THE CHANDLERS FORD DIRECTORY HOME & INTERIORS
Open Sesame Why have several small, dark rooms when you can simply knock down some walls and live in a gorgeous, airy, bright and huge space? But there are eight key issues you should bear in mind when decorating your open-plan home, says Katherine Sorrell A comfortable seating area can be based around a rug and finished with oversized lighting. The Barletta collection, Marks & Spencer, 0845 302 1234; marksandspencer.com.
1. Creating a focal point While traditional rooms often work around a fireplace or TV, larger, multi-purpose rooms can lack visual focus. By introducing colour, pattern and/or texture on one wall – perhaps above a sofa or behind a dining table – you’ll add character, interest and even drama. The easiest solution is to use a strong paint colour or to hang a large painting, photograph or print, while boldly patterned wallpaper also works well. 2. Using colour Pale colours are generally considered best to emphasise the airiness of large open spaces. But should you go for one shade all over, or choose different colours for different areas? Using the same colour throughout gives an unbroken look and emphasises space, but if one end of the room is to function separately from the other – a living and dining space, a living and work space – you can zone these areas by varying their
colour. A tonal scheme, with colour going from light to darker from one end to the other, can be particularly effective. 3. Planning your lighting Use lighting to delineate different areas within your open-plan space, and illuminate different parts to suit your needs, whether it’s a living area or working space, a kitchen or a dining area. Layer in different types of light in different areas, using a mixture of concealed lighting (in ceilings or under shelves, for example) and eye-catching, oversized fixtures that suit the extra-large space. 4. Choosing a floor Choosing flooring for a multi-purpose space such as an open-plan cooking/dining/living area can be tricky, as the kitchen area needs to be able to cope with splashes and spills, while you’ll want the sitting area to feel cosy and comfortable. You have two choices: either run the same flooring throughout for a sleek, flowing look, or choose a variety of types of flooring which will differentiate between areas. If you go for the former option, consider stone or wood, both of which can be softened with rugs where necessary, or consider high quality vinyl, which is spill-proof and forgiving underfoot. 5. Separating spaces Not all open-plan spaces need to be entirely open all of the time, so for truly flexible living it’s advisable to include some sort of flexible division. In a period property, panelled doors that can be folded back against the walls when not in use are perfect; in a more modern house a moveable screen, or perhaps ceiling-mounted panels (on a track) that can be pulled to one side when desired, would be enormously useful. ...Continued on page 58 T H E C H A N D L E R S F O R D D I R E C TO RY | ke v i n @ c f d i r e c t o r y.c o .u k
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