How to nail an open-plan layout in your beach house

Get the foundations right

As your floors are one of the largest surfaces in the house, Rachel Daniel, general merchandise manager of Carpet Court suggests planning your interior palette from the ground up. “A pale timber floor with cool undertones, such as Carpet Court’s Premium Oak in Blanc creates a classic easy to live with foundation. A complementary textured, light neutral carpet, such as Natural Formations in Cape Leveque, will also provide a versatile base for your styling and furniture choices with luxurious softness underfoot in your bedroom.”

Light the way

Great lighting has a huge impact on your home’s ambience and functionality, so consider how zones relate to one another so you can incorporate the right lights where you need them. When it comes to statement lighting, less is often more. In interconnected zones like kitchen and living areas, choose a key place to add interest with pretty pendants. A great spot is over an island bench or above a beautiful dining table, but perhaps not in both if they’re likely to compete for attention. Also, stick to a similar lighting style throughout. If you’re cultivating a relaxed coastal feel, choose feature lighting in natural materials like rattan, linen and timber.

Flexible furniture

Before shopping for furniture, measure your floor area recommends Oz Design Furniture homewares buyer Paula Cincotta. “Key pieces such as the sofa and dining table need adequate space around them to function properly and should work with the proportions of the room so consider shape, size and style.” Also keep in mind, with open plan living you see all sides of the furniture, so assess a piece from every angle. Paula recommends low-line styles which don’t over-power a space, as well as lighter toned fabrics and sofas with elevated legs. “These features will create a greater sense of space.”