No Walls Between Us: Tips for Embracing Open Concept Apartment Design
The allure of open concept apartment design is undeniable, particularly for those looking to maximise space and create a modern aesthetic. By removing non-structural interior walls, homeowners can transform small spaces into airy, light-filled environments. For some, like Tokyo Blue owner David Buchler, this is the main design objective: “We had a clear idea of what we wanted in a home from the very beginning. We wanted to create an open space that would have exposed walls and light entering from all directions”. While visually appealing, open floor plans can pose challenges regarding privacy and the delineation of activities. If you're considering an open layout, here are some tips we’ve come across in Never Too Small episodes that will help you achieve a functional, aesthetic, and unique space.
Colour Blocking
One effective technique for defining areas within an open space is colour blocking. Studio Noju co-founders Antonio Mora and Eduardo Tazon emphasise that colour itself can act as an architectural element, delineating spaces without the need for physical barriers. By incorporating different colours and textures, you can create depth and dimension, allowing each area to feel distinct while still connected. In Casa Triana, the architects demarcate each key living area with the use of monochrome colours inspired by the traditional colours of the surrounding building façades. Each distinct area has been decorated with low-cost aluminium roof ridge panels known as cumbreras, replacing what would otherwise be smooth walls with colourful concertina-like folds.
Material Finishes
Incorporating varied material finishes is another strategic way to establish separate use zones within an open concept layout. In Tokyo Blue, for example – where owners David and Koichi opened three separate bedrooms and a central kitchen to create one big room – a transition from blue PVC tiles to concrete flooring marks the clear divide between the living area and the kitchen. This subtle shift, accentuated by a brass strip, not only differentiates the spaces but also enhances their individual atmospheres. By carefully selecting materials that complement your design, you can maintain an open feel while subtly guiding movement and functionality.
Curtains
For those seeking flexibility, curtains offer an inexpensive and adaptable solution. They can easily be drawn open or closed, allowing homeowners to decide how they want to utilise their space on any given day. This approach is particularly beneficial for small apartments, as demonstrated by Joyce Li and Mikolaj Scibisz in 1/2/3 Apartment. Initially, their open layout served them well as a young couple, but as their family grew, they found the need to divide the space for added privacy and storage. Curtains seemed to them the perfect (and quickest) solution, allowing them to create a separate nursery for their daughter as well as some separation between their sleeping area and office, which had to be moved closer together as a result of the new nursery.
Retractable Walls
Similar to curtains, but with their own special pzazz is the retractable wall. These are just as flexible as curtains, opening and closing on demand, but with a unique aesthetic. They also don’t require a track or bar to mount; instead, supported by the all or a freestanding structure. A great example of this is seen in The Shrine by Studio Edwards, where they added a folding cardboard wall by MOLO in front of the sleeping area. It adds a unique architectural feature that provides privacy when needed—whether it's for accommodating guests or simply a mid-afternoon naptime.
“Floating” Cubesv
Lastly, "floating" cubes present a creative way to maintain an open concept while introducing privacy. These central built-in structures – like the sleeping cube found in Monolocale EFFE by Archiplanstudio – allow for airflow (they rarely go floor-to-ceiling) and connectivity while creating a distinct area for specific activities. This design provides a structured yet open environment, offering a balance between privacy and openness; it also allowed them to keep the walls free to display the original 15th century fresco mural discovered during the renovation. They can be even further integrated with the rest of the home through the addition of windows or by serving as a backdrop for furniture such as a dining table.
Open Concept Interior Design Solutions
All in all, an open concept interior may not be for everyone. Fair. But if you’re a fence sitter, consider strategies like colour blocking, material differentiation, flexible curtains, retractable walls, and floating cubes to achieve that airy feeling you crave and privacy you want (or need). Whether you're redesigning an existing space or starting from scratch, these tips will help you create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment that adapts to your lifestyle.
