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Open Floor Plans

Great Rooms in The Well-Lived Home

Revisiting our rooms in the Well-Lived Home,  today we tackle the Great Room with great emphasis on the word "tackle".   Consider this:  A Great Room is a space within the home which combines the specific functions of several of the more traditional room spaces - the family room, the living room, the study or den, the dining room and more notably, the kitchen into a singular unified space.   We enter the modern home with enthusiasm where the mix of family living is shared, varied, eclectic, transitional and most deserving of a design strategy that brings a comfort of efficiency within the space.
So, you ask . . .
"What is a great design strategy for the Great Room?"  
As the Great Room is a compilation of all rooms, so is our answer and we've called in some help from our local decorators and designers. . .

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Photo credit Emser Tile

                                        Photo credit Emser Tile

Interior Decorator Diane Curley's approach is to start with the floors.  "For open floor plans it's best to go with what I like to call bulletproof floors and the first thing that comes to mind is Tile Planking.  My design strategy is floors that flow while at the same time designating each space as its own by turning the planks, and adding interest with floor patterns".
Diane Curley is an Interior Decor Professional with Knight's Carpets and Interiors

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Room photo courtesy of She…

                                                               Room photo courtesy of Sherwin Williams

". . . because great rooms tend to be more contemporary in style, I love using the dark warmer gray tones". . .  What makes a gray warmer?  "Subtle brown undertones add a depth of richness and expand the space.  As long as there is plenty of natural light flowing into the room, the deeper tones will work.  I'm currently working on a project where I've incorporated paintable wall sconces.  The Metro Wall Sconce by Justice Design Group is from Lumines Light.  They blend into the wall beautifully creating a soft glow."
Click here to visit Eliana's website
 

"For my busy family our kitchen is the Living Room, kids working on homework at the island while we're getting dinner ready, and finally getting the little ones to their beds gives us some time to relax and enjoy with the lights dimmed.  Key lighting systems are essential for open floor plans combining function with decorative fixtures, incorporating practical uses with dimmers, sensors and wireless integration  is our strategy for well designed lighting in the great room".
Chelsea Silva is an Interior Decorator/Lighting Specialist with Wesco Electric Inc.
Click here to visit Wesco Electric's website

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Custom Furnishings and Fabrics credit Robert Allen &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Area Rug by Jaun…

                                Custom Furnishings and Fabrics credit Robert Allen                     Area Rug by Jaunty

"I have to say the thing I love most about working in Great Rooms is the mix of fabric patterns that the space calls for.  Starting with the smallest detail in the barstools at the island and moving and mixing throughout with a base fabric pattern that carries into each area for the upholstery of the dining chairs to the draperies, and decor pillows. If the space allows, create seating with back-to-back sofas that integrate the living/family room with the kitchen and define the seating areas with area rugs".
Marie Goldsmith is an Interior Decorator with Knight's Carpets and Interiors

Lynn Donovan, Interior Designer Donovan and Donovan Construction, reminds us what Great Room living is all about . . .  
"What I love about Great Rooms is the welcoming feeling for family and friends to spend good times together cooking, sharing meals and playing games. . ." 
"One important aspect is to address the window coverings.  Since the television and other media are usually in that room it is imperative to address the amount of light and glare coming into the room.  With new technology and innovation it is possible to provide just the right amount of illumination".
To contact Lynn at Donovan & Donovan Construction give her a call at 239-0848

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Room photo credit Silestone

                                                     Room photo credit Silestone

One of the core elements that are consistent in our great room concept, and my contribution to this blog post, are the countertops and I'm happy to report that we do carry a quality selection of countertops.
Gordon and I are so very thankful for the time and the feedback we received from all of the designers and decorators who participated in making our Great Room GREAT.  It's truly enlightening to see all of the different design perspectives through the eyes of our local professionals.  
We've included the contact info for all our participating designers along with links for product information.  If you need more info on any of the products we've featured or a design strategy give us a call, we're happy to be of service.
Thanks so much for joining us in the Great Room.  Stay with us as we go room-by-room in our Well-Lived Home there's a link below to subscribe via e-mail.

"I work on the assumption that a house is successful if it is pleasant to live in"
- Alexandra Garidel Thoron