Cramped, closed-off rooms are a thing of the past. There’s a reason open floor plans are all the rage, and why people prefer open and airy spaces over the opposite. A well-designed space is like a good pair of shoes. If you’re wearing good shoes, you’ll barely notice they’re on your feet, but if they’re the wrong size, shape, and material, you’ll feel it with every step. Your interior works the same way. If walking from room to room is a painful, jarring experience, it’s time to make some changes. There are plenty of ways to create a better flow in your house. Let’s take a look at a few.
Pick a Cohesive Color Scheme
If every room in your house is painted a different color, it can start to look chaotic. When you’re picking out a color scheme for your home, it’s best to keep things simple. Sticking to warm, neutral colors will make everything feel—and look—more cohesive. Each room should have the same, if not similar, wall color. If you’re looking to add a pop of color, you can give each room its own unique accent wall, or incorporate different patterns, textures, and colors through the furniture and accessories.
Cut Down on Clutter
In interior design, the word ‘flow’ means to transition smoothly from one place to the next. Clutter, like rocks in a river, makes transition bumpy and unstable. By cutting down on the amount of clutter in your home, you’ll be able to walk from room to room without stumbling, tripping, or stubbing your toe. You don’t have to go full minimalist but clearing out areas that are cramped or narrow is a good decision. Hallways, for example, should be kept basic. There’s nothing wrong with hanging paintings on the walls, adding a compact console table, or putting down a plant or two. But if it’s so cluttered you can barely squeeze through space, it’s time to do some much-needed spring cleaning.
Replace Doorways with Arches
Another way to create a better flow in your house is to replace your doorways with arches. Doors physically separate different areas of the home. If you’re aiming for an open floor plan, replacing doorways with archways is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to do it. Have some basic carpentry skills you’ve been itching to use? With the right supplies, you can transform your doors into archways by yourself. Archways can make two rooms flow together while still maintaining a degree of separation between them. Interested in replacing your doors with archways? You’ll be happy to know that there’s more than one kind to choose from. You can go with a classic, gothic arch or something softer, like an arch with a round, smooth top.
