your creative juices flowing. As perfect as the concept is for versatility, entertaining and in keeping with today’s lifestyle, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment can pose something of a challenge at times, as these pesky little questions will undoubtedly pop up during the process of developing a décor concept that’s perfect for your space:

What colour should I paint my walls?

How do I lay out my furniture?

What type of window treatment will I use?

What type of lighting should I select?

Will the accessories that I choose provide the personality and WOW factor that I am looking for?

Not to mention these all-important factors:

1 What is the budget?

2 How much space am I working with for each zone?

3 How will the space be used?

4 What’s the size of my family?

So… Here’s the Plan

Walls

Paint your walls in a gentle, neutral tone. That way the space will appear light and airy. That all-important colour will be an awesome backdrop to your furnishings, window treatment and wall art. If you must do an accent wall, do so in an area what will reflect light. Also, do not limit your accent wall to a paint application: consider wood planks, tiles, wall paper or fabric.

The Layout

Consider the fact that your layout will be determined by the natural traffic patterns in the room preset by the entrance doors, patio doors and entrances to hallways. Therefore, it would not be a good idea to block any of these areas. Also, bear in mind that furnishings for apartments and townhouses are cut a bit smaller in dimensions; for instance, a 78”- 84” sofa would be ideal as opposed to a 96” sofa intended for a house.

Here’s an example for a seating arrangement

An upholstered sofa complemented with two retro accent chairs. A glass centre table and appealing base for less visual weight, which is anchored with a beautifully patterned rug. Industrial chic, factory metal side tables on either side of the sofa and to carry the theme, a pair of glass lamps with the factory metal detail. Mixed media accent pillows and abstract art are introduced for a strong infusion of colours.

Window Treatment

Today’s lifestyle calls for a more contemporary approach as it relates to window coverings. Solid panels in a luxurious texture and wonderful dressmaker details such as goblet pleats and covered buttons are pretty much all you need. But if you require show-stoppers, the options are limitless. Do allow options for light filtering.

Lighting

In open concept spaces there are usually predetermined lighting zones. So the living room, dining area and kitchen have a receptacle just ready for your lighting choice. The sky is the limit here and your lighting fixtures can add an immeasurable amount of personality and drama to the room. Just remember there is overhead or ambient lighting, which is your general light. Then you have the task lights which take the form of table lamps, desk lamps, counter pendant lights, and then there are the accent lights, which take the form of the wall sconces. So have fun!

BUT…

Keep in mind – Be consistent; finishes matter.

Should you choose a stainless finish for the kitchen, it would not be a good idea to choose oil-rubbed bronze for the dining and chrome for the living room. If you find a fixture that you really love and the finish is not what you desire, you have permission to spray it!

Accessories

Inspired environments are a celebration of your spirit. Accessories are pieces that tell the story about you. They should be attention-grabbing, thought-provoking and simply fabulous. So choose wisely. Also, give yourself permission to gather them over time.

Vintage accessories give that warm and fuzzy feeling and provide a wonderful connection to the past. Not to mention, they are instant conversation pieces.

Oversized and decorative mirrors add sparkle and pizzazz.

Artwork is a must.

An interesting clock is always a winner.

Keep like objects in collections rather than scattering them around the room.

Go bold. Arrangements must be in odd numbers and in multi-levels; we are accustomed to symmetry but items are so much more interesting in asymmetrical placements.

Decorating an open concept space can be fun. Focus on pattern and texture and have a mix of the following for a visually appealing home:

Fabric

Wood

Metal

Glass

Texture

Mirror

Happy decorating, and here’s to a legendary space!

Karen Booker

Creative Director

Karen Booker Design Group

DeZign Diva Lifestyle

www.dezigndivalifestyle.com

www.dezignerdiva.blogspot.com