Open-plan living is the default in modern homes — but it presents a unique challenge: how do you create defined, purposeful zones without walls to do the work for you?

Define zones with rugs

A rug beneath the sofa and coffee table immediately creates a "living room" within the larger space. The rug should be large enough that all sofa legs sit on it.

Use your sofa as a room divider

Place your sofa with its back to the kitchen or dining zone. A sofa facing into the living area naturally separates it from the rest of the space without blocking light or sightlines.

Keep sightlines clear

Avoid tall furniture in the centre of the space. Keep the visual flow from front door to window unobstructed — it makes the whole area feel larger.

Consistent palette ties it together

Use a cohesive colour story across zones — the same warm white on dining chairs that appears in sofa cushions, for example. This makes the open plan feel designed, not assembled.