Furnishing an Open Plan Room

How to Decorate an Open Plan Room – open plan living room with artisan furniture

If you’re lucky enough to have an open-plan living room, you’ll know that it can be a fantastic space for socialising with friends and family. However, without careful design and planning, it can quickly become cluttered and confusing. In this article, we’ll share some affordable ideas for decorating your living-dining combo and turning it into a space that you can be proud of.

Before you start decorating, it’s important to think about how you want the space to work for you. Do you want it to be a relaxing space, a family hub, or a home office? Maybe it’s all of the above! We’ll explore how to create the right feel for your space using colour and texture, and share some tips for making the most of your living-dining combo.

Choosing A Colour Scheme

When it comes to designing a space, choosing the right colour scheme can make all the difference. The tone of a colour can greatly impact the feel of a room. To create a balanced space, it’s important to consider the tone of the colours you choose. Here are some popular colour schemes to consider:

NATURALS

Natural colours like white, beige, and cream are great base colours that can make a room feel spacious and airy. However, be careful not to make the space too bland. Consider using accent colours to add interest and depth to the room. Accent colours that are opposite on the colour wheel can create a striking contrast.

WARM NEUTRALS

Warm neutrals are trendy right now and for a good reason. These colours are variations of cream and pink, which are near each other on the colour wheel and are considered ‘warm’ colours. Add in some chocolate brown or charcoal grey for balance.

GREYS

Grey is a timeless colour that can be used as a base colour. It pairs well with almost any other colour, but blue tones are particularly complementary. Mixing different tones of grey and mustard yellow can create a bold look.

ACCENTS

Using an accent wall or colour blocking can create separation and add interest to a large space. Good quality decorator’s masking tape like Frog Tape can ensure clean edges every time. If you’re not ready for a paint job, consider a stand-out rug or wallpaper to help zone areas.

A great website for looking at pictures of how certain colour schemes work in real-life settings is Pinterest.  There are some great accounts on Pinterest from both professional interior designer and keen hobbyists that post some fabulous pictures for both inspiration and confirmation of your existing ideas. A good example is https://www.pinterest.co.uk/annchinery/home-colour-schemes/.

Remember, balance is key when it comes to choosing a colour scheme. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours, but be mindful of the tones and how they work together. By choosing the right colour scheme, you can create a space that is both visually appealing and functional.

A living room with a beautifully balanced colour scheme

Organising Your Space

Create Separate Zones

When arranging your living room and dining room, it’s important to create distinct zones to make the space feel cohesive. You can achieve this by using furniture to divide the areas. For example, a shelving unit or console table can be used to separate the living and dining spaces. However, be mindful not to create a corridor effect that can restrict movement around the room.

Bring the Outside In

To make your space feel more inviting, consider placing your dining set near a window. This will create a natural flow and give you the feeling of eating outdoors. Another way to add an accent colour and bring life to the whole space is by using greenery. Adding plants can make the room feel more vibrant and refreshing. So, go ahead and buy all the plants you want!

Bring the Ouside In – Use Plants With Your Decor