
So you stylishly and effectively structure open spaces
Open-plan spaces seem amazing at first glance – bright, spacious, and modern. But when it comes to furnishing them in a cozy and functional way, questions quickly arise: Where does the living area begin? How can the kitchen be subtly separated? And how can it all avoid feeling like one giant, empty space?
What would you like to learn more about?
- ➤ What are open spaces – and what challenges do they bring?
- ➤ Design ideas: How to bring structure to large rooms
- ➤ Stylishly separating living and kitchen areas
- ➤ Separating bedroom and dressing area
- ➤ Combining guest room & home office smartly
- ➤ Do’s & Don’ts of open-plan living
- ➤ Conclusion: How to make your open floor plan feel like home
What are open spaces – and what challenges do they bring?
Open floor plans are modern, airy, and offer lots of freedom. Living room, dining area, and kitchen often flow seamlessly into one another – or bedroom and dressing space are separated only by furniture. Sounds great, right? But that’s where the challenge lies: How do you create structure, comfort, and style without walls? Too much openness can feel chaotic or unfinished. That’s where wallpaper comes in – as a clever tool for defining zones.
Design ideas: How to bring structure to large rooms
Instead of building fixed partitions, use wallpaper to create visual boundaries. A bold pattern in the dining area, a calm tone in the living room, or a color contrast in the dressing space – wallpaper helps you define areas while keeping the overall look harmonious. The effect depends on the choice of motif, color, and placement. This way, the room remains open but structured.
Stylishly separating living and kitchen areas
In open-plan living kitchens, it’s especially important to visually separate cooking from relaxing. The kitchen benefits from clean lines or modern geometric wallpaper – it looks tidy and sophisticated. The living space, in contrast, can be softer: nature-inspired designs, watercolor styles, or floral prints add warmth and coziness.
Separating bedroom and dressing area
Open-plan bedroom and dressing areas often feel cluttered with clothes, mirrors, and furniture. A calm, textured wallpaper behind the bed and a contrasting pattern in the dressing zone creates visual clarity and calm. Marble effects or soft pastel tones work especially well here.
Combining guest room & home office smartly
Nowadays, many spaces must serve two purposes: sleeping and working. The key here is zoned wall design. A subtle wallpaper in the sleeping area and an inspiring, creative one in the work area – for example, abstract designs or geometric motifs – help separate the two functions visually.
Do’s & Don’ts of open-plan living
✔️ Do's
- ✓ Define clear zones:
Use wallpaper or color to emphasize different areas - ✓ Repeat materials:
Use textiles, wood, or colors consistently - ✓ Use neutral base tones:
They help large spaces feel calm and cohesive
❌ Don'ts
- ✗ Too many patterns:
Avoid clashing styles in close proximity - ✗ No visual anchor:
Without focal points, the space lacks direction - ✗ All-white walls:
White walls can make open spaces feel cold and empty
Conclusion: How to make your open floor plan feel like home
Key takeaways at a glance
✨ Challenges of open-plan living:
- Lack of structure despite ample space
- Visual clutter from undefined zones
- A cohesive yet dull overall impression
✨ How wallpaper helps with design:
- Visually separates areas without physical walls
- Adds depth, atmosphere & structure
- Brings individual style through well-chosen designs
✨ Ideas for common room combinations:
- Living kitchen: Modern patterns in the kitchen, natural tones in the living area
- Bedroom with dressing area: Calm wall design behind the bed, contrast in the dressing zone
- Home office in guest room: Subtle retreat zone vs. creative workspace