Usually when one sees a photo of an open floor plan they think of a spacious and modern design. One would visualize that the kitchen sits way off in the distance, large windows let in plenty of natural sunlight and there may even be space for multiple sitting areas. But just because one might have a smaller space doesn’t mean that an open floor plan is out of one’s reach. With some smart adjustments, one can create a small space seem like an open floor plan. Anyone can use these ideas discussed here to make a small space feel more expansive.
When working with a smaller space, you’re not going to have as much room for multiple sitting areas. And you’re going to want to keep the space looking as open as possible. The easiest way to work with furniture in a small space open floor plan is actually to go big. This may seem illogical but a single larger furniture piece along the wall keeps the space more open. Otherwise one could be cluttering up the space with many smaller furniture. Depending on the layout of the room, one could use a long sofa or add a loveseat.
Create a Focal Point
When working with a small space open floor plan, you might want to create a focal point to add visual interest to the room. One focal point item will add plenty of style to one’s space without cluttering up the smaller area than the way, designs with more items might. Examples of small space focal points can include a:
• Small accent wall
• Fireplace, either real or electric (smaller electric fireplaces fit well into small spaces)
• Single piece of larger, bold furniture, like a brightly colored sofa
• Television over a mantel or a display cabinet
• Piece of large wall art
These ideas also create their own sense of organization, as we often organize other items like furniture around the focal point.
When in the process of finding a new place to live or designing that dream home, a key feature to keep in mind is an open loft design. That way, even if the space is on the smaller side, one has a whole second story that is visually open. An open loft design leads to the illusion that the space is far bigger than it is. And it helps add to the small space ‘open floor plan’ feeling by actually opening up the space. This is a design that is both illusion and literally more open.
Keep it Bright
One would also want to keep a close eye on the colour scheme of the room. A common feature of open floor plans is that they tend to stay on the bright and neutral side of the design spectrum. A small space open floor plan is no exception. In fact, in smaller spaces, it’s even more important to keep the space light and neutral. Lighter colours help keep spaces feeling free and open. Also, keeping the area well-lit will help it feel more open since darker spaces usually automatically feel closed off. One might consider elements like large windows or skylights. These will keep the natural light flowing into the space. If these are not an option, other lighting features like recessed lighting, pendant lighting and even casual chandelier designs can keep the space well-lit. Everything in this style is about keeping the space looking as open as possible. Anyone can make a small space seem more open. The goal is to make the space feel more expansive.
