The creative economy is reshaping how we live and work, with open-plan living becoming a hallmark of modern interior design and how people now imagine their personal spaces. This trend reflects an emphasis on flexibility, innovation, and the need for open-plan multifunctional spaces.
In this third part of our series, we explore the art of designing impactful open-plan living rooms. We’ll explore effective zoning, furniture and decor choices, lighting, materials, and the integration of smart technology.
Innovus – designing for impact
Our latest collection of woodgrains was purposefully designed to create a lasting impression, enhance one’s mood, and bring one closer to nature in the home or office.
Our designs emphasise impactful aesthetics that incorporate personal touches with functional and sustainable elements.
Making an impact with zoning and layout
Creating distinct zones within an open-plan living space is essential for functionality. Each area should be clearly defined yet connected in a way that encourages fluidity, whether for cooking, dining, downtime, or working. Using furniture, rugs, and lighting to demarcate these spaces maintains flow while making redundant the need for walls. However, don’t be afraid to add partition walls at your leisure for a baseline.
Maintaining a cohesive flow is critical to successful open-plan living. Ensuring each zone transitions smoothly into the next can be achieved using consistent, impactful design elements for furniture and decor placement in particular.
Statement and multi-functional furniture and decor
Speaking of furniture placement, multi-functional pieces are invaluable in open-plan spaces. Sofas with storage, extendable dining tables, and movable partitions offer practical solutions for maximising space but also enhancing versatility. Easy reconfiguration of the living area to suit different activities and occasions allows one to reimagine their space with relative ease.
Consider statement furniture and decor items to make a lasting impact. Focal points draw the eye and add personality to what has morphed into a dynamic environment.
Stand-out lighting enhancements
Layered lighting is essential in open-plan living areas. Combining ambient, task, and accent lighting allows you to change and adapt the mood of any given space. For instance, pendant lights over the dining area, floor lamps in the lounging zone, and under-cabinet lights in the kitchen are contemporary, impactful additions.
However, don’t forget the importance of natural light. The goal is to ensure an open-plan living area feels airy and expansive. Large windows, skylights, and reflective surfaces help flood the space with daylight and natural ambience.
Superior and versatile materials and textures
A consistent palette of materials and textures helps unify different zones within open-plan interior spaces. Wood-based materials, metal, glass, and certain fabrics can be mixed and matched to encourage your flow. Innovus’ latest collection offers an array of Woodgrains and Fantasies that seamlessly blend urban and natural aesthetics.
Sonae Arauco’s Innovus collection offers curated decors integral to impactful open-plan living designs. A collection of stylish wood-based panels to provide sustainable solutions that enhance interiors’ visual appeal and functionality.
Impactful and vivacious colour schemes
A coherent colour scheme ties together the various areas of an open-plan living space. Trends favour neutral bases with bold, vigorous accents. Trendy colours include shades of peach, maroon, and green.
Strategic use of accent colours can differentiate zones and add visual interest. Bright hues for the kitchen, warm tones for the dining area, and cool shades for the lounging space.
Smart technology for modern homes
Image source: a1garage.com
With features like keyless entry systems, energy monitoring, and high-speed internet access, smart technology is now a ubiquitous demand.
Smart technology can significantly enhance the functionality and convenience of open-plan living areas. Integrated lighting, heating, and entertainment systems can be controlled from a single device, offering seamless home environment management.
App-controlled features such as automated lighting, climate control, and security systems add a layer of convenience, allowing homeowners to personalise their living experience with ease.
Modern design is shifting
We are quickly moving towards an era where a focus on multifunctional spaces and a trend towards “back to basics” is changing the way in which we define impactful interior design. This is why an airy and versatile open-plan home is one of the key elements of this open-plan living room design approach.
Visit our various partners and affiliates:
The Building Centre, The Kitchen Specialist Association, The Green Building Council, and The African Institute of Interior Design Professions.
For more information on our wood-based decorative panels and services, visit us at https://sonaearauco.co.za/