In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning design and decorating questions. Here, Tabitha Krygsman, an interior designer at Ikea Australia, reveals how to resolve the design challenges of a small, open-plan living room that needs to serve multiple functions.

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Many of us are living in smaller spaces, and this means making every square metre of the space we have useful and multi-functional. An open-plan living room, generally one of the busiest spots in a home, needs to serve multiple functions, from a lively space for socialising to a quiet area for relaxing.

Decorating a compact, open-plan living space can be a challenge, but there are some smart techniques you can employ to make it work.

Image: Ikea

Dalecki Design

Focus on your needs
Start by listing the different activities that will take place in the room – whether it’s entertaining, relaxation or quiet play – and who will be using it. Consider which furniture pieces are essential and which you can do without. This will help you prioritise your specific needs for the space and clear out anything non-essential.

Anne Webster Designs Pty Ltd

Create zones
If your room needs to serve several different functions, say as living room, dining room and home office, you’ll want to create distinct zones. You can do this by using large rugs to define areas, shelving as room dividers and offering a variety of seating solutions.

Read more tips for small spaces

Entrance Fastighetsmäkleri

Keep it light and bright
When selecting colours for the furniture, walls and floors in a small space, aim to keep things light and bright as this will make the area feel open and welcoming. Neutral colours such as warm whites and light greys, and natural materials such as linen, work well.

Mirrors are another smart addition as they will bounce natural light around the room and give the illusion of more space.

Tip: Where possible, position mirrors to reflect greenery or a great view – introducing a touch of the exterior world to your interior will enhance the connection between the two.

Highgate House

In a small, open space it’s best to limit yourself to a palette of around three colours, starting with a neutral as your base. Seek out soft furnishings in natural materials that will add visual interest and a sense of calm to the space.

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Domus Nova

Introduce personal touches
There’s a common misconception that decorative items don’t belong in a compact space. This is not the case. All rooms, however small, will benefit from a personal touch. The trick is to focus on just one or two items you love, whether that’s a piece of art or a collection of memorabilia, so the space doesn’t feel cluttered.

Tip: You don’t have to display the same decorative items at all times. Tuck away your winter throws and darker accessories in the warmer months and bring out ones in lighter shades for an easy summer update.

Bower Architecture

Add in smart storage
Clever storage is the key to minimising clutter in a small space. There are plenty of options to choose from; open shelving is ideal for displaying your prized possessions, while closed storage is great for tech gadgets. Make the most of your wall space by taking storage from floor to ceiling, and consider customising the design to create a visually arresting look.

Boost this with hidden storage, such as double-duty furniture with concealed storage compartments. And keep the look simple and calm by choosing pieces in a neutral or white finish.

Choose flexible furniture
Small living spaces require smart furniture that serves more than one purpose – think modular, flexible and multi-functional. This will help maximise the space you have and keep the area uncluttered.

Seek out versatile pieces such as a sofa that turns into a bed for an extra guest, a stack of stools that can be used as seating or side tables, or a coffee table on castors with built-in storage to accommodate your remotes, which can be rolled to the edge of the room when you need additional space.

Image: Ikea

Sam Crawford Architects

Think outside the box
If the space needs to be used for different functions – say, your dining table needs to double as your desk or the living room needs to function as a play room – choose furniture to suit.

Consider pieces that can be pulled out and packed away from the corner, and ones that can be used in new ways. Perhaps the buffet behind your dining table could double as closed storage for stationery and home office supplies, or your storage ottoman could act as a toy box.

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Marylou Sobel Interior Design

Go modular
Modular sofas make the most of limited space as they are flexible and can be adapted to suit your needs. Look for a style with freestanding components that can be swapped, rotated or reconfigured to create a variety of seating combinations – perfect for a party, accommodating an overnight guest or simply because you feel like a change.

Intro

Don’t forget greenery
Introducing greenery to your home will boost your connection to nature and help you feel calmer and more relaxed. It’s easy to do, even in a small space. A collection of potted plants on a display shelf, a hanging plant in the corner of the room or a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table or console will provide a warm, welcoming touch.

Contemporary Family Room The Art Apartment

Tell us
Have you solved the challenge of decorating a small, open-plan room? Tell us how in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.

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Ann-Marie Ryan

This seems like rather conservative advice, especially with regards to sticking with a neutral palette. I’ve seen some great examples of maximalist apartments crammed full of beautiful things and walls painted rich, dark tones.

3 Likes 7 January 2018 at 1:48pm

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dfgf

Georgia, thanks . you cant please all the people all the time. This is good advice for making a small room appear larger and storage & display was explained. Ikea do have some ideas of dark coloured rooms that look great too, if people don't like these they could go to IKEA site and have a look . Thanks to Tabitha too :)

Like 8 January 2018 at 12:58pm

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HU-319610855

Agree w didistaying and ann- marie

Like 25 July 2020 at 5:52pm