Creating the Perfect Open Concept Decor: Unify Spaces with Area Rugs, Cohesive Walls and Flooring, and Unique Furnishings

Are you looking to create the best open concept decor in your home? Want to seamlessly blend different areas while still maintaining their individual charm? Look no further! In this article, we will reveal five foolproof strategies to define rooms with ease, ensuring a harmonious flow throughout your space. From selecting the right furnishings to incorporating unique feature items, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to monotonous spaces and say hello to a home that exudes style and personality. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets to crafting the perfect open concept design that will leave your guests in awe.

Define Rooms with Area Rugs

Using rugs is a fantastic way to add style and create distinct areas in open spaces. If your dining area and living area are connected, you can use a large rug to anchor each space.

A great option is to choose rugs that complement each other without being identical.

Use Consistent Wall Paint & Trim

When it comes to open concept spaces, it's best to stick to a consistent color for the walls and trim.

Keep the trim one color and let the architectural features of your house guide your paint choices.

If you have a long wall that extends across multiple spaces, it's important to paint it with a single color.

I understand the desire to paint only one area, but we faced a similar dilemma with a wall in our kitchen. Painting just that area would mean covering the entire entryway, stairwell, and the room at the top of the stairs.

When selecting paint for a large open space, be sure to test samples in each area, as lighting can vary. Aim for a neutral color and add personality to your home through other means.

But it's not all bad news! With most of the walls having a neutral color, you can choose a fun accent color or wall treatment for a smaller, defined wall, just like what we did in the dining room.

Use Consistent Flooring

You might be thinking that I broke my own rule when I showed you the tile in our laundry room touching the wood flooring.

However, the laundry room is actually an example of following this rule. Since we were updating the laundry room and it shared tile with the garage entry, we decided to update the flooring at the same time. Keeping the old tile in the adjoining space would have created a disjointed look.

As you plan for the future of your home, consider how you can unite as many open areas as possible with a single type of flooring. Avoid the mistake of having multiple flooring surfaces in one view, like I once saw in an open house with five different surfaces!

We chose wood flooring that runs from the front door through the kitchen, dining room, and nook. Looking back, we wish we had extended it to my office, the great room, and the downstairs bedroom as well.

However, don't be afraid to choose different tiles for each bathroom as long as they fit within your overall vision for your home. It's perfectly fine to have fun and experiment with various finishing options for each bathroom!

Select the Right Furnishings

When choosing furniture, pay attention to the back of each piece, especially if it will be placed in the center of the room instead of against a wall.

This also applies to barstools. While we often focus on the seat side when judging their comfort in stores, in reality, the back is what we see most often when they're pushed against the island.

Pick a Feature Item that Makes Each Space Unique

We've discussed techniques for creating consistency and cohesion in rooms. However, it's also important to have the freedom to mix things up and showcase your personality.

Each space within your open area should have something that catches the eye and defines it as a distinct room in the minds of your guests. But it should also be special to you.

You might already own amazing items that can take center stage. In our case, it was a combination of DIY projects (the G's in the living room), art purchased while on vacation (Jackie in the dining room), and vintage finds (the auditorium desks in the entry).

If you're struggling with this aspect, try brainstorming all the things you love, whether it's sports, travel, books, or a specific design style. This can help you generate creative ideas!

Incorporating an open concept design into your home can truly transform your space, making it feel more spacious, modern, and welcoming. By following these essential tips for open concept decor, you can create a seamless flow between different areas while still defining distinct spaces. Professional designers recommend using area rugs to clearly define each room, opting for consistent wall paint and trim to tie everything together, and maintaining uniform flooring throughout. Carefully selecting the right furnishings and adding a unique feature item to each space will also add character and charm. With these expert suggestions, you'll be able to achieve the best open concept decor for a stylish and functional home.