Decorate an Open Concept Living Dining Room in Pennsylvania
Ever since Jon and I started working in the real estate business, the open concept for living and dining spaces has become common to all types of houses. This style is a sought-after feature for most families.
Why is that, though? Homebuyers desire a spacious kitchen that is separated from the rest of the house. But a connected dining and living space is appreciated for its size and openness. If you’re looking to sell your home quickly, this design feature will entice buyers.
Jon did it, and so did so many of our clients.
1. Create a Fresh Backdrop
According to Jon, “the most dynamic changes in a home are often a result of simple upgrades.” And I agree.
Our resident interior designer, Sophie, recommends using a neutral color scheme on the walls. “Neutrals are a safe bet, especially if you plan on selling your house soon.”
Lighter colors, such as beige or white, provide a perfect natural backdrop for the furniture. Lighter tints can help achieve an airy feel in a small space.
For the floor, hardwood floors are an effective choice as they increase property value. If you’re looking for affordable ways to decorate the open-concept space, wall-to-wall carpets are the ideal choice.
2. Functional Furniture Arrangements
You should invest time to consider the overall layout.
One of my friends recommended rental furniture as a flexible solution. “Rental furniture allows homeowners to adapt the layout as needed when planning for open-concept spaces.” I discussed this with our home stager, Debbie, who agreed. “Home staging is based on rental furniture merging with the layout of the house; that’s why it works.”
3. Visually Connect the Two Areas
Use furniture to bind the two spaces. An open-concept living and dining space will work if they complement each other. How you achieve this is a personal preference. There’s no benchmark.
“I grew up in Pennsylvania and wanted to incorporate a rustic feel at home. Handmade Amish furniture was my choice, and it created blurred lines between the living and dining spaces.”
Johnson (Homneowner and Colleague)
“I wanted a modern look and opted for structural design to achieve that. I worked alongside my architect to create an arch between the living and dining spaces for a more connected appearance. For a more finished appearance, I used sleek furniture.”
Lucas (Homeowner and Neighbor)
4. Define the Two Areas
Although the two spaces need to be connected, there are occasions when you want them to be separated.
“When I need to separate the two spaces, I use drapes for privacy. For informal events, I use decorative dividers that designate the two spaces as separate.”
Other Useful Decoration Tips
Some other useful tips include:
Stick to the sight lines.
Define zones.
Consider the flow of the space.
Repeat materials if possible.
Add a link that ties everything together.
Wrapping Up
A smart strategy is to apply simple yet effective decorative techniques that offer pleasant results by connecting the spaces. A blend of equal parts practical and stylish is what you’re looking for.
