The open concept plan is still very popular. Buyers love it because it is so open and fluid. You have many options for furniture placement and layout – open concept allows you to do so much in a smaller space. But open concept can be intimidating and tough to visualize.
As home stagers, we understand how buyers get ‘stumped’ when they see a big and empty open concept space. Where do I put my sofa? TV? dining space? Will my furniture fit? It’s very intimidating and over whelming.
This is why staging is so important. when we stage a home we not only make it pretty for pictures but we think about living and entertaining in the space. We think about the common questions that buyers have.
Here’s a great example of an open concept living/dining room in a townhouse.
Photo from centsationalgirl.com
It’s a great space for living and entertaining. Seeing this property vacant you would never guess that you could have dining for six, a sectional and an armchair plus plenty of room to walk around. So how did this work? Well, the size and scale of furniture is important but so is the placement. Planning really is key.
A sectional adds so much seating and a clean line which is one of the reasons we love them. We used the light cream tone because it is neutral and it brightens up the space. By using a mix of bold and pattern pillows this brings some life into the room. We love area rugs for a few reasons: they add some soft texture, colour and pattern to a room but they also help define the space. This rug helps buyers visually understand this space is the living room and over there is the dining area. It’s like building a wall.
You can apply the same ideas to a condo space.
Photo from westernlivingmagazine.com
What you will notice these images have in common:
– sofas: choose the largest possible sofas to maximize on seating and the other furniture is a bit smaller
– lighting: you do not have matching table lamps on matching end tables. Instead have floor and table lamps around the room to help spread the light around the room
– area rug: to add some colour, pattern and/or texture; they also define the rooms and pull the space together
Remember the following when it comes to decorating an open concept space:
– size and scale matter but look for the largest dining table and sofa that will work in the space. Lots of little items will make it look and feel cramped.
– glass is a great way to get surface space without the bulk
– area rugs help define spaces without building walls
– a consistent colour concept with make the space look fluid and make it feel larger
– layer your light so add table lamps, floor lamps, under valance light in the kitchen
– get creative with nooks and corners – think storage, organizing or work spaces.
– think lifestyle.
Make the space work with your life,
