ASK THE EXPERT With Omon Anenih – Mordi (Is Nigeria ready for open plan interior design?)
Is Nigeria ready for open plan interior design?
Want to bring more light, space and sociability to your interiors? Here are five very good reasons to consider going “open plan”.
Light, space, freedom – open plan interior design is all about idealistic living. It’s about breaking down barriers in your spaces to create communal, accessible areas for everyone to enjoy. All of this idealism is all very well in theory – but how does it work in practice?
So far, open plan interior design has not been a huge trend in Nigeria. Traditional, clearly defined spaces for cooking, living, dining, working and leisure time are still much more popular.
Our traditional cuisine could be one factor behind this. With an sometimes messy and aromatic collection of traditional ingredients, keeping your kitchen space separate from your living and dining areas is often a priority for homeowners, however design-forward they might be. Yet, if you’re interested in doing something different and enjoying a more flexible, modern space, here are a few reasons to consider opening up your interiors.
- Enjoy more space
Image 1 source: http://www.inglishdesign.co.uk/?p=6761
Removing partition walls can have a huge impact on how big a premises feels. By opening up with open plan living, you can maximise home much floorspace you have and create a much more roomy feeling interior. With Lagos property prices not coming cheap, this is the perfect way to make the most of what you have, turning smaller rooms which can feel cramped into larger, more luxurious feeling areas.
2. Your interior, your rules
Image 2 source: http://www.inspirationalbum.com/interior-design/open-plan-living-room-and-dining-room-3233.html
This doesn’t mean you need to take out every wall in the building. Open plan design is about making your space work around you and your lifestyle. If you own a commercial property and want your marketing and sales divisions in closer communication, try implementing an open plan space in the office.
If your large family love to socialise, eat and enjoy music together, consider blending your living and dining areas to make the most of great company. Forget about the usual boundaries and focus on designing an interior which fits around you, not the other way around.
3. Let the light in
Image 3 source: http://hometipster.com/pros-and-cons-of-an-open-plan-living-area-2/
Another fabulous reason to go open plan is to bring more light into your interiors. With fewer dividing walls and more visible windows, open plan spaces are much brighter and airier, perfect for keeping cool and making the most of beautiful natural light.
4. Create cohesive design
Image 4 source: http://www.home-designing.com/2012/05/living-and-dining/white-gray-open-plan-living-area
If you want to apply a sleek, consistent look in your home, this is a great way to make it work. With smaller, separate rooms, the temptation is to use a different style in each area. An open plan environment calls for a bigger vision which gives your space a definitive style and look.
5. Break down social barriers
Image 5 source: http://www.vangviet.com/fancy-living-room-ultimate-open-plan-lounge-wh/
Open plan living is a great way to encourage communication. Whether you’re in a commercial property or a residential premises, literally removing barriers like walls will help to break down barriers between the people who make use of the space. Anti-social teenagers can’t hide away, managers can’t be at a remove from their teams. Open plan interiors make communication easier and more enjoyable too.
Interested in applying an open plan design in your interior? Or do you prefer a more traditional look? Let us know your thoughts, or get in touch with Blue Mahogany today on +234 802 511 9500 to discuss your big interior design ideas.