Today’s homeowners are all about the open concept. Newer construction tends toward open-concept floor plans, and homeowners are renovating existing older homes to create more open spaces. This preference for open floor plans makes “line of sight” an important consideration for interior design.
Line of Sight
Consider your “line of sight” when designing for an unobstructed view from (for example) a kitchen to dining to living space. It can be jarring to look out from an elegantly designed kitchen into a dining or living space cluttered with unattractive, mismatched hutch or entertainment center. You can create a more harmonious line-of-sight by making purposeful design choices about paint color and placement, windows, lighting, furniture layout, and more.
First Impressions
Obscured or choppy views can make a space feel small, cluttered, and uncomfortable. Rooms designed with clear sightlines make a space feel more open and welcoming. You can use sightlines to highlight architectural features (fireplaces, built-in bookshelves), and help create a pleasing flow from one room to the next.
• The first sightline in your home is the one from your front door. Decide on a focal point and design to enhance it.
• Window and door placement can have a big impact on sightlines.
• Lay out a room, so there are several walkways.
• If you’re trying to lay out a small or closed space, choose shorter items (i.e., low furniture) and avoid things like tall houseplants or large/low-hanging light fixtures.
• Match cabinetry from one room to the next for visual flow and consider creating specific furniture pieces with custom cabinetry if you can’t find what you want.
Talk to a Designer
A designer can help reduce the guesswork no matter what room, or rooms, you’re renovating. Call Cabinets & Designs to make an appointment with one of our talented kitchen designers to learn more.