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  • Writer's pictureSarah Pence

How to Style: Open Concept Spaces

Open concept spaces have become very popular over the past several years. Everyone is knocking down walls and planning open airy spaces in their new builds. But, styling open concepts can be tricky. Having those wide open spaces also means having awkward walls and transitional spaces that can disrupt the flow of the space.


One of the easiest ways to create a cohesive and effortless-looking flow throughout your open concept space is to use coordinating rugs and decor. Let's take a look at a few tips and some *shoppable* options to help you style your open concept home.

 

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When it comes to open-concept spaces, coordinating rugs is an absolute MUST. They should complement each other rather than compete with each other and this will create harmony throughout the entire space. Here's how to choose the right rugs to make sure the open airy space you love can shine in all its glory!

  • Choose a rug with a bold color or large pattern to use as your main rug. This is the one you'll build from when you choose the other complementary rugs.

  • Use at least one neutral solid or tone-on-tone rug. It helps to ground the space, break up the mix of patterns (because - don't forget, there are likely several other design elements in your space with pattern and texture, too!), and allows you to work with just about any color/pattern for your main rug (just make sure it's in the same color palette!).

  • Add a medium-pattern rug with a connecting color to the main rug. This creates interest and contrast but doesn't compete with the other rugs in the space.


The other piece of the open concept styling dilemma? Coordinating decor. Keeping things within the same color palette (in this case, a neutral tonal look) makes it easy to coordinate your wall, tabletop, and accent decor and accessories throughout the space.

  • Using abstract art, plants, and things like photography are all great ways to give a little love to your walls.

  • Add some texture and interest with a few fun throw pillows on the sofa.

  • Pop a mirror on the funky little wall in the darkest corner of the room - it will bounce light and make the space feel less awkward.

  • Balance a long/tall wall that needs a little something extra with a fun bench, ottomans, or a console table depending on the amount of space you're working with.

 

|| SHOP THE LOOK ||



Here's another example:



In this example, we're working with a bit more bold patterns, but as you can see - they complement each other.

  • Using a deep navy tone-on-tone rug gives a bold punch, but coordinates nicely with the main rug as it has the same base color.

  • The main rug provides a beautiful color palette for the space and gives you the versatility to add more color if you wish.

  • A natural fiber rug that uses a softer blue and creamy grey to balance the bold colors and soften the space is the perfect way to finish off the look!

Here are a few coordinating decor pieces for inspiration!


  • Using a console in a bold color (pulled from your main rug) is a great way to add functional storage to an awkward wall. There's a variety of sizes available for these gems and I love using them in spaces where things just seem to disconnect.

  • Abstract art, wall hangings, and watercolor prints are great ways to showcase your style and fill in the blanks throughout the space.

  • Mirrors will always be a go-to in my book to add a layer of texture and bounce more light into the room.

  • A floor plant is a great addition to a space that just needs a little "somethin' somethin'" and it's always a win to bring life and texture into any space!


|| SHOP THE LOOK ||



 

Bonus Tip: Creating a cohesive look by filling in some blank areas with coordinating accessories is a great way to pull an open concept space together. But, always remember to leave space for the room to breathe. You don't have to fill every wall or empty space. Less is more!

 

So, what's the key to styling open concept spaces? In a nutshell, remember these 3 tips:

* Choose a color palette and stick to it.

* Make selections that complement, not compete.

* Create a cohesive look, but leave space for your room to breathe!


I hope this helped to guide you and give you the confidence to style the open concept layout of your home.



Do you need help designing YOUR open concept space? Let's talk! I'd love to collaborate with you to bring your vision (I know you have a Pinterest board full of ideas you just aren't sure how to pull together!) to life! Together, we can create a beautiful cohesive home that you will enjoy for years to come! Are you ready? Let's do it!







Until next time,

Be well. Stay kind.

And keep dreaming.







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