Open floor plans offer so much more flexibility in design, but you have to remember that openness comes with consequences. There are plenty of common mistakes people make when going with an open floor plan, and it’s imperative you don’t commit them.
In this guide, we will let you in those blunders, so you can avoid them and make the most out of your open floor layout.
Let’s get to it!
If you don't have a focal point, then your open floor plan is likely to feel too scattered and disorganized. That's why it's important to make sure that your design features a focal point as you go about building your home. This focal point can take the form of anything from a fireplace to a stunning piece of artwork. Choose wisely, and make sure that this piece gives your open floor plan the taste of cohesion it needs.
When creating an open floor plan, you're making a conscious choice that allows for flow between specific living spaces. Whether you want guests to pass through your living room or kitchen to access your backyard, you must ensure that the flow between spaces feels natural.
With all that extra space, you're going to need somewhere to put all of your stuff. If you do not have enough storage, you're allowing for a messy and disorganized open floor plan.
If you think of all the furniture and other accessories that you're planning to incorporate into the design, you'll see that it's not that big of a deal to add a bit of extra storage.
Open floor plans can feel vast and open, which is why it's essential you have plenty of lighting when you're designing your space. You need to make sure that you have adequate lighting in every one of your rooms and spaces. This will also help you feel safe and secure because you won't have to worry about stumbling into anything or feeling closed in.
When you have an open floor plan, it's important to ensure that your furniture is the right choice. For example, if you have a couch that's a few feet away from a coffee table, then you'll want to make sure that they fit well together. The couch and coffee table should be positioned in a way that feels natural so that the open floor plan still feels cohesive.
How do you know if you have sightlines in your open floor plan? Simple. Walk through the space and pay attention to how it looks and feels. Are you able to see what's going on in every one of your open spaces? If you are, then you're in good shape. If not, then you need to make some changes. Here's a good rule of thumb: you likely have sight lines if you can’t hear the conversations in a room but can see what the people are doing.
There are so many ways that a common open floor plan can go wrong, from ineffective use of lighting and wide spaces to not adding enough storage and not creating a natural flow. Thankfully, you’re now aware of these mistakes, which will help you not commit them when designing your open floor layout.
Technick has talented home floor plan designers in Irvine, CA that can bring your dream open floor plan to life. We build inspiring residential and commercial spaces in Irvine, Anaheim Hills, and San Bernardino County. Contact us!
