Help with open floor plan

13 years ago

Hello wonderful and creative designers! We recently built a new house with a very open floor plan which is necessary for my husband as he uses a wheelchair. The floor plan is fabulous in terms of accessibility and ease for him to get around. For me, it is a nightmare! I feel like I live in a warehouse. Nothing feels cozy or "homey" to me. We are about to paint (which I hope will help to warm up the space...Behr, woodland sage) but aside from that, I am open to any and all suggestions! I am ready for new furniture as the current is 11 years old and too oversized for the den. I am thinking a round table would be better in the dining area. I am just at a loss as to how to tie all 3 spaces together but yet make them feel individual. Ideas on furniture, furniture placement, window treatments, accessories, etc will be greatly appreciated!

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Comments (4)

PRO
the CAD Studio
13 years ago
Kelly.
One way to separate and define areas is to strategically place columns. This allows for the openness without hindering a handicapped person. A slight variation in paint colors also will give you a sense of separation. Strategically place your furniture and area rugs, and even the light source will help define the area

Hope this helps
Best wishes

Olav
decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
I think the easiest way to warm and cozy up the space will be with window treatments. Mount decorative rods halfway between the window frames and ceiling, flank windows with stationary panels with color and pattern, and replace the blinds with fabric or fiber roman shades. I would also remove the TV from above the FP - it seems to be very high. Add a TV credenza (not a TV stand) left of the FP at a better viewing level. Put a great piece of art above the mantel. Your small light chair and footstool seem to be a better scale for you. Try two sofas or a sofa and two armless chairs.
In the dining room I'd remove the mirror. It is overpowering the delicate styling of the dining table and reflecting nothing beautiful or interesting. Would suggest a round dining table that looks more substantial and a new chandelier.
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Amy Stanley
13 years ago
I think keeping a rectangular dining table makes sense- Also I think stools at the island and open the den up instead of blocking it in with a sofa will give the feeling of space- it is beautiful by the way love all the details!
decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
I would have suggested the sofa at the windows, but thought you were trying to close up the "warehouse' feeling. If you cut the bottoms off plastic milk and juice jugs you can try some furniture arranging. When you shop for furniture take measurements with you. For example, remove the rug and lay blue painter's tape on the floor in the outline of the size of furniture you think will work - that should be your guideline for purchasing a piece. While you're at it, look for a pair of new area rugs. If you can find some with similar pattern and color but not identical, you can tie the space into a more unified feeling too. Something like this is what I had in mind. Both are IKAT's but not exactly the same.
Charcoal Ikat Rug · More Info

Multi Ikat Rug · More Info