6 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing an Open Living Room

An open living room or open plan is a room that connects the living room, dining room, and kitchen.

With no fixed internal walls, this makes the living room appear one large, open, and social area where everyone can interact easily.

Getting the balance between a sense of openness and the right visual depiction of space is a key element of implementing an open living room properly.

Using too many styles

The general idea of ​​an open living room is to create one large setting with a style that doesn't vary too much from room to room.

Maintaining a single style throughout the living room, kitchen and dining area gives the interior a neater, clutter-free look.

It also allows you to use a less extensive color palette and use two to three different materials.

Improper space separation

Even if there is no wall between the kitchen, dining room, and living room, you still need a clear separation of space to get the best view.

This can be done using freestanding shelves, rugs, and faux ceilings. This is an easy and cost-effective way to create a room without the presence of actual walls.

Poor lighting in different areas

Despite the variety of benefits that an open living room brings, there is a lack of walls here that is usually not shared with a separate living room, kitchen and dining area.

This means you need to plan your lighting fixtures well in advance along with proper placement of recessed lights to avoid feeling dull.

In addition, consider the natural light factor in the room before choosing the placement of the kitchen and dining room.

Furniture size is not right

Be it a living room or a dining room, it is important to choose furniture that is proportionate to the overall design of the open space arrangement.

Furniture that is too large not only creates obstacles, but also interferes with the dynamics with other areas of the open living room.

It's best to decorate the room with a similar finishing touch so as to make the setting more attractive.

Not planning needs

Plan how the living room and kitchen will need to function before deciding on the final floor plan.

Changing only one part of the living room open causes a strange effect and requires larger changes to the other two parts.

Plan ahead and leave room for future additions if possible.

Also, avoid stuffing with lots of unneeded items to keep the open living room clutter-free.