MIX + MATCH FURNITURE

Open kitchens make for perfect gathering spots, but there’s no need to fall back on a classic kitchen-dining arrangement. Consider a more friendly and sociable approach by turning the kitchen island into an everyday dining surface with counter stools and arranging an adjacent seating area with deep sofas and chairs. The result is a space that is big on everyday comfort and lounging—and feels a little less formal and buttoned-up. Feel free to bring in color and patterns for your upholstery—or mix in a few stylish designs—to dial up cozy charm in a big space.

USE A CONTINUOUS COLOR PALETTE

Your color palette is one of the best tools you can use to create links between spaces. But keep them subtle so that the shift feels natural and not immediately noticeable. In this open floor plan, we used a consistent paint color on the walls of connecting spaces. It’s best to choose one color that is going to serve as your main color or your neutral. That doesn’t mean it has to be beige, white, or gray. But the foyer, the hallways and that main connector room should all be the same color because you want to have that dominant color in your space.

INCLUDE ELEMENTS THAT ARE SIMILAR IN TONE

Don’t forget that your color palette is more than just the paint used on walls—the materials in the room all contribute too. Even if your layout means that the dining zone is close to your kitchen, you still need to make sure the two connect. If your kitchen has painted cabinets but your dining table is wooden, look to include elements in the kitchen that are of a similar tone. Here, we added upholstered seating in blue as the closest tonal match to the kitchen island, added dark leather counter stools, and then also propped up wooden chopping boards on the work surface. All of which relate to the dining table and help it to settle into its surroundings.

ADD STYLE + CHARACTER WITH LIGHTING

Down lights are always good for creating the right kind of drama. Plan them over kitchen counters, dining tables and other places people gather to create an intimate glow with an upscale feel. These bridge-building techniques don’t have to rely on furniture or color. Is there a style of lighting that you’ve used in the kitchen that can be featured in the dining area too? You don’t necessarily need the lighting to be from the same collection. A match in materials will play its role too. You can transform the room with a simple silhouette swap. Your hanging lights lift the atmosphere with just the flick of a switch.

ENHANCE YOUR SPACE WITH DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

Never underestimate the power of accessories. Their potential and power on a room’s language are huge, so use them to your best advantage when uniting the zones of your open floor plan. The key, as always, is not to go overboard. As soon as you begin to try too hard, your scheme will feel staged. Instead, mix-and-match pieces to create a carefully-curated home that speaks to your design style and preferences. Let the colors of your space, found in other elements like rugs or artwork inspire you.

Come on in! Our new Crooked Lake Retreat project reveal is bright, airy, and a lot of fun! We created a home that is filled with pattern and has a calm, happy vibe. See the entire home and how it all came together in our CROOKED LAKE RETREAT photo tour!