Comments
How to Ace Open Plan Living in India
Here is all you need to know to get an open floor plan right
Aditi Gaitonde
21 January 2017
Open plan living has made its way to every country in the world and India is not an exception. Architects, interior designers and homeowners are leaning towards this style for more reasons than one. The seamless flow of space seems more natural and inviting while the disappearance of walls bring in more light. This is ideal for nuclear families and weekend homes. In urban India, where space is a constant constrain, an open floor plan makes the best of the situation. So goodbye pigeon holes, dead spaces and dark corners. Here are some great suggestions when opting for an open floor plan; some design professionals also weigh in.
Don’t shy away from the light
Open floor plans usually consolidate the living, dining and cooking space into one sprawling area sans the restriction of walls. Interior designer Ninad Pardeshi suggests to take things a step further by including the outdoors to this equation. “Capture the view with large French windows that allow the outdoors in,” he adds. Like in this particular space, an entire wall of the open plan living room is dominated with floor-to-ceiling doors that bring in a hint of green and tonnes of natural light. The skylights flood the room with more light and brightness.
See more kitchens with skylights
Open floor plans usually consolidate the living, dining and cooking space into one sprawling area sans the restriction of walls. Interior designer Ninad Pardeshi suggests to take things a step further by including the outdoors to this equation. “Capture the view with large French windows that allow the outdoors in,” he adds. Like in this particular space, an entire wall of the open plan living room is dominated with floor-to-ceiling doors that bring in a hint of green and tonnes of natural light. The skylights flood the room with more light and brightness.
See more kitchens with skylights
Invest in an industrial kitchen exhaust
You don’t need to have a large loft-like space to embrace an open floor plan. You do, however, need a strong exhaust in the kitchen and proper ventilation. Iram Sultan, one of principal designers of Studio Strato, suggests, “Our cooking uses multiple spices as well as frying and roasting methods in pans. If the exhaust system is not effective enough, your room will have a lingering smell. It will cling to the fabric of your furniture and curtains. So ensure that you have an effective and balanced air-conditioning plus exhaust system in place.”
Browse images of kitchens with different kinds of exhausts
You don’t need to have a large loft-like space to embrace an open floor plan. You do, however, need a strong exhaust in the kitchen and proper ventilation. Iram Sultan, one of principal designers of Studio Strato, suggests, “Our cooking uses multiple spices as well as frying and roasting methods in pans. If the exhaust system is not effective enough, your room will have a lingering smell. It will cling to the fabric of your furniture and curtains. So ensure that you have an effective and balanced air-conditioning plus exhaust system in place.”
Browse images of kitchens with different kinds of exhausts
Don’t go overboard
When your home is neatly compartmentalised into separate rooms, you can take liberties and break some interior designing rules like blending colours, themes etc. But while planning an open plan living area, it’s best to keep those rules in mind for a seamless and continuous space. Mumbai-based interior designer Ravi Vazirani of ravi vazirani design studio stresses on the importance of holding back. “Stick to a restricted colour and a material palette. You want the space to feel like one, not a medley of materials all clashing against the other,” he explains. This particular space runs an all-white theme that not only helps make the space look airy and large but also helps give it a cohesive look. The pops of colour in the yellow-tinted wooden tabletop and burgundy sofa bring in a dash of vibrancy.
When your home is neatly compartmentalised into separate rooms, you can take liberties and break some interior designing rules like blending colours, themes etc. But while planning an open plan living area, it’s best to keep those rules in mind for a seamless and continuous space. Mumbai-based interior designer Ravi Vazirani of ravi vazirani design studio stresses on the importance of holding back. “Stick to a restricted colour and a material palette. You want the space to feel like one, not a medley of materials all clashing against the other,” he explains. This particular space runs an all-white theme that not only helps make the space look airy and large but also helps give it a cohesive look. The pops of colour in the yellow-tinted wooden tabletop and burgundy sofa bring in a dash of vibrancy.
Let your furniture multi-task
Using too many pieces of furniture might tend to overcrowd the space, making it look chaotic. Sultan advises to keep the style and space clean without clutter.
Vazirani says compartmentalising is key. This allows you to have more utility in the same space. When space isn’t a luxury, like in urban Indian apartments, multi-functional furniture as well as mobile pieces are worth the investment. Like this particular Mumbai kitchen by Architecture BRIO uses the kitchen island for quick meals. The bar stools here can be moved to the living space for extra seating whenever needed.
Using too many pieces of furniture might tend to overcrowd the space, making it look chaotic. Sultan advises to keep the style and space clean without clutter.
Vazirani says compartmentalising is key. This allows you to have more utility in the same space. When space isn’t a luxury, like in urban Indian apartments, multi-functional furniture as well as mobile pieces are worth the investment. Like this particular Mumbai kitchen by Architecture BRIO uses the kitchen island for quick meals. The bar stools here can be moved to the living space for extra seating whenever needed.
Experiment with layouts
If you have the luxury of space, why not use it creatively? Almost like a habit, most us of place furniture in predictable areas. But it’s 2017 and change we simply must.
If you have the luxury of space, why not use it creatively? Almost like a habit, most us of place furniture in predictable areas. But it’s 2017 and change we simply must.
Edge away from partition and embrace fluidity. It’s time to experiment. Architect Saket Sethi of Archilogics affirms, “Move away from the usual style of propping furniture against the wall and settling for typical arrangements. Have fun with it, steer clear of the way and play around with elements.”
Don’t be rigid
Nothing is written in stone. It’s completely acceptable if your open plan living room doesn’t include a kitchen. As cooking is an elaborate affair in the Indian household, a kitchen might not be a good fit for this space. Instead, take a cue from this room where the kitchen is a separate area. The living, dining and bar area have been brought together making it the perfect place to host parties.
Read more:
Houzz Tour: An actor’s getaway that has an open plan layout
10 Indian Kitchens on Houzz That Evoke Envy
Tell us:
Does open plan living work in Indian homes? Tell us what has worked for you and what hasn’t in the Comments section below.
Nothing is written in stone. It’s completely acceptable if your open plan living room doesn’t include a kitchen. As cooking is an elaborate affair in the Indian household, a kitchen might not be a good fit for this space. Instead, take a cue from this room where the kitchen is a separate area. The living, dining and bar area have been brought together making it the perfect place to host parties.
Read more:
Houzz Tour: An actor’s getaway that has an open plan layout
10 Indian Kitchens on Houzz That Evoke Envy
Tell us:
Does open plan living work in Indian homes? Tell us what has worked for you and what hasn’t in the Comments section below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Decorating Ideas
7 Ways to Partition Your Home Without Building Walls
These partitioning ideas will not only help maximise floor space but also bring in lots of style to your interiors
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
10 Indian Kitchens on Houzz That Evoke Envy
By Krita Raut
Here are kitchens so beautiful they'd make you think about remodelling yours
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
Fresh Design Ideas From 20 Urban Indian Kitchens
Get some trending kitchen inspirations from these up-to-date, modish city kitchens
Full Story
Balconies
5 Ways to Live Large on a Small Balcony
Maximise your home's carpet area and create a vacation spot at the same time
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
10 Unique Options for Your Floors
Discover a whole new world beyond solid stones and panelled hardwoods
Full Story
Indian Homes
Design Musts for an Urban Indian Apartment
Here is a simple guide to make the most of your small city apartment
Full Story
Architecture
Building Secrets to a Cool, Breezy Home for Hot Indian Summers
Get updated on climate-responsive design strategies for a home that stays naturally cool all year round
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
5 Things to Know Before Installing a Modular Kitchen
So you are on the verge of ordering your new kitchen. Have you considered these essential points?
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
6 Stone Floors Best Suited for Indian Homes
These hard-wearing materials bring not only natural warmth but also oodles of style into your home
Full Story