Open plan living - the positives

Open plan living is pretty much the interior equivalent of parks, or what city folk like to call open space.

 

It’s all about creating a huge area where you are not hampered by interior walls as the wannabe interior designer in you goes into overdrive. That huge sofa you always dreamed of, but could not quite fit into your small living room, would be ideal in an open plan living area.

 

A large, sweeping room offers so many possibilities, especially if it has some original wall features and high ceilings.

 

Whether it’s grand pieces of furniture, or huge wall hangings, that you wish to display, the open plan living area gives you plenty of room in which to manoeuvre. But you should never leave it sparse. An open plan area should feel cosy and inviting while being free of unnecessary clutter.

 

Even if you have an older property, there’s something about open plan that gives it a modern feel. Maybe it’s because scenes in many a present day Hollywood movie are shot in huge living areas and we’re conditioned to expect them to be something rather special, something grand. Or maybe it’s just an American thing?

 

Most people who opt for open plan living areas, which usually replace a couple of living rooms, a dining room and a kitchen at the very least, love to entertain. You don’t have to go out of the room if you are cooking for friends or pouring drinks.

 

And if you have kids you can keep an eye on them as you create some incredible dish on the hob or embark on a general tidy-up within the space.

 

Many people who have opted for that large multifunctional space for sitting, dining and cooking also claim it’s much easier to clean than traditional rooms.

 

Watch out for a blog on the negatives of open plan living coming soon.