Interior Design: Tips on how to transform open-plan spaces

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face regarding interior design is making a large room feel warm and inviting. However, with the proper techniques and creativity, it's possible to transform even the grandest space into a cosy haven. In this article, we'll explore various tips and tricks to ensure your house truly feels like a home.

Find a focal point


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Every well-designed room needs a focal point - a central element that draws the eye and anchors the space. This is especially important for creating a sense of intimacy in a large room. Consider features like a fireplace, a stunning view, or a statement piece of furniture. Arrange your seating area around this focal point to establish a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Consider incorporating elements like plush upholstery and colourful cushions to add depth to your focal point. These enhance comfort and contribute to the room's overall warmth and charm.

Play with proportion


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In a large room, maintaining the right proportions is crucial to prevent it from feeling cavernous and impersonal. One effective way to achieve this is by using optical illusions. Choose furniture and accessories proportionate to the room's size, such as oversized sofas, chairs, lamps, and vases. These larger-than-life elements create a sense of balance and cosiness.

For instance, two large lamps flanking a fireplace may appear ideally in scale with the room, even if they are more significant than average table lamps. Additionally, incorporating bright and bold fabrics, like ikat shades, can unify the space and add a pop of colour, further enhancing its warmth and personality.

Create different zone


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Large rooms offer the opportunity to create distinct zones for various activities, making the space functional and inviting. Once you've identified your focal point, divide the room into sections based on how you plan to use it. For example, designate one area for lounging around the fireplace, another for reading or relaxing, and perhaps a corner for a piano or game table.

Using rugs to delineate each zone adds visual interest and helps anchor the furniture, making the room feel cohesive. Whether curling up with a book by the fire or enjoying a game of cards with family and friends, these designated spaces add intimacy and charm to your home.

Make the space informal


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A formal atmosphere can detract from the cosy ambience you're trying to create in a large room. To combat this, embrace informality in your design choices. Mix and match old and new furniture pieces, and don't be afraid to experiment with playful fabrics and bold colours.

Consider covering chairs in a mishmash of vibrant fabrics or adding whimsical accents like felt figures appliqued onto upholstery. By infusing your space with personality and character, you'll instantly make it feel more welcoming and relaxed.

Fill the walls


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Empty wall space can make a room feel cold and unwelcoming. Fill the walls with art, mirrors, or other decorative elements to add warmth and visual interest. Layering old wooden panelling beneath framed artworks adds texture and dimension, creating a cosy atmosphere reminiscent of a country home.

Choose pieces that reflect your style and interests, whether serene landscapes, abstract prints, or quirky sculptures. Treating your walls as a canvas for self-expression will turn your large room into a true reflection of your unique taste and personality.

You can turn even the grandest space into a welcoming retreat that feels like home by finding a focal point, playing with proportion, creating different zones, embracing informality, and filling the walls with personal touches.

Picking out the right store

Here are our top ten furniture stores in Pretoria:

• House & Home Mayville
• Coricraft Park View
• Setters Furniture 
• Topolansky Fine Furniture
• Norman Bakos
• Sedgars Home
• Akhona Furnitures
• Cielo Pretoria
• Lighouse Pretoria
• ​Incanda Furniture

​Contact Ikonic Real Estate today. 

For Real Estate professionals you can trust and rely on for industry-related expertise, contact us below for more information.

If you are looking to live in Silver Lakes Golf and Lifestyle Estate, Silver Stream Estate, Lombardy Estate & Health Spa, The Ridge Estate, Six Fountains Estate, or Willow Acres Estate and surrounding areas, then Ikonic Real Estate is your preferred property practitioner to assist you in all aspects of the selling and buying process.

Office Number: 083 452 5599
Cell Number: 083 452 5599
Email: martin@ikonic.co.za

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