10 Things to Consider When Creating an Open Floor Plan

Many people enjoy picking the right colors, fabrics, and finishes for remodeling projects; however, I am a fan of the initial step of space planning. If done correctly, it will result in an area that appears more extensive and efficient. The following steps can assist you in deciding on the ideal layout for your needs. I’ve used images that show open-plan floor plans to demonstrate my ideas. However, these suggestions can be applied to any challenge in space planning, large or small.

What Are Your Space Needs?

Create a list of smaller spaces you’ll need in the larger area. Assign an estimated square footage to each room.

Consider the size of your furniture as well as the number of people who will be in the space. For example, the distance between the counter in the kitchen and the dining table must be at least 4 feet so that guests can walk between the two and dining guests have enough room to take chairs. However, an entrance door on the pathway or in larger-scaled spaces will require more space, at least 6 feet.

What Are Your Space Relationships?

Once you’ve decided on the appropriate size for the area, determine which spaces must be adjacent to one another -These are known as adjacencies.

When individuals move around from one place to another, which spaces have the most reason to be close? The obvious way to determine this is by placing the dining table Near the kitchen, but are you looking for a space to sit comfortably near the kitchen, a small workspace, or perhaps a kids’ play space? It all depends on the lifestyle you prefer.

What Are the Existing Conditions?

Most remodeling, redecorating, or organizing projects don’t begin with a blank slate. The space plan is created in the context of an existing building. The location of windows and doors, electrical outlets, partitions, and columns will all be crucial considerations when planning your space design.

Where Are the Plumbing, Gas, and Sewage Lines?

For bathrooms, kitchens, bars, and other areas requiring water supply and drainage systems, you’ll want them as close as you can to sewage and plumbing lines to reduce expenses. Make sure you suitably plan the adjacencies.

Let Houzz locate the top pros for you. Find Pros Cathie Hong Interiors Linear organization. Linear organization is a collection of spaces laid out on one line. Linear organization can be very flexible. The zones’ dimensions and shape can vary depending on how they relate to straight lines. Yankee Barn Homes Axial arrangements. Axial configurations have two or more central elements defining the structure -such as a kitchen on one line and a bathroom on another. The pathway between these two points is a significant design feature.

What Are Your Organizing Options?

Knowing the location of the bathroom and kitchen while working to the confines of the construction shell, What is the best way to get the smaller areas within the larger size to be organized? The four options you have are grid, linear, and axial. The central option is the most common. In the case of homes, you’d typically use a linear or an axial structure. The details will be discussed in the following section.

Don’t Let Paths of Travel Be an Afterthought

Think about how people transfer from one area from one area to another. Be sure to consider the stairs and doorways so that you have enough space to circulate. At least three feet for the paths of travel. CommVergent Installations: Be aware of the position of furniture pieces relative to one another and the space between furniture pieces to encourage interaction.

Think of Furniture in the Context of Grouping

In the bedroom, there is a bed. Nightstand: The dresser and the sofa form a group. A sofa end table, coffee chair, table, and lounge could be part of an arrangement in the living space. The groups are

The individual furniture pieces.

The space surrounding them.

The area that is required to gain access to the grouping.

Consider Public and Private Spaces

When considering public and private spaces, consider whether you’d like specific rooms to be closed off or partially separated. Bedrooms are personal spaces that should be placed in the quieter part of the living area. Kitchens are open and accessible. How do you like your dining room? Are you available to cook or closed off for a more formal look?

Sketch Out Some Basic Ideas

Bubble diagramming can be a straightforward way to start space planning after you’ve figured out your dimensions and adjacencies. Create different bubble configurations with various sizes representing zones, room sizes, or furniture groups. Continue drawing until you have a functional arrangement.

Find the Right Help for You

There are many tools and options online to help you begin with your space plan, And of course, you can engage a professional. Architect or Designer to design a set of scaled drawings to help you use.