Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the way we use our homes shapes how they feel. Sometimes, a simple shift in layout can make all the difference—and other times, it takes a bold move to really make it work. That’s exactly what we experienced when creating our open concept kitchen living room for our Monarch Colonial renovation.
If you’ve been following along, you know we wrapped up a pretty major transformation. One of the biggest (and best!) changes we made was opening up the entire first floor to create a more connected, open concept layout. It completely changed the way the space flows and functions.
From the beginning, we knew reworking the layout would be a challenge, so we brought in an interior designer to help. Having a professional involved early made a huge difference—and if you’re considering a layout change in your own home, it’s worth considering.
I’m breaking down why we went with an open concept, what it actually means, and how to know if it’s the right move for your home, too. Let’s jump in!
WHAT IS AN OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN LIVING ROOM?
It’s exactly what it sounds like—your kitchen, living room, and sometimes even the dining area, all flowing together without any walls or doorways cutting things off!
Instead of separate rooms with their own boundaries, everything is together within one large, open area. With a layout like this, it is a massive space with so much room for creativity. Each space still has a purpose, but the layout is more about flow than division.
THE RISE OF THE OPEN CONCEPT LAYOUT
It’s wild to think that just a few decades ago, homes were all about separate rooms with their own walls and doors. Then, around the 1950s and ’60s, things started to shift. Architects and designers began leaning into open layouts, looking for ways to make spaces feel more communal and flexible. Fast forward to today, and open-concept living is pretty much everywhere. Some people love how airy and connected it feels, while others miss the cozy, defined rooms of the past. But whether you’re a fan or not, it’s clear that open concepts aren’t going anywhere.
To me, I love how open concept feels brighter, bigger, and more connected—and honestly, it makes everyday living (and hosting!) so much easier.
HOW TO STYLE ALL THIS OPEN SPACE:
Having all that open space can feel a little intimidating at first, but I like to think of it as a blank canvas. There’s more room to play, personalize, and create something that feels uniquely you.
Here are a few of my favorite things to focus on to make your open concept space feel cozy and intentional:
Paint Colors
One of the easiest ways to bring structure into a huge space is with color. Try using two complementary paint colors to visually “separate” your zones. Maybe the kitchen stays bright and airy, while the living room gets a cozier hue to anchor it. It’s a subtle shift, but it makes a huge impact.
For example, I used two colors in my open concept kitchen living room: Sherwin-Williams Pure White and Trailing Vines. The combination of crisp white and earthy green allowed for a balance of spaces, without one overpowering the other. I think it’s one of my favorite color combinations to date.
Rug Placement
When trying to ground a space, rugs are the easiest (and best) way to make this division clear. In open layouts, opting for larger rugs is essential. A generously sized area rug under the living room setup and a big, bold rug beneath the dining table instantly create a sense of structure, even without walls.
Choosing rugs that match the scale of the space helps define each area, making the layout feel intentional and balanced. Smaller rugs can look out of place and fail to anchor the space, so size truly matters here.
Furniture Positioning
Thoughtful furniture positioning can dramatically change the way a space feels and functions. Rather than defaulting to lining pieces along the walls, try floating your furniture to create more inviting layouts. For instance, anchor your sofa in the center of the room facing the fireplace or TV, and build a conversation area with chairs, a coffee table, or a console behind the couch. Consider how people move through the space and group furniture with purpose.
One crucial aspect to keep in mind is furniture scale. In open spaces, choosing larger furniture pieces is key, especially for sofas and coffee tables. Going as big as the room can handle helps ground the space and makes it feel intentional. The only way to really get it wrong is to choose pieces that are too small, which can make the area feel sparse and unbalanced.
OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN LIVING ROOM: PROS AND CONS
Pros:
It Feels Bigger (Even If It’s Not): Taking down walls instantly creates that open, airy feel. Even if the square footage hasn’t changed, the space feels larger, brighter, and way more inviting. You’re not boxed in—and your design options aren’t either.
Helps Everyone Stay Connected: One of the best parts about an open concept kitchen? You’re never cut off from the rest of the house! You can keep an eye on the kids, follow along with TV playing in the living room, and still stay on top of dinner at the same time.
More Lighting: With fewer walls blocking windows, you’ll get loads more natural light pouring through. That sunlight doesn’t just brighten the space—it makes the whole room more alive.
Cons:
Privacy & Noise: With no walls to separate things, it can be tricky to find a quiet corner when you need one. Whether someone’s on a Zoom call, the kids are playing, or you’re just craving five minutes of alone time—it’s all happening in the same space!
Cleaning: One mess can suddenly feel a lot larger when you’ve got an open layout. A few dishes on the counter or clutter scattered near the couch? Yep, you’ll see it all from every angle. Without walls to contain the chaos, staying on top of tidying becomes more of a daily habit—but it’s totally doable.
SO WHY CHOOSE AN OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN LIVING ROOM?
For me, it was a no-brainer. The kitchen and living room are the most used and loved spaces in any home—why not let them work together instead of apart?
An open concept layout makes the house feel more social, more flexible, and more you. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just navigating everyday chaos, it keeps everything flowing. Plus, it breathes so much life into the home.
For us, choosing an open concept was about bringing everyone together in one beautiful, functional space. It’s cozy, practical, and honestly just really fun for me to customize. If you’re considering redesigning your floor plan, while quite the undertaking, I think it makes a huge difference in your home!
If you have any further questions on open concept living spaces, please let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
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