A room for all seasons…
One for all and all for one! Yes I’m talking those multi-purpose open-plan spaces. You can’t beat them for that unifying feel. Family members who haven’t spoken
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This week, my bathroom is out of action and as much as I’m thrilled that in five days time I’ll have a beautifully tiled (I hope!) new scheme, I can’t help but hate the
Read more →Parents can never be cool, as far as kids are concerned, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a home that’s hip and, er, happening (which I’m clearly not). The Williams’ home in 25BH August issue is light, modern and spacious – plus every space seems to have its own identity.
Best of all though, as far as I’m concerned, is their groovy (oh, per-lease!) Togo sofa from Ligne Roset. With one of these in the family room, our teenagers could invite friends round, stock up on snacks and a DVD and not be seen for the rest of the day – how cool is that?
Seán O
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I’m resisting the urge to plummet into all things Christmas decorating ideas for as long as possible. In the meantime, I’m gnawing on other fab ideas in the hope they might distract me from the constant sparkle of the Christmas trends I’ve seen this year! Hi, my name’s Jenny and I’m a Christmas decorating addict.
Here’s how to organise an open-plan space in 5 steps:
1) Invest in a modular cube-unit system. Stack them high to maximise upward space or position side-by-side to create an extra worksurface.
2) Zone with a divider. A shelving unit on casters is a practical way to divide an open-plan space into a living and dining area.
3) Use the walls. Avoid day-to-day mess such as discarded magazines, papers and post, keys and pens by fixing up storage on unused wall space.
4) Add small storage. For an easy way to set the table and quickly clear it away afterwards, use a caddy or basket for condiments and cutlery.
5) Give old chairs new purpoese. Reclaimed chapel chairs have a handy box on the back that’s ideal for keeping napkins, place mats, coasters and trivets at the ready for mealtimes.
How to organise an open-plan living room cum dining room
Decisions decisions! That’s the theme for this week, isn’t it? Well here’s another big one for you (admittedly not as ground-breaking as the elections) what is your kitchen-diner style? … well it’s important to us decorating addicts anyway – just don’t bring it up amid a political dinner party debate!
I love these designs from Homes & Gardens – swanky as ever, but chilled-out and relaxed, which is the way a kitchen-diner (and breakfasts in general) should be … in a perfect world.
Modern Victorian-style kitchen-diner – those copper pendant lights are just dreamy!
roomenvy - relaxed kitchen-diner
Soft and comfy kitchen-diner – I love the idea of a corner sofa around the table so everyone can sit and chat together.
roomenvy - pretty purple kitchen-diner
Casual bistro kitchen-diner – a modern take on the country-style cafe curtain looks great above the comfy window seat.
roomenvy - monochrome kitchen-diner
Well it’s not often I take my eyes off the country-style kitchen prize, but I love this contemporary kitchen from Housetohome. It just goes to show that you can keep the scheme white and still add colour and accessories to give it a shot of personality.
Here’s how to get this look in an open-plan kitchen-diner.
1) Choose a statement kitchen wallpaper to define the kitchen area – if you get tired of it after a few years, you can always change the design to create a dramatic new look.
2) Pick out a colour from the wallpaper and add matching accessories like linens and kitchenware.
3) Go for minimalist dining furniture so the wallpaper takes centre stage. I love these Kartell Louis Ghost chairs by Philippe Stark, they’re perfect for this contemporary cool kitchen.
roomenvy - pretty in pink kitchen
Wow! If you want to truly impress your friends and family, then a colour changing living room could well be the way to do it (perhaps not grandad though!). Personally, I just can’t tell whether this living room is supposed to be a place to a relax or a place to dance? It seems more like a nightclub to me. On the up side, that large modular sofa unit is fantastic for when you’re entertaining, and that oversized coffee table is a dance floor in itself!
Find out more about this living room
living room - housetohome
I could spend hours lusting after some of the homes in Freshome, especially this gorgeous London flat. I love the exposed brick and conservatory-style ceiling in the light and airy open-plan living space, the bedroom brings new meaning to the term ‘under-stair storage’, and the tree-house style hideaway would be perfect for a little office. I can’t believe it used to be a hospital! … i wonder if they’re looking to move?
Find out more about this apartment
open-plan living room
Under-stair bedroom
hideaway
Check out this kitchen-diner layout. The kitchen is built down one side with a table running down the entire length to create one large open-plan room.
Get more info on this kitchen from Livingetc
Open-plan kitchen
I came across this room on Livingetc. The owners opened up a Fifties block with this great picture window, which dominates the room. Stylish idea.
Get more info on this kitchen
Open plan kitchen