5 Styling Tips for Decorating an Open Floor Plan

Open floor plans are a favorite for modern homes and for good reason! An open-concept, spacious floor plan offers an airy and open feel, allowing easy flow between living, dining and kitchen areas. But styling a wide-open space can be difficult as knowing where to start without clear walls and corners defining each area can prove challenging. If you’re settling into a new home with an open-concept layout, these five design tips will help you create a cohesive, functional, modern and beautiful space.

1. Use Rugs to Define Each Area: Rugs are your best friend in an open floor plan. They help visually separate living spaces like the family room, dining area, or breakfast nook without putting up any walls. They can also help break up the spaces to make the small decorating less intimidating. Choose rugs that complement each other in color or pattern to keep the overall look of the home cohesive while still giving each area its own identity.
2. Float Your Furniture: It might be tempting, and much easier to push your sofa or chairs against the walls, but open spaces actually benefit from furniture that “floats!” This means placing furniture away from walls or corners. Use your couch to create a soft boundary for the living room, or place a console table behind it to form a natural separation between living areas.
3. Use Furniture & Decor to Guide Flow: Looking into an open space with furniture throughout can be very overwhelming at first. Strategically place furniture to guide the eye and movement through the room. Make sure traffic paths are clear and intuitive so no space in your new home feels like an obstacle course!
4. Create a Color Palette: A consistent color scheme is key in open-concept homes. You don’t have to match everything exactly, but keep your core colors consistent throughout the space. Using accent colors like pillows, art and vases add personality and variety without clashing spaces.
5. Play with Lighting:  Lighting can instantly define and enhance any space. Try a light over the dining table, a chandelier or statement fixture in the living area, sconces next to wall art and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen. This light variety can help create depth, draw attention to key areas and make each space feel distinct yet cohesive with your open floor plan. Table lamps and floor lamps can also help layer the lighting, add warmth and make larger spaces feel more inviting.

Open floor plans give you flexibility and ample space for hosting or everyday conveniences, but styling these large empty spaces can be quite difficult. Thoughtful styling makes the difference between one blank space and a home filled with character and personality. With the right design touches, your open layout can feel both functional and beautiful.