How to Incorporate Art into Open-Concept Living Spaces

Airy and spacious, open concept living spaces are popular with homeowners throughout the country, but they can also pose unique challenges when it comes to decorating. Without walls or separate rooms to define it, it can be hard to know how to place art that will open up the space but also make each space feel separate. While artwork doesn’t always come to mind when designing openconcept space, when approached correctly it can become a valuable tool to pull a room together, add emphasis to specific areas, and provide personality in a living space. With that said, I wanted to share with you some key tips on how to incorporate art into open concept living spaces.

1. Create Zones with Art

Art is a great way of defining functional zones in open concept spaces. The space is open but you can use art to block of the space and define each area but still somehow look cohesive.

For instance, if your living room and dining area are open to one another, you might hang a large piece of artwork over the sofa to denote the living space and another, but corresponding, piece over the dining table to indicate where the eating occurs. The two then need to have some relationship, color, style, or theme, so that they aren’t just visually isolated, but also don’t feel disjointed.

You could also use art in a hallway or entry area to bring you into the living area. A statement piece here makes you look and sets the tone for the rest of the space leaving you heading into an open area knowing where to look.

2. Play with Scale and Proportions

In an open concept space, your artwork truly calls the room’s shots based on its size and scale. Open-concept living spaces come with the price of high ceilings and walls that make everything seem bigger, and small pieces of art aren’t lost in the vastness, they disappear altogether.

If you are considering larger areas, turn towards oversized or gallery style artwork. Putting a large, bold statement piece in a room can become the room’s focal point it will ground the space and will make a strong visual anchor. If the art is just one single large piece or a collection of smaller pieces hanging in a gallery wall arrangement, going big with the art can help set the tone for the entire art selection feeling purposeful and cohesive.

When creating smaller sections of the open space, such as nooks or corners, make smaller pieces of the art that will not overpower the space as much as the large focal points do. The trick is to find a good balance between large and small art, so that each piece is sized accordingly for its place.

3. So, Use Art To Enhance The Flow OfThe Room.

Open space concept is one of the best thing because it permits smooth transition between different functional areas. You can pick artwork to improve this flow, specifically pieces that reflect the design or color scheme throughout the space.

The presence of artwork helps to bring unity in the room and flor holders are thus important to have around in order to complement the colour palette of the room. For instance, if the tones in your living room are soft and neutrals with a dash of blue, the art you hang should reinforce this and, ideally, have similar tones. Alternatively, you can select artwork in a colour that leans into the opposing side of the colour wheel, but not so far as to feel alien in the space.

4. Finally, you can use anchor art above furniture or architectural features.

When you have an open-concept space, you want the art to have presence and intent. Placing artwork above key pieces of furniture or architectural features is a great way to achieve this, and it will of course draw the eye and give the space a sense of purpose.

For example, big piece of art above the sofa can be a centerpiece for the living room, communicating the message for the entire room. In the dining area too, works of art placed above the table can act much the same, and help to give the space more intimacy and definition. If your open space has a fireplace, you could hang artwork above the fire itself to make the fireplace the main focus of the room.

5. Learn About Textural and Mixed Media Art

Traditional framed paintings and photographs are great in open concept spaces, don’t be afraid to use mixed media or handpanited art pieces for dimension and interest. Large, open spaces look great with art that has texture like woven wall hangings, sculptures or fabric art.

Textural art adds a sense of touch to the room and makes for a variation of the smoother surfaces that walls, furniture and flooring normally have. If you have a large open space in your modern or industrial open concept home a large woven tapestry can make the space feel cuddlier and a metal sculpture add a contemporary edge. Not only do these kinds of pieces add visual interest but they can also be used to balance materials used throughout the space.

6. Consider Framing and Placement

Framing and placement are crucially as important to the art in open concept spaces. Sometimes your choice of frame will actually complement and sometimes contrast with what you have in the room. For example, frames that are sleek and minimalist will be great for modern spaces, whereas ornate frames will work well in traditional or eclectic rooms; as a further example.

7. Go for Personal, Meaningful Art

Next, the art you select for open concept space should be on display at your taste and style. When it comes to family portraits, travel photography or abstract paintings — the artwork should appeal to you and hold some special meaning for your room. This personal touch will make a room that can feel a bit too open or overly impersonal feel a bit warmer and more unique.

Conclusion

Putting art into an open concept living space is something that must be considered – from the flow of the room to the scale and overarching design of the space. Using art to zone, finding visual balance through color and texture, as well as choosing placements above major furniture, will help add both structure and creativity to your open space. Keep in mind, art does not just hang on walls; it can define the whole vibe your house has. Follow these lead to create a beautiful and cohesive open concept living area that’s truly yours.