9 Interior Design Tips for Open Floor Plan Homes

For almost a century, open floor plans were the be-all-end-all of contemporary homeownership. While much of society is returning to smaller, more private living spaces, these vast layouts certainly aren’t going anywhere!

Home design magazines and HGTV can make an open-concept space seem like the secret to decorating on “easy mode.” Once you actually begin curating your home’s furniture and decor, however, it becomes clear that the opposite is true.

Before you take a sledgehammer to your interior walls, check out these open floor plan ideas to ensure you’re setting out on the right track.

1. Maximizing Space and Style in Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans are incredibly popular in newer apartment buildings. After all, there’s no better way to make limited square footage appear bright and roomy.

Stylish open floor plan with a modern living area, floating shelving divider, and sleek kitchen-dining space in neutral tones — Source: @atelier_birjis via Instagram

Cozy open-concept apartment with a sleek kitchen, dark cabinets, and a bright living area with floor-to-ceiling windows — Source: @sarahdeshaw via Instagram

Decor like room-dividing curtains or screens can split up an open-concept floor plan. But this can have the unintended effect of making your apartment feel smaller than it is.

Maintain a similar color scheme throughout your apartment for visual harmony. Arrange furniture in clumps — as if there are interior walls — to create separate living areas. You can also use area rugs to define sections of your apartment.

2. Optimizing Open Floor Plans for Basements

Open floor plans are the standard for contemporary finished basements. This is especially true if your basement serves as a casual family room, rec room, or home bar area.

Basement home bar with a sleek, modern design featuring six bar stools, a wall-mounted TV, and shelves stocked with bottles against a wooden floor — Source: @finishedbasementnj via Instagram

Spacious basement bar with dark wood cabinetry, counter space, leather sofas, sports decor on walls, and tile flooring — Source: @icon.building.group via Instagram

Warm basement open floor plan with a compact kitchen, eclectic decor, and vibrant orange chairs adding a playful touch — Source: @trixc24 via Instagram

There tends to be little issue with using fewer walls in a basement remodel and letting the entire space flow together as one. Using an open layout in a basement tends to reap all of the benefits with few (if any) of the drawbacks.

An open-concept basement can help distract from common concerns like low ceilings or lack of natural light. Still, it doesn’t hurt to set aside one or two small spaces for a closed laundry room or private office.

3. Balancing Scale and Style in Open Floor Design

One of the key factors in interior design is scale. Open floor plans tend to need larger, more dramatic decor elements to balance out the sheer size of the space. This applies to furniture as well as details like light fixtures, artwork, and window treatments.

Modern living room with a pink sofa, glass coffee table, floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and an open kitchen with bar stools — Source: @christopherinteriors via Instagram

Spacious living room with large windows, cozy seating, a fireplace, and a TV mounted above; neutral tones and plush decor — Source: @daveknechthomes via Instagram

Bright open-concept living room and kitchen with a soft neutral palette, cozy sectional, and elegant farmhouse-style decor — Source: @designisntagamble via Instagram

Modern kitchen-living area with black table, metal chairs, open shelves, and decor in white and gray tones dominate the room — Source: @georgiasattic via Instagram

Cozy living room and dining area with Christmas stockings, festive decorations, and a gray sofa — Source: @heatherloveshome via Instagram

Open-concept living area with modern kitchen, dining table, and cozy seating by a stone fireplace, pendant lights hang above the kitchen island — Source: @rosewoodcommunities via Instagram

Modern living room with a white sofa, round wooden coffee table, built-in fireplace, and open kitchen featuring yellow accents and orchids — Source: @the.staging.life via Instagram

Spacious open-concept living area with a sleek marble kitchen island, modern furniture, and warm lighting for a luxurious feel — Source: @varodesignltd via Instagram

You can still break up the space without walls. Something as simple as the direction your sofa faces can differentiate the living area from your dining room. Area rugs can also trick the mind into seeing separate rooms when there are none.

Color scheme can be a limiting factor in open floor plan design. While the entire space should share a common palette, don’t be afraid to add coordinating accent hues throughout.

4. Modern Farmhouse Flair in Open Floor Plans

Farmhouse decor largely defined the past decade. And one strategy countless homeowners have used — and continue to use — to make their farmhouse-inspired homes feel more contemporary is to pair the trend with an open floor plan.

Modern living room with grey sofas, armchairs, a round coffee table, and a kitchen island with bar stools; stairs and mirror in the background — Source: @farmhousefixer via Instagram

Bright living room with a cozy white sofa, green and patterned pillows, black coffee table, and open kitchen with bar stools in the background — Source: @georgiasattic via Instagram

Open-plan living area with a gray sectional sofa, wood coffee table, kitchen island with orange stools, and dining table in the background — Source: @homebyamberjohnson via Instagram

Open-concept living and dining area with light beige sofas, wooden coffee table, pendant lighting, and a modern kitchen in the background — Source: @squiresfarmhouseliving via Instagram

Bright farmhouse-style open floor plan with a white kitchen, wood accents, and cozy dining and living areas for a warm, inviting feel — Source: @stalwartbuildersllc via Instagram

Open-plan living area with a kitchen island, brown sofa, bookshelves, and vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and pendant lights — Source: @summitbuilders via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse-style open floor plan with rustic wood accents, vintage decor, and a relaxed living space featuring a comfy sofa and dog — Source: @vintagewhisperer via Instagram

Cozy living room with a light gray sofa, patterned pillows, a knitted throw, black round coffee table, and a modern kitchen in the background — Source: @georgiasattic via Instagram

Bright farmhouse-style open floor plan with neutral tones, cozy seating, fall decor, and a charming kitchen with pendant lighting — Source: @georgiasattic via Instagram

It might seem counterintuitive but farmhouse design often benefits from making the room feel smaller than it is. By starting with a wide-open space, you can achieve this look without sacrificing physical square footage.

Take advantage of all vertical space. Hanging light fixtures or exposed rafters are great options. A floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround can also help draw the eye up.

5. Strategic Furniture Arrangement in Open Concept Living

Without the presence of interior walls, furniture arrangement is incredibly important. How you place your furniture throughout the space will define the space as a whole.

Stylish living room with a tan leather sofa, a cat on the cushions, and a smiling child peeking over; modern kitchen in the background — Source: @audreycrispinteriors via Instagram

Modern living room with beige sofas, colorful cushions, and a large abstract painting, city view through floor-to-ceiling windows — Source: @gary_rosard_architect via Instagram

Elegant open floor plan with a neutral palette, modern chandeliers, cozy seating, and a spacious kitchen with geometric pendant lighting — Source: @home_is_where_the_bart_is via Instagram

Spacious modern living room with a white sofa, decorative pillows, a wooden coffee table, and a view into a sleek kitchen area — Source: @merit_homes via Instagram

Warm open floor plan with a cozy living area, dark kitchen cabinets, and a sunlit dining space with large windows and elegant decor — Source: @tnhometour via Instagram

Modern open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, dark beams, plush seating, and a sleek white kitchen with pendant lighting — Source: @yonkerconstructionaz via Instagram

Most open-concept homes place the living room directly adjacent to the kitchen or dining area. Yet you should still face your sofa away from the kitchen to maintain some distinction between the two spaces.

If you’re struggling to put together a plan, look for “anchor” furniture within each space to build around. Such pieces could include an entertainment center, coffee table, kitchen island, or dining table.

6. Illuminating Open Concept Homes with Smart Lighting

Open-concept homes are popular in part because they are so bright and airy. But choosing the wrong lighting solution could leave your home feeling dim.

Modern kitchen and living area with white cabinets, wooden floor, large island, pendant lights, and a cozy fireplace in the background — Source: @jcarstenremodeling via Instagram

Modern open-concept living space with a dining table, dark chairs, textured walls, large windows, fireplace, and geometric light fixtures — Source: @mrblueprint247 via Instagram

Bright open floor plan with a white kitchen, patterned barstools, navy accents, and a cozy dining area with natural light — Source: @ourcactushome via Instagram

Spacious, modern kitchen and dining area with marble countertops, large windows, soft gray curtains, and elegant pendant lighting — Source: @wrapped_in_lace via Instagram

To light any large space, one fixture will rarely suffice. Select a single fixture to serve as the primary light source for each living area. Supplement the rest of the space with subtle recessed lighting or wall sconces.

You don’t need to install the same lighting fixtures throughout your entire open floor plan. But each fixture should feature the same general style and finish. This will ensure the space looks cohesive without forcing you to use the same fixtures for your kitchen and family room.

7. Contemporary Styling for Open Floor Plans

The open floor plan was gaining popularity throughout much of the modern design era. It’s common to see mid-century modern furniture or Scandinavian-inspired decor in an open-concept space.

Cozy open-concept living room with a neutral sectional, rattan accents, and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition to a poolside patio — Source: @bbthelifestylist via Instagram

Elegant open floor plan with a luxurious living area, plush seating, blue accents, and a dining space overlooking a scenic outdoor view — Source: @dawneliseinteriorsintl via Instagram

Modern open-plan living room and kitchen with marble island, couches, TV, and pendant lights featuring neutral tones and sleek design — Source: @home_at_holwell via Instagram

Bright, modern apartment with open living area, dining table, kitchen, TV, sofa, and natural light from a large window — Source: @homeaboutes via Instagram

Spacious open-plan living room and kitchen with high ceilings, modern furniture, and a mezzanine where natural light streams in from large windows — Source: @keiterhomes via Instagram

Sleek open-concept home office with built-in shelves, warm lighting, and a modern minimalist design blending into the living space — Source: @under.myroof via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black countertops, and terrazzo flooring; dining area with chairs and pendant lighting nearby — Source: @yanka_indesign via Instagram

Because these elements fit together so well, much of the planning is already done for you! Select furniture that is proportional to the space as a whole. A sofa that is too large or a dining room table that is too small will stick out like sore thumbs.

Also, don’t let all of that extra elbow room tempt you. Modern interior design is closely related to minimalism. Avoid filling the space with decor that adds nothing but visual (or physical) clutter. Everything should serve a purpose.

8. Rustic Charm in Open-Concept Interiors

Despite being outshone by the farmhouse trend in recent years, rustic interior design is a versatile style for any living space. It also pairs well with open-concept homes, as the materials used in rustic decor can make the average space feel cramped.

Open kitchen and dining area with wooden cabinets, hardwood floors, and a dining table; bright natural light from large windows — Source: @aastudiosrealestate via Instagram

Spacious living room with exposed wooden beams, brown sofas, a glass coffee table, and a view into a cozy kitchen area — Source: @brookestone.construction via Instagram

Spacious living room with curved sofas, wooden beams, built-in shelves, large fireplace, and a dining area in the background — Source: @skiboutique via Instagram

Rustic living room with exposed beams, brown leather couches, a wooden coffee table, and a loft area with a staircase — Source: @rustic_home_interiors via Instagram

Many homeowners evoke a cabin aesthetic using taxidermy or live-edge wood furniture. Others turn to the French Country design movement for a more feminine aesthetic.

You can pull inspiration for your rustic living room or kitchen from a number of sources. But they all share common elements like neutral colors, natural materials (i.e., wood, fur, stone, and leather), and a warm atmosphere.

9. Creating Warmth with Wood in Open-Concept Spaces

While open-concept homes offer plenty of benefits, there are some inherent challenges to designing such a vast space. If you find yourself struggling to breathe warmth into your open floor plan, you’re certainly not alone.

Modern living room with a brown leather sofa, wooden shelves, minimalist decor, and a kitchen area with a dining table in the background — Source: @amaydesign_studio via Instagram

Rustic dining and kitchen area with wooden furniture, stairs, and cozy seating — Source: @robsoutdoorpics via Instagram

Small living room with string lights, wooden ceiling, modern kitchen, couch, and dining area creating a warm, inviting atmosphere — Source: @woodblossom via Instagram

Modern apartment living room with a gray sofa, round coffee table, and open kitchen — Source: @amaydesign_studio via Instagram

Wooden elements like built-in furniture, support beams, hardwood flooring, rafters, and wall trim are all excellent additions to a large open space. They can even be used strategically to visually break up your floor plan without physical walls.

For a clean appearance, avoid using a variety of wood finishes in your home design. This can be a challenge when it comes to matching furniture pieces to existing wood elements in your home — select a finish that is easy to replicate.

Are open floor plans out of style?

It’s true that, after almost a century of immense popularity, open-concept floor plans are falling out of favor. That doesn’t mean these home layouts are dated or going out of style. But it does mean new builds with open-concept spaces will be slightly less common.

Regardless, you shouldn’t choose a floor plan style for its popularity. Your personal preferences, lifestyle, and household needs are what matter most.

Can any home be converted into an open-concept space?

Yes, to an extent. Removing interior walls can open up a home originally designed with a closed floor plan. However, you’ll need to work around support walls that can’t be safely removed.

Work with a skilled remodeler to ensure your home retains its beauty, value, and structural integrity. If your home is older, it’s also important to check its historical status before making any major changes.