Jul 14, 2021 | Flooring Canada
The desire for open concept homes exploded in the 1970s and is still sought-after today. An open floor concept is a dream for homeowners who love to entertain, as it allows guests and conversation to keep flowing throughout a home. In addition, the aesthetic of an open concept space gives a light, airy, and sun-soaked feel that makes people who enter feel uplifted and connected. So, when it comes to choosing floors, you will want to make sure they enhance all of the excellent benefits of an open concept layout.
When designing big spaces, you need floors that can compete in the open area they are covering. Hardwood or tile are two of the best options for open concept designs. When you have ample space, you have the freedom to use longer and broader wood planks when working with hardwood floors. Similarly, larger-sized tiles will work best in an open concept space. Choosing larger materials will help match the grandness of the space, allowing for a more cohesive look and feel.
If you love the look of hardwood, but it’s not in your budget, laminate can be a less expensive alternative that still provides the same elegance you are looking for without the price tag.
When choosing floors for your open concept space, consistency is critical, meaning it’s best to choose one flooring material to run throughout your space. If you have tile, carpet, and hardwood floors all in one open area, your room can lose the benefit of having flow. Multiple types of flooring in an open concept space will leave it feeling choppy and disjointed.
If your open space moves into a different “room,” you will want the flooring material to transition smoothly into a new area and not feel abrupt. Therefore, it is essential to take advantage of the flow and make it feel like it is all just one big room continuing rather than a whole new space.
The transition between materials is also equally important. For example, if you distinguish between the kitchen and the living room and want the material change to help express that, make sure the two surfaces smoothly and evenly flow into one another. Do this by pulling different floors with the same undertone or complementary colors. Again, it is vital to make the transition seem natural, not to create a jarring or pieced-together aesthetic.
When it comes to floors in open concept designs, it is wise to pick neutral colors. This is because, in such a vast space, there will be that much more flooring material. Thus, finding a neutral color that works in the kitchen, living room, and dining room will be essential. In addition, as the floors flow through your space, you will want it to be a perfect fit for each area.
If you need help finding the perfect flooring to keep your open concept space flowing, your local Flooring America store is here to help. Envision your new floors with our Room Visualizer where you can pick out the exact flooring you want to install and see it in your room. Our Flooring America experts can help you decide on the best flooring sizes and colors for your room. So give them a call or stop by your local Flooring America store today.
