Over
the last two decades, new homes and home plans have become increasingly
open. Improved building products now allow designers to eliminate
walls
previously needed to bear loads. The resulting floor plans feel considerably
more spacious than older homes divided by additional
walls.
A decorative ceiling over the conversation area visually divides this large space. |
Adjoining kitchens, dining areas, hearth rooms and great rooms
are ideal for today’s casual entertaining, encouraging
guests to mingle freely. Open living spaces also allow cooks
to interact with family members during meal preparation.
While homeowners
are demanding open floor plans, there is also an emerging
trend toward creating warm, homey atmospheres. It
seems homeowners want the best of both worlds:
the feeling of open space along with a sense of intimacy.
Thankfully,
it’s
not as impossible as it sounds.
One way to accomplish this is to vary ceiling height or texture over different areas. In the same way that decorators have used rugs to set off different parts of a room, new decorative ceiling products are being used to create “area ceilings.” Consider using tin-look tiles above a dining table, or highlighting the living area of a combined living/dining room with warm, wood planks. Raising or lowering the ceiling can also define an area. Giving a great
room a higher ceiling than a neighboring kitchen can bestow a sense
of importance.
By the same token, there are several ways floors can be used to characterize different areas. Stone or ceramic tile might be used in a kitchen or entry, while the family and
hearth areas are covered in wood. If you
choose to use ceramic floors in several areas,
you may decide to use contrasting tiles to
Furniture grouped around an area rug creates a cozy atmosphere. |
create a decorative border on one room. Different colored
inset pieces can be used in a similar fashion in wood
floors. Slightly varying levels – such as a sunken
family room or a raised dining room – can add
a touch of drama.
“Columns are another stylish way to
lend a sense of separation,” says W. L. Martin, a home
designer noted for his open floor plans. “I often use columns
topped with an arched opening leading into a dining
room, study or living room. In one of my designs, I created columns
on both ends of a kitchen island which supported a plant shelf.” (see
home
plan 24180)
A soffit, supported by collumns and a row of diamonds
on the floor define this open floor plan. |
Half wall partitions can also define an area, without
cutting off a view into nearby rooms. For added interest, the
partition may double as a two-sided fireplace, a bookcase or
a display cabinet for dishes or collectibles. In
Traditional or Craftsman style homes, a column may top the partition.
Adding a lowered soffit over a window seat or
surrounding a sitting area with bookcases can provide a cozy sense
of shelter.
Strategically placed light fixtures
can be used to highlight specific areas, the most obvious
being a row of pendant lights above an island or a hanging
chandelier over a table or in a front entry. Floor and
table lamps can encircle an area with light.
Decorating can further define different
activity zones. Here, the possibilities are endless. Area rugs,
decorator screens, large plants, furniture groupings, murals or
wallpaper can all be used to divide space. Even subtle variances
can provide a contrast. A wall near the dining table might be painted
a shade lighter or darker than that used in the kitchen, or a faux
treatment may be applied to differentiate two walls painted the
same color. For the more adventurous, a dramatic effect can be
achieved by painting one or two walls of a great room in a bold accent color.
With thoughtful planning before beginning your building or remodeling project and effective decorating along the way, it is possible to create a spacious, airy home that is also warm and homey. |
