How to Make the Most of Your Open Floor Plan

With over 100 years of building homes in multiple California and Arizona markets, Elliott Homes has seen countless design trends come and go. However, one lasting request from buyers is open-concept floor plans. These layouts knock down the walls that separate living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens in older homes to create one large space for easy entertaining. 

Designing for an open floor plan—from the choices in wall color and flooring to furniture selection and placement—can be a little tricky, especially for homeowners used to living in older homes with a bit more separation. The following guide provides some tried-and-true best practices for creating a functional open floor plan. 

Create visual separation 

Just because you have an open floor plan does not mean you lose the ability to create defined spaces throughout. One of the simplest ways to create visual separation is with area rugs. They help identify a specific space and offer an easy blueprint to arrange furniture around. Area rugs will layer beautifully over multiple flooring finishes while adding elements of texture, color and pattern to the room. 

Additionally, the way you position your furniture can help produce a natural barrier in open space, creating the illusion of separate rooms without actual walls. Instead of positioning your couch up against the wall, place it in the middle of the room and face it toward a chosen focal point, like a fireplace or TV, to create a defined living space. 

Use cohesive colors and materials 

One of the first steps you’ll take when working with our interior designers to personalize your home is selecting a color palette. For open floor plans, a smart color palette will help establish a cohesive flow throughout the space with similar tones and textures. We also suggest using the same flooring to help create the visual of an even larger, blended space. 

With no physical separation between the main living areas in an open-concept plan, homeowners typically stick with a neutral color palette. That way, it can carry throughout the entire space without feeling overwhelming. To add pops of color or pattern to the space, consider incorporating them into a fun kitchen backsplash, furniture textiles, art or accent pieces. 

Maintain a path 

Envisioning how your family and visitors will actually move throughout this space can also guide you through creating the ideal layout of furniture. Consider how people will get from one part of the room to another, as well as how they’ll get to other points of interest (like the powder room). By creating a clear and open path that isn’t obstructed by furniture, you’ll establish a flow that will maximize the benefits of your layout. 

Find exactly what you’re looking for  

Designing and decorating for an open floor plan is a lot less complicated than it might seem. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to create a functional, livable space that the whole family can enjoy. For questions on finding a floor plan that meets your needs in one of Elliott Homes’ new-construction communities in the Sacramento, Lodi, Phoenix or Yuma markets, contact us online today.