The Secret to Cohesive Design in an Open Floor Plan

Open floor plans are incredibly popular and for good reason. They’re bright, airy, and great for modern living. However, they can also feel disjointed or unfinished if the design doesn’t flow smoothly.

So what’s the secret to making it all come together? As a designer, I’ve worked with many homeowners to bring a sense of intention and ease to open-concept spaces. It’s totally doable once you know how to layer in the correct elements.

1. Maintain a Consistent Color Palette

Too many competing colors can make a space feel chaotic.

• Stick to 2–3 primary colors and repeat them across rooms

• Use one neutral base (white, ivory, taupe, greige) to ground the palette

• Let texture, not color, provide variation

In my projects, this is often the first thing I establish because once you have a clear palette, everything else falls into place more easily.

2. Use Area Rugs to Define Zones

In the absence of walls, rugs become your visual dividers.

• Anchor your living area with a large rug under the sofa, chairs, and coffee table.

• Place a second rug under the dining table to separate it from the kitchen or lounge area.

• Choose rugs that complement each other but don’t match exactly

Alt-text: Neutral area rug under living room seating in open concept space
Filename: open-floor-living-room-rug.jpg

3. Repeat Materials and Finishes

Consistency in tone and texture helps every area feel related.

• You can mix metal finishes (such as brushed brass or matte black) consistently across lighting and hardware, as long as it's repeated. Brings interest to any space and gives it an intentionality.

• Mix different wood tones to create interest throughout furniture.

• Carry your accent color across each zone in small ways

It’s something I always do when planning a space, and it’s a simple way to make everything feel thoughtfully connected.

4. Use Lighting to Create Separation

Lighting helps define individual spaces. A chandelier over the dining table or a pair of pendant lights above the kitchen island naturally create visual boundaries.

Each functional area should have its lighting moment:

• A pendant over the dining table

• A chandelier or semi-flush in the living area

• Task lighting in the kitchen

• Floor or table lamps for softness and warmth

I always encourage clients to treat lighting like jewelry, it finishes the look and gives each zone its personality. For more information on lighting, please read this post.

5. Keep Furniture Scale and Proportion in Check

Oversized furniture can overwhelm an open floor plan, while pieces that are too small make the space feel sparse. Aim for balance.

Let your layout work for you:

• Make sure furniture groupings fill the space appropriately

• Leave walkways of 3 feet between zones

• Vary furniture heights to add interest without clutter

If you’re unsure, sketch it out first or use painter’s tape to map it on the floor. Make sure you take measurements of the pieces you intend to bring into the space and allow the aforementioned clearances for traffic patterns in and around the space.

6. Use Repeating Elements as a Visual Thread

Think of repeating patterns, shapes, or motifs as the thread that pulls the space together:

• Repeating curves in a dining chair, a mirror, and an archway

• A subtle stripe in a pillow, rug, and artwork

• Round elements across furniture legs and lighting bases

These small touches help the whole space feel intentional.

7. Add Vertical Elements to Anchor the Eye

Open floor plans can sometimes feel too horizontal. Use vertical lines to bring balance:

• Tall bookcases

• Floor-to-ceiling curtains

• Tall plants or artwork

They draw the eye upward and help the space feel fuller and more complete.

Bonus Tip: Use a Concept Board to Plan Ahead

Planning your open floor layout visually makes everything easier. A curated concept board helps you:

• See how each zone will work together

• Keep your materials, tones, and style aligned

• Shop confidently and avoid mismatched elements

Want a shortcut to a cohesive layout? Try using one of my ready-made concept boards as your visual guide.

Explore Curated Concept Boards

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