Open Concept Living: How to Make Large Spaces Feel Cohesive

Open concept living can be great for entertaining, but without strategic interior design, it can seem like you’re lost in a giant echo chamber. Interior designers like the ones on the Dwell Interior Design team can help you make an open concept cozier. Read our quick tips to learn how to make large spaces feel cohesive. These can help you with open concept living in a single-family home, loft, apartment, or condo!

How to Make Large Spaces Feel Cohesive

Interior designers love to make open floor plans feel cohesive and cozy. The top three ways to achieve a more cohesive feeling include creating clusters or groups of furnishings, unifying colors and materials, and adding functional features.

1.    Create Clusters. No one wants to yell to talk to someone across the room, so it’s important to bring people together by grouping seating areas. By dividing an open space into two or three clusters of furnishings, you can make the space more distinctive, functional, and comfortable. Groupings will facilitate conversation, as with a sofa, chairs, and side tables. Then, create separate spaces for dining and for reading, knitting, or enjoying morning coffee. Use rugs as visual boundaries, being mindful to choose area rugs that are appropriate in size and color. Rugs also soften footsteps and absorb sound, which enhances ambiance.

2.    Unify Colors and Materials. A cohesive color palette is one of the best approaches for making spaces feel welcoming. That starts with the flooring and trim—the foundation of the room. Maintain the color story as you choose furnishings and accessories and paint colors. Remember the window treatments, too. The right window treatments can transform a bland room into one that makes sense. Plus, they control privacy and light.

3.    Add Functional Features for Definition. Sometimes, an open concept room can be made much more functional with features that define the space. For example, an island or bar—mobile or built-in—can be brought into a bonus space. An island can serve many purposes beyond the kitchen. Consider a rolling island for homework, wrapping gifts, or crafting. Half walls and built-in cabinetry can be wonderful architectural additions to a space, making it easier to define two or three functional clusters suited to your family’s needs. Talk to us about remodeling, as experienced interior design guidance can help you enhance the flow for your family’s lifestyle.

With these three strategic ideas, open concept living can feel warmer and more inviting. If you’re struggling to find cohesion in your open concept home or condo, don’t get lost in the details—contact Dwell for a consultation. And be sure to visit our showroom in Coralville for some top choices in area rugs, accessories, and furnishings to make your dwelling more cohesive!