3 open plan layout mistakes!

Hi Interior’s Enthusiast,

Happy Saturday! Have you had a good week? I can’t believe it’s April, where on earth are the weeks going?!

This week I want to talk about open plan layout mistakes I often see during my consultations.

1. Zoning

One of the most common pitfalls in open plan layouts is the failure to properly define zones. Without clear distinctions between areas for cooking, dining, working, or relaxing, the space can quickly feel chaotic and unfocused. Zoning helps bring a sense of structure and flow, even in an open space. This can be achieved through area rugs, changes in flooring, lighting, or strategic furniture placement. Neglecting this can lead to a space that feels more like a hall than a home - lacking in both function and atmosphere.

2. Furniture Proportions

Choosing furniture that doesn’t suit the scale of the space is another frequent mistake in open plan designs. Oversized pieces can overwhelm and restrict movement, while undersized furniture can make the area feel sparse and disconnected. It's important to strike a balance - for example, a large sectional sofa may work beautifully in a spacious living zone, but it needs to be paired with appropriately scaled pieces in adjacent areas to maintain cohesion. Measuring the space and mapping out traffic flow can prevent this mismatch and ensure each area feels intentional and comfortable.

3. Lighting

Lighting often gets overlooked in open plan spaces, yet it plays a vital role in creating mood and defining function. A common mistake is relying solely on overhead lighting, which can make the space feel flat and uninviting. Layered lighting - combining ambient, task, and accent lights - helps create depth and separates different zones. Pendant lights over dining tables, floor lamps in living areas, and under-cabinet lighting in kitchens not only serve practical purposes but also visually anchor the spaces they illuminate. Without this variety, the open plan can lack warmth and clarity.

If you need more help with your open plan spaces we have two offerings we think might help.

1. Our ‘to scale’ layout guides for those with architectural plans who need help filling their space

2. E-Design for multifunction spaces, for those who need a little more guidance on a 1:1 basis and bespoke design for their home.

We’d love to hear from you, please do reply to this email with any questions you have on our services and we’ll get right back to you.

Sockets & swtiches! if you’re renovating you MUST put time and budget aside to think through your sockets and switches, I don’t want to see any afterthought plastic versions please!

I’m working with Corston to bring you a series on just that so please do go and have a watch if you’re at that stage.

Last week I went on a wonderful girls trip to Amsterdam with my mum and another mother/daughter duo. It was such a brilliant couple of days, I really recommend a short stint in Amsterdam. We went out especially to visit Keukenhof which is an incredible garden packed full of spring bulbs at the moment.

If you’re looking for major inspiration for your garden you must check it out.