The Open Floor Plan Decor Dilemma

An open floor plan is like throwing a party where every room is invited — great in theory, but without a little coordination, things can get messy fast. The secret to making your space feel like a well-orchestrated symphony (instead of a chaotic free-for-all) lies in weaving elements throughout each area that create continuity, while still letting each space have its own personality.

This design board covered three spaces but still incorporated navy and cream elements. We especially love the crystal light in the foyer that coordinated with the dining chandelier AND the black elements in the space. 

One of the easiest ways to keep the peace in an open floor plan is through color. Repeating a consistent color palette across different spaces — whether through wall colors, textiles, or accent pieces — helps tie everything together. Think of it like dressing your home in an outfit that matches without looking like you tried too hard. If your living room rocks earthy green throw pillows, toss that same color into your dining area with upholstered chairs or a vase. It’s like a little visual handshake between rooms.

This client's open floor plan needed a pop of color and her space to feel pulled together. She requested a digital rendering to see our design plan implemented into her space.  You can see we added navy blue not just in paint, but in elements like lighting, textiles and bar stools. We also added in a layer of green with faux plants, throw pillows. She already had a great neutral layer in the space with her main furniture items 

Patterns are another way to keep your space from feeling like a design tug-of-war. You don’t need to go full matchy-matchy, but choosing complementary prints with similar shapes or motifs creates a subtle rhythm. Imagine a geometric area rug in the living room winking at kitchen curtains with a similar pattern — just enough to show they’re on the same team without being twinsies.

Wood tones can also save your open floor plan from feeling like a furniture showroom. Mixing a few different finishes adds depth and character, but it’s all about balance. If your dining table is a rich walnut, try a lighter wood coffee table in the living area, with shelves or frames that echo the darker walnut tone. It’s like a little wood tone dance party, and everyone’s invited.

This design board is a perfect example of  using patterns and wood tones to tie a space together. We used the existing brick arch that was located their foyer area and brought it into their new kitchen cabinets in a warm wood as an accent. 

Decor pieces are the final sprinkle of magic that stitch a space together. Repeating elements like metallic finishes, woven textures, or similar shapes across different areas is like leaving breadcrumbs of style. A set of ceramic vases popping up in both the kitchen and living room, or using the same style of picture frame throughout, creates subtle continuity — like a secret handshake only your home knows.

All of these 'S' decor pieces can be found throughout this client's home. 

An open floor plan is full of potential, and by intentionally repeating colors, patterns, wood tones, and decor elements, you can create a home that feels effortlessly connected. It’s about finding the balance between flow and individuality, so your home feels like a thoughtfully curated experience — not a chaotic design potluck.