The Open Kitchen and Family Room Space 'The Living Space'

More and more often, it is becoming quite favorable for people to join kitchens and family rooms to open up their living space. This is of course very family friendly. In addition, for the homeowner who likes to entertain, this is the perfect set up. This arrangement allows for people to convene during and after meals as well as play games, watch TV and get work done together. With the exception of the utmost in formal entertaining, it seems that everyone inevitably gathers around the kitchen area.

Some suggestions to make an open living space work:

1. In order to successfully have the large room, the key is to create the feeling of small spaces within the large living spaces. This can be done in a number of ways, from both the
   construction aspect as well as the interior space planning and furniture design. Open spaces
   require definition and parameters.
2. Box beams as well as other Coffered type ceilings define space within an open floor plan.
3. Kitchen Island are a great way to separate spaces while providing a great surface to work
   on, entertain on and just convene around.
4. Half walls, book cases, arches and half pillars help to define and separate spaces while
   keeping the living space open.
5. Changes in ceiling heights within the same space can also create different spaces within an
   open living space. Higher ceilings in smaller homes can create a feeling of more space.
6. Furniture arrangement can help define a space. By placing seating in an L-shape, a small
   niche is created for other pieces of furniture.

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