Open Concept Floor Plans
![Looking from second floor down over open-plan ground floor in a colorful condo. Large, curved sofa with a chaise long wraps around a circular coffee table, in front of a TV, with a corner fireplace. A wildly patterned rug defines the living space, while the rest of the visible floor is open concrete, with slipper chairs and a side table.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Fireplace-Before-and-After-AFTER-Moroccan-Midcentury-Living-Room-Above-580x775.jpg)
Now that we’re coming through a pandemic, surprisingly people still want open concept floor plans, while others need more privacy. Here’s a look at some of the ways people are moving from fully open to intentional use spaces, to create the best of both worlds.
Build a Wall
![Corner room with sliding perspex doors mostly closed, but a peek of a bed shows through.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Guest-Bedroom-Partitions-580x434.jpg)
Those of you who grew up with Pink Floyd will be mentally hearing the refrain to the opposite inside your head, but you can always add a wall back in to your space, either permanently or temporarily. This will require the services of an architect or interior designer and a contractor. Luckily you already know me!
Rearrange Furniture
![Light colored room painted in white, with robin's eggshell blue furniture and pillows arranged in conversation groups, a dining table in the center and cream cabinetry in the kitchen at the rear of the space.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Open-Floor-Plans-Furniture-Arrangement-via-Southern-Home-Magazine-580x374.jpg)
If you have furniture that faces into the center of the room to emphasize the openness, try rearranging it so that it creates smaller conversation corners. Group 2 chairs either side of a sofa or loveseat. Face your living room away from the kitchen, or create a breakfast nook separate from your dining area.
Add a Room Divider
![White open bookshelf has drawers and doors with silver pulls, while books, plates, and glassware adorn the open storage spaces. On the left, a white table and chairs. On the right, a bed with white linens.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-Open-Floor-Plans-Room-Divider-via-HGTV-1-580x435.jpeg)
Use an open bookshelf to create a division between spaces, and add storage. Other options are a folding screen, a wall of plants, or a curtain.
Change Colors, Textures, Patterns
![Light-colored walls and ceiling, to the front and right showing patterned upholstered chair with metal frame and a hot pink throw blanket covering the back, a round wooden coffee table dressed with a vase and several different shaped sky-blue shiny containers. Behind the chair is a set of stairs with black metal railings and warm wood top rails. To the left is the living room with a light colored corner sofa with chaise, covered in colorful throw pillows, and a contemporary light-colored chair with metal legs that match the corner sofa. In the center is a Noguchi-style coffee table with warm wooden support and glass top, dressed with multiple vases filled with flowers, and books. A dog sits upon the corner sofa chaise.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Living-Room-Hillside-Retreat-Dog-580x392.jpg)
Most people are multitasking these days—making lunch while listening in on an important call, perhaps—so an open floor plan is more conducive to ever-changing needs.
Here’s where I can help with color, finishes, wallpaper: Ideas that could transform your current space into exactly what you want and need. If you feel this way, let’s definitely talk!
Kimball Starr designs for homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a remote or socially-distant in-person consultation.