Open Space Entertaining
Open space seems to be what all homeowners are looking for today. In homes across the country, walls are being removed to open up the rooms. Loft living is extremely popular.
A study conducted by the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) states:
“One of the most dramatic changes will come in the way rooms are used. Flexibility will become the watchword for future homeowners. An overwhelming 92 % of respondents forecast that the average house will contain more multi-functional rooms; 73% predict a move toward more open plan design, and almost 40% expect moveable walls will replace permanent walls in home interiors.”
Open space living gives us room to move. We don’t feel caged in, and even the smallest of homes can feel more spacious when you open up some rooms.
The open plan style of living is especially good for entertaining. However, you must be careful to make the rooms work equally as well for large groups and small, intimate parties.
You must plan properly to create a room that will be spacious and comfortable for you and your family by day, and perfect for entertaining at night. A few rules will help you create the perfect room.
- For a good visual flow, use one color for the walls. This will bring all the areas together creating a unified area.
- When purchasing furniture, think about size, comfort, maneuverability and dual uses.
- Define the different areas of your space by using large area rugs.
- A dining room table that has extensions and castors is a great choice. Used without the extensions it is perfect for intimate parties. With the extensions, it seats larger, more formal dinner parties. When you need more floor space, the table can be easily pushed out of the way to make room for dancing. Placed against a wall, it becomes a beautiful buffet table, and the dining chairs can do double duty as additional seating throughout the room.
- Think dual-purpose when choosing furniture. Castors on your furniture give you the instant flexibility to turn your space into one more suitable for entertaining. Oversized ottomans that double as tables and open for storage are a wonderful choice. A few of the many versatile furniture choices include: upholstered chairs and sofas on castors that can easily be moved about the room, and nests of coffee tables that can be separated and used by several people.
- The kitchen area is an important one. The kitchen is the heart of the home and it seems no matter how large or small your home, guests always end up gathering in the kitchen. A tall bar-height counter with plenty of seating is always a welcome sight in the kitchen. Another smaller, table and chairs in the kitchen area is a good choice in addition to your dining area furniture.
- Unless you are having a formal, sit-down dinner party, most people spend more time standing than sitting at a party. At an informal party, you don’t need to have seating for every one of your guests. If you have seating for at least 70% of them, that will work out fine. The seating can be oversized ottomans, oversized floor pillows, even dining chairs pulled into the area.
Open space living can be a challenge, but if the experts are correct, it is the way of the future. With proper planning and good furniture choices, your open space living areas can do double duty as a cozy retreat for your family and a large venue for entertaining your guests.