More and more people seem to be knocking down their interior walls to create vast open-plan living spaces that incorporate formal & relaxed living areas, kitchen & dining, play areas for children, and even offices. However, once the walls have come down these huge spaces can seem daunting, leaving many wondering how on earth they are going to use the space effectively and how to designate 'zones'. Even without walls there needs to be a sense of order and purpose.

Flooring is an important element to consider in open-plan design and decoration as it can help to create a sense of 'zones'.

Don't be afraid to use different types of flooring as you move from kitchen to dining areas and then through to living areas. The key is to create flow! Although the materials and textures you use can be different, allow the tones and shades of the materials to have a relationship e.g. moving from pale grey in the kitchen and mid-grey in the dining area through to a dark charcoal in the lounge area.

This is also a great rule to apply to the use of all colour within large
open-plan spaces, which includes apartment living.

Create a flow of colour that gradually moves from clean and bright in functional kitchen areas through the spectrum to more intense and darker shades of the same colour in living areas; this helps form clear definitions within the different areas.

Using a common accent colour in small amounts via accessories and wall features throughout the different areas as you move through the open space is another effective tool in establishing relationships within your interior design scheme.

Finally don't be afraid to pull furniture away from the walls and use it to create structure and define areas.