Whether you’re building, remodeling, downsizing or daydreaming, chances are an open-plan layout is high on your wish list. And it’s easy to see the appeal. Open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas feel relaxed and contemporary, and they make smart use of space and light. But with no defined borders and an unobstructed view through the space, open-plan rooms can be surprisingly tricky to decorate. Here are the most common mistakes people make when decorating an open-plan — and how you can steer clear of them.

No Zoning

To be functional and visually appealing, an open-plan space needs to be zoned into separate spaces — for example, cooking, dining and relaxing areas. These zones essentially act as individual “rooms” within an open-plan space. At the same time, you want to have a sense of visual continuity among the zones.

Homeowners, often forget to include those essential anchor points that ground the individual areas within an open-plan space. As a result, an open-plan space can end up feeling like a giant hall.

Solution: 

A simple way to define the individual areas is to move the sofa across the room to split it in half. Adding a rug under the sofa and a floor lamp or table lamps beside the sofa will give more definition to the living zone. Then, you can, create a sense of continuity among the spaces by using the same flooring throughout.

Tip: 

Add interest to your open-plan scheme by incorporating vertical layers. The best way to do this is to create different layers of height using floor lamps, pendant lights and potted plants.

Too Many Different Styles

Mismatched furniture and decor items can easily overcomplicate an open-plan space and make it look busy. The different elements in an open-plan space need to “speak” to one another as though they’re from the same family, without being too matchy-matchy.

Solution: 

Choose a style you love and that will work throughout your open-plan space. Select furniture and accessories that vary in color and material yet still speak to one another visually, such as different shades of the same color.

Tip: 

Open-plan rooms tend to be noisier than closed-off rooms. You can help reduce noise levels by adding in softening elements such as curtains, rugs and throws.

Taking a Blanket Approach to Lighting

Lighting plays a important part in setting the mood in a room, yet it’s often not considered early enough in the design process. As a result, it’s often not located where it will actually be used. This makes it difficult to create ambiance within the individual parts of an open-plan space. It’s harder still to create atmosphere when lights aren’t on dimmers or can’t be turned on and off individually.

Solution: 

Plan lighting and electrical elements at the start of the design project. Think carefully about furniture placement and make sure lighting is positioned where it needs to be. For example, if the sofa is in the middle of the room, an electrical outlet may need to be installed in the floor.

Remember, there are fewer walls in an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space than in individual, closed-off rooms, so you need to be far more deliberate in your planning for elements such as electricity, lighting and television connections.

The Kitchen Doesn’t Suit the Space

You’ll often see open-plan spaces where the kitchen has no style relationship to the architecture of the house or the adjoining living area.

Solution: 

Make your kitchen a considered part of the architecture of your home and the style of the living area right from the planning stage. When choosing elements for your kitchen — such as colors, cabinet styles and countertop and backsplash materials — ask yourself if they suit the design era of your home and the decor in the adjoining spaces.

Repeating the same colors and finishes in your kitchen and living spaces can help create a sense of cohesion between the two areas.

Too-Large Furniture

Furniture that’s too big for an open-plan space can inhibit the sense of flow and make the area difficult to walk through. Ideally, walkable areas should be around 35 to 40 inches wide.

Solution: 

Before you purchase furniture, see how it will look on a floor plan and make sure it gives you enough space to move around. If the open-plan room is small and you can’t find furniture to fit, consider having pieces custom-made by a designer to suit the dimensions of the space.

Also, seek out furniture that does double duty; a large, round ottoman, for example, can be used as a coffee table and provide storage, freeing up precious space.

Following the Same Old Rules

Often when people downsize and move to open-plan living, they take their old furniture and decorating ideas with them. Many people don’t take into account the fact that open-plan layouts are quite different from closed-off rooms and that the space may be smaller than what they’re used to.

People often use the same color schemes they had in the kitchen, living and dining areas in their old home, despite the fact that these areas are now part of one continuous space rather than separate rooms. As a result, the new space can feel cluttered and uncomfortable and the decor can clash.

Solution: 

Rather than trying to re-create the look of your previous home in your new open-plan one, look at the new area with fresh eyes. Start by applying a neutral color to the walls in the living, kitchen and dining areas, which will give you a solid base and create a sense of flow among the zones. Then add in one or two supplementary colors, which you can use in different strengths and shades for the finishes and furniture in the three areas.

Poor Furniture Placement

Badly positioned furniture is an all-too-common mistake in open-plan spaces. The issue comes down to decorating principles. The rules for decorating an open-plan space are different than those for closed-off rooms.

Traditionally, a sofa or storage unit would be pushed up against a wall to maximize floor space. But doing this in an open-plan space can make things feel cold and sparse — a bit like an open sea.

Solution: 

Be open-minded about the placement of your sofa, which is generally the main piece of furniture in an open-plan living space. Try putting it in a spot where there’s no wall behind it, such as the middle of the room. Or consider having two sofas opposite each other or one sofa and an armchair or two rather than the traditional three-piece setting. If you’re buying a new sofa, consider choosing one with a low back that will allow for a clear sightline through the space.

If you’re using your existing furniture, consider paring it back to the essentials so things don’t feel cluttered. If space is tight, consider swapping some pieces out. You might choose to replace your second sofa with a slender armchair or two, or swap a large coffee table for compact side tables that won’t swallow up space.

Using Too Many Different Materials — or Not Enough

Finding the right balance for the types and number of materials in an open-plan room is tricky, and it’s something a lot of people get wrong. They’ll often use too many different materials and finishes in an open-plan space, making the area look busy; or they may not use enough, which can leave the room feeling dull and flat. You want an open-plan space to feel simple and cohesive in its aesthetic, but interesting too.

Solution: 

Space planning is the key. Spend time getting the setup right and visualizing how the room will work and look before you decorate. Start with a plan, then an elevation or a three-dimensional model. When it comes to the right number of finishes for an open-plan room, it’s generally wise to use no fewer than three and no more than five.

And remember, when choosing finishes it’s important to create a balanced look. If, for example, you have a lot of hard materials, such as stone, in the kitchen, balance them out with curves and warm materials, such as wood, in the dining and living areas.

Tip: 

Don’t plan for open shelves in an open-plan space unless you love styling.

More people are making small, daily changes in their homes to live a more eco-friendly life. These greener-living ideas are driven by concerns of global warming, pollution and habitat loss.

Here are some simple ideas for making your household greener.

Laundry: 

Some simple changes will be healthier for you and the planet, and might save you money. Use cold water as much as possible. Don’t overdo the detergent — consult your washer manual and the detergent package.

Try using your dryer less, hanging clothes on a rack indoors or outside in warm weather. If you are using the dryer try using wool dryer balls.

If you wash lots of fleece and acrylic items use a washing bag that collects microfibre particles that are released during the wash, so they don’t go into the water.

These are just a few simple things you can do and know that you are doing something good for the environment.

Cleaning: 

Check under your sink and in your cleaning closet. Are there rows of cleaning products in plastic bottles? How much do you know about their formulas?

Some people are passing on harsh chemicals and creating their own cleaning solutions using baking soda, vinegar and lemons. You can also seek out brands with plant-based, natural or nontoxic ingredients.

People think cleaning in an eco-friendly fashion will be less effective, more expensive and more work, but that is just not true.

Organizing: 

Recycling, repurposing or donating clutter is a worthwhile project. But don’t buy unnecessary organizing supplies. Look through your house first. You maybe amazed at what you find. Spray-paint glass jars and cans, or dip them in paint, to make them into decorative storage containers.

When sorting, use a colour-coding system to mark items and bags — for example use red for trash, yellow to donate, blue is sell and green to keep.

Rugs: 

When shopping for a rug, look for those made of wool or other natural materials such as jute, sisal or linen; padding made of wool or felt; and no stain or waterproofing treatments.

Try choosing rugs free of PFAS (per/poly-fluoroalkyl substances) — a category of chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can cause health issues. Try rugs with backings made of natural rubber, and not PVC.

Furniture: 

Cheaply made plastic or particleboard furniture (fast furniture) is likely to end up in a dump before long. Instead, consider giving an old piece of furniture a new life.

With old furniture, you can get a lot of bang for your buck and you get your own signature look, instead of the same style everyone else has. 

As we move into 2022, we had all hoped that the Covid pandemic would have been behind us. Unfortunately this is not the case.

To you and all your families be Healthy and Happy in 2022!

We’re getting closer to holiday events, and if you’re hosting a gathering at your home this year, you’re likely starting to feel the pressure of throwing the perfect party. Undoubtedly, “clean the house” is on your checklist for things to do.

While that task probably isn’t your favorite, you know it has to be done. Here is a whole-house cleaning guide that will help you decide when to start, what supplies to use and which rooms to tackle to get your home ready for any festive event. Let the countdown to a clean home begin!

Plan Before You Clean

You don’t want to start cleaning too early as things start getting dirty really fast, especially if you have kids.

So instead of busting out your cleaning spray and gloves, review your event checklist. Once you have the party day outlined, you can better plan your future cleaning time.

◦     Pick your date, and notify guests. Not everyone will be able to make it, and it’s

       helpful to have an accurate headcount as soon as you can.

◦     Reserve party supplies. You may want to rent a coat rack for your guests coats.

       This will help keep your home tidy during the event.

◦     Hire help. If you’ll be serving drinks at your party, it’s a great idea to hire a

       bartender. That will free up your time as the host, and your guests will

       appreciate the prompt beverage service. A bartender will also ensure you’re

       stocked up on ice and have clean glasses.

◦     Ask for help. If you have good friends coming to the event, see if they can let a

       hand. If they offer assistance, take it! You can start coordinating with them now

       on setup, guest-greeting and postparty cleanup.

◦     Start a playlist. Set the party mood by creating a playlist on your phone or

       favourite music-streaming site, and load it up with your favorites.

Stock Up on Supplies

You can start gathering extra supplies now. You’ll want to consider supplies for the party, cleaning (before and after) and overnight guests.

Top items to stock up on:

◦     Toilet paper. It’s always better to have too much than too little.

◦     Garbage bags

◦     Your most-used cleaning products

◦     Paper towels

◦     Resealable plastic bags for leftover food

◦     Cleaning wipes

◦     Basic toiletries in case an overnight guest forgets anything

Clean Five Areas in Five Days

You don’t want to start cleaning too early. Instead, wait until the week of the event, and then follow this day-by-day plan to help keep you focused. Before you start, enlist the help of family members, and then give them assignments on each day.

Day One

Start with the porch, foyer, entryway and central closets. The tasks to prioritize are:

◦     Clean up and organize any clutter. You want the entry points of your home to be

       easy to navigate and clear for guests if they need storage. 

◦     Wipe down the door, windows, light fixtures and doorknobs. 

◦     Vacuum or sweep, and then mop if needed.

Day Two 

Turn your attention to bedrooms, hallways and staircases.

◦     Dust the tops and bottoms of ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents and all the nooks

       and crannies that usually get ignored.

◦     Always dust before you vacuum. 

◦     Wipe down doorways, furniture and any knickknacks. Vacuum the floor,

       especially under the bed and along the baseboards. 

◦     Lay out fresh linens and towels in the guest room.

Bedroom Cleaning Tips:

◦     Mattress: Use the vacuum hose and attachments to clean the top and 

       sides of your mattress, and to get the dust between your mattress and the bed

       frame. It’s also a great time to rotate the mattress, if needed.

◦     Kid-Friendly Tasks: The bedrooms are also the perfect place to enlist family

       help. Even if your kids can’t dust the ceiling light, they can pick up their toys

       and clothes.

Day Three

Clean the bathrooms guests will be using. 

◦     Pull out all the towels and mats, and run a load of laundry.

◦     Dust the light fixtures and vents.

◦     Disinfect the toilet, tub, shower and other hard bathroom surfaces.

◦     Wipe down cabinets and doorways.

◦     Clean the mirror. A solution of one-quarter cup vinegar, one-half teaspoon of

       dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of water. Place mixture on a paper towel and

       then apply to mirror.

◦     Vacuum or mop. Use a handheld vacuum or vacuum hose to quickly suck up

       any hair or debris near baseboards.

◦     Replace shower liner with clean or new liner.

◦     Return freshly laundered towels and mats.

Bathroom Cleaning Tips:

◦     Hard Water Stains: For stubborn buildup, fill a spray bottle with equal parts

       vinegar and hot water. Spray the solution on the shower and tub walls and

       base, and then let it sit while you do other cleaning. If you have extra-stubborn

       spots, you can soak a paper towel with the solution and place it on the buildup.

◦     Toilet: Add two denture-cleaning tablets to the toilet and allow their fizzing

       reaction to remove stains. If you have little kids, they may enjoy adding the

       tablets. 

Day Four 

Now it’s time to focus on the gathering areas of the home, such as the living room and dining room.

◦     Declutter the space so that you have plenty of room for guests.

◦     Dust the tops and bottoms of ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.

◦     Wipe down doorways, the mantel, furniture, and cabinet exteriors.

◦     Vacuum the floor, furniture, baseboards and under the furniture.

◦     Go over any surfaces with a dryer sheet. This will prevent cling and keep dust

       from collecting.

To keep these areas clean for the next day or two, set ground rules. You could make these areas completely off limits until the party, or set up guidelines, such as no food or no shoes in them.

Day Five 

It’s time to tackle the kitchen. It’s the main hub of activity, so that means it’s almost impossible to keep the room spotless for long. That’s why you want to leave it until last.

◦     Dust the ceiling fan, light fixtures and vents.

◦     Clean All The Appliances: This includes the stove, fridge and microwave.

◦     Freshen up the garbage disposal, by cutting up a lemon or two and running the

       pieces through the disposal. Also, wipe down the rubber piece attached to your

       sink. It collects food and can be the main source of unpleasant smells.

◦     Wipe down the countertop, sink and cabinets.

◦     Clean The Garbage Can: You can do this by taking the can outside, adding some

       dishwashing soap and spraying the inside with the garden hose. Let the power

       of your hose provide the elbow grease.

◦     Vacuum and mop the floor.

Kitchen Cleaning Tips:

◦     Fridge: After cleaning the fridge, line the shelves with cling wrap. Then, after the

       party, you can just remove the cling wrap and won’t have to scrub off any spills.

◦     Microwave: Place a glass bowl filled with diluted vinegar in the microwave. Run

       the microwave on high heat for two to three minutes. The steam will loosen any                 stuck-on food.

◦     Silverware: Remove tarnish from silverware without any elbow grease. Start by

       lining a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Then, mix together 1 tablespoon of

       baking soda and 2 cups of water. Add the mixture to the cookie sheet until it

       nears the top. Add a layer of silverware to the pan. Place in the oven preheated

       to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the silverware every five minutes until the

       tarnish is gone. Use tongs to remove the pieces, as they will be hot.

Host Like a Pro

Now that you’ve planned the party and cleaned the house, it’s time to host your family and friends. On the day of the event, here are a few tricks to have up your sleeve to help the event proceed more smoothly.

◦     Offer to take empty plates and cups if you are free. You know exactly where

       they go, and your guests will appreciate the gesture.

◦     Have fun! It’s your party too, so make sure you enjoy it. If the host isn’t happy,

       it’s hard to make others feel welcomed and happy. Remember, not every

       gathering goes perfectly, and that’s OK. The most important thing is that

       everyone feels welcome.

Cleaning Tips:

◦     Spills: If someone spills wine or grape juice, immediately but calmly put table

       salt on the area. This will stop the stain from soaking in. Then, you can come

       back later and treat the stain with club soda or carpet cleaner.

◦     Dishes: At the end of the night, let the dishes soak overnight; clean them in

       the morning.

◦     Cleanup: Enjoy the party and save the majority of the cleanup for the next day.

       It can be helpful to recycle or throw away disposable plates, cups and other

       trash, and then corral the rest so that you’ll have a starting point in the

       morning.

A bouquet of flowers or bottle of wine is always appreciated, but when you want something a little less expected, here are some crowd-pleasing ideas. Keep a few go-to gifts at the ready and you’ll be prepared for any holiday party, potluck or open house that pops up on your schedule.

Colorful Bar Accessory

Help pep up your host’s home bar with a stack of colorful coasters, a new ice bucket or copper Moscow Mule mugs. If you want to go the extra mile, pair your pick with little bottles of fancy tonic and sodas or a tub of Marcona almonds.

Elegant Treat Stand

Bringing a sweet treat as your party contribution? Elevate your homemade or store-bought confection on a dessert stand that your hosts can use long after the party has ended.

Holiday Ornament

A handpicked holiday ornament feels special in a way that other gifts just can’t. Aim to choose an ornament that has something to do with your friendship, locale or a shared passion. And if you’re looking to gussy up any of the other gifts on this list, consider keeping a stash of small ornaments to tie on with ribbon.

Glass Food Storage Containers

Help your hosts handle the party feast leftovers with ease by gifting a set of nesting food storage containers. This utterly practical gift is one that most hosts won’t be expecting — but will be very happy to receive!

Small Vase With Personality

A petite arrangement of flowers in a pretty vase is easier to tote and often more appreciated than an overblown bouquet. Stock up on a few bud vases — filled or empty, they make a great go-to gift.

New Cookbook

An inspiring new cookbook makes a great gift for hosts who love to try new things in the kitchen. Personalize their copy by writing a note inside the book, and tie it with pretty ribbon.

Special Serving Piece

A pretty serving bowl or platter can always be put to good use. Give it on its own, pair it with a set of serving spoons or fill it with seasonal fruit or nuts for a bountiful display.

Kitchen Sink Upgrades

Fancy hand soaps and kitchen towels are little things that your hosts probably don’t treat themselves to often. Oven mitts and potholders are also good options.

Mugs for the Morning …

… or after dinner or anytime. A pair of mugs or a cream-and-sugar set makes a sweet offering. If you’d like to round out the collection, add a pound of locally roasted coffee beans or your favorite blend of tea.

Colorful Throw

A cozy throw is irresistible, especially in the cold winter months. Look for one with a special detail that sets it apart: extra-soft texture, rich colors or embellishments like embroidery and tassels.