Newsletter Design Tips: Mastering Really Effective Open Floor Plans in Chicago

A look at two Chicago-based projects with modern elements and open floor plans  

Want to know how we master the art of open floor plan designs? It’s a skill we’ve honed over the years, but we’re pulling back the curtain on how we problem solve layouts in hopes that it will help you with your own design journey. 

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We recently completed two Chicago-based projects for active residents – and in both situations an open floor plan was the right fit. One home was for a family after more space and the other was for a young couple who loves to entertain. After hearing about how they planned to use their living, dining and kitchen spaces – we knew that a first level with and open floor plan and some specific design enhancements would suit them best. 

The residence of a family that needed more space.

The home of a young couple that loves to travel, dine, and entertain.

The concept of an open floor plan in residential design is not new – but it is one that is becoming more and more popular as homeowners consider the benefits as they either plan into a new build or look to make modifications to an existing structure. Maximized natural light, improved functionality and a sleeker, more modern design are all benefits that can be reaped from keeping your spaces flowing easily from one to the next. 

With our recent projects in mind, here are some of the enhancements we made to ensure our clients were maximizing open concept living. 

Harnessing Natural Light: Illuminating and Enhancing Open Floor Plans

When walls are at a minimum natural light can become readily available. That was something we tapped into for a family with a long thin floor plan. Windows were plentiful and a half wall at the back of the home lets light pour through the living room.

Just behind that half wall lives a mudroom area. In this space, we harnessed natural light by placing an internal window just above the built-in seat to allow the basement to benefit from the larger exterior window on the other side. 

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Caption: Large windows at the front and back of the home, minimal walls, and the mudroom a half level below the main floor allow light to fill the entire floor. 

Defining Key Zones: The Secret to a Balanced Open Floor Plan

It is important to plan into how each area of the floor will be used – making intentional choices with function in mind. In our project for a young couple who loves to host, we carved out an entertaining area in between the kitchen and living room to ensure guests had a comfortable place to land while enjoying cocktails whipped up in the at-home bar. 

Intentional Finishes: Enhancing Open Floor Plans with Cohesive and Distinctive Design

Once the furniture layout is mapped, it is the material and color choices that help make a room really sing. An open floor plan runs two risks – lacking in coordination or feeling all too similar. With each project we planned for continuity but used specific moments to ensure each functional zone had moments of differentiation. 

In A Mixologist’s Modern Brownstone, a neutral plaid wallpaper spans the entire north wall of this couple’s home connecting each area of the open floor plan.

Botanical touches were used in this family’s house, Bright and Timeless Home, – leaning on natural elements and earthy colors to support a cohesive scheme.

While this family’s home maintains a mostly neutral palette, the dining room offers a pop of contrast with burgundy chairs and a brightly painted built in Sherwin Williams Riverway (link to SW color page).

As interior designers, we consider how you’ll live in a space and how every little detail will enhance your day-to-day. From coordinating fabrics and colors to designing light to influence the mood – there are so many nuances that go into the design process. We like to get involved from day one, working closely with the architect to ensure every element – from floor plans to finishes will support how you function in and enjoy your home. 

If you would like to discuss your design project, click here. (link to contact page)