A home is a collection of spaces, all with their own unique functions. Whether it’s whipping up a feast in the kitchen, or relaxing at the end of the day in your bedroom, every room serves a purpose.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t create flow throughout your home, making each space feel as though it connects to the others. By looking at the bigger picture and considering the overall design, you’ll be able to weave similar elements, colours and textures throughout, and your home will feel much more like a whole.
Planning for flow and cohesion in a big space doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and whether you’re building, renovating or redecorating, there are tips and tricks you can use to make your home more functional. To help you create the perfect flow in your home we’ve put together the following guide — so let’s get designing!
H2: What is flow and cohesion?
Flow and cohesion are concepts that help bring a space together, but what exactly are they? Let’s take a look.
H3: Interior flow
This refers to movement and direction of people throughout the interior space. The transition between rooms should feel seamless and natural.
Consider an open plan living, kitchen and dining area. These spaces will flow naturally together, both visually and physically, so if someone is cooking dinner for example, they can easily interact with those sitting in the living room.
H3: Interior cohesion
This describes the theme of the interior space when it comes to things like decor and furniture. The colour palette and styling should feel consistent.
Consider a home with a rustic design theme. Every room will have touches of wood and an earthy colour palette that brings it all together.
H2: Create visual continuity
Now you know the difference between flow and cohesion, how can you use them? One way is by creating a feeling of connection between every room using visual continuity techniques.
First look underfoot. As your home has flooring throughout, it makes sense to be consistent with the materials and look you choose here. Stick with one colour, pattern and texture such as luxury vinyl flooring for a unified look. Also, make sure your flooring is durable to meet the demands of high foot traffic.
Architectural elements can be used to create consistency too, so pay attention to the details. Whether it’s matching trim on the doors and windows or using the same light fittings — these small things matter. Even accessories can create visual continuity, so consider spreading an artwork collection across different walls, or use similar cushions on the bed and sofa.
H2: Choose consistent colours
Colour is a wonderful way to express your style and personality, and a unified colour palette will help tie your interior together. Taking the time to choose a considered colour theme is essential if you want to achieve flow and cohesion.
To get started, experiment with the three colour rule, which takes a simple trio of colours to use throughout the home. To keep the look cohesive, your main colour will take up 60% of the space, followed by a secondary colour at 30% and an accent colour at 10%. For the dominant hue, try a neutral such as beige that won’t overwhelm the senses. The secondary shade can be more vibrant, such as a rich brown, green or blue, but the accent colour should be “less is more.” Think orange, purple or baby pink.
Create an inspiration board to see how your three favourite colours work together.
H2: Create pathways with furniture
Next, it’s time to plan your furniture. For the most functionality and flow, the position, size and style of every piece should have a positive impact, seamlessly fitting into the space.
For example, a slimline console by the doorway can accentuate the entrance, but if it’s too big it can block the walkway and make your home feel cluttered. Dedicated zones can also help to streamline each area. If you don’t have a home office, a study nook can be added to your living room to keep your dining table clutter free.
Before purchasing new items take measurements and think about the layout of the room. You may have your heart set on a long oversized dining table, but a round variant could be a better fit, so it pays to think about the whole.
H2: Guide the eye with lighting
Lighting plays a key role in the flow of the home, drawing the eye and highlighting different areas. A considered lighting design is like a story, weaving through the home giving each area a particular ambiance and place.
A statement chandelier can make a sparkling and bold centrepiece as you walk into your entryway. Or, a row of downlights across the ceiling or pendant lights over the kitchen bench will act as a virtual line, creating boundaries and marking out spaces for work and play.
Some spaces need more light than others and dimmable options can give you the best of both worlds. You can also layer your lighting, with a mix of styles — try an oyster light in the bedroom coupled with soft bedside lamps.
Don’t forget the huge impact natural light has on a space too, as the positioning of your windows can impact your furniture placement, the light enhancing your spaces and guiding where you want to be. If your house has limited natural lighting, consider a screen door to improve visibility and airflow.
H2: Accessorise without creating visual interruption
Flow and cohesion will be a priority, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up your personal style. Once you get the major elements right you can focus on adding pieces that are uniquely you.
From the colour scheme to wall art to flooring, don’t be afraid to put your stamp on every element. Add statement furniture, mementos and photographs that have special meaning to you to make every space truly yours.
