As home trends come and go, you may be surprised to learn that in 2023 many homeowners are falling back on traditional layouts. Instead of going with the open spaces as popularized with the farmhouse style trend of the past decade or so, today’s homeowners are opting for defined gathering spaces in a nod to home design of the past. Here is what you need to know about this 2023 trend.

 

From Open to…Closed?

 

Designers agree that the reason they are seeing defined gathering spaces become so popular again is largely due to our lifestyle during the pandemic. Cooped up at home working from the living room and around the family constantly, we seriously began to crave some private space. Finally, we have embraced the idea of walls and how they define our space. This is especially advantageous for larger families who need a break from each other from time to time.

 

 

With defined gathering spaces, homeowners have the opportunity to create distinct rooms that are styled and used in very specific ways. That means the bedroom is just a bedroom, a home office is strictly for work and the formal dining room has returned in a big way. Each room has a defined sense of place which satisfies our need for cozy comfort combined with functional necessity.

 

Design Benefit of Defined Gathering Spaces

 

Outside of offering privacy and functionality, defined gathering spaces are easier to decorate. With an open concept living area, homeowners must be careful to keep the décor flowing, the styles similar and allow the eye to sweep across the area without obstruction. When a large room is used for many different functions and all of them are visible, you must be careful in selecting the furnishings and décor.

 

 

With defined gathering spaces both noise and clutter are contained. This makes it easier to hide the kitchen mess after a meal is prepared and to corral the kids’ toys away from the living area. This is ideal for crafting and work from home or school projects as it is easier to concentrate and spread out when there are walls separating you from the rest of the family and their activities.

 

How to Create Defined Living Spaces

 

Even if your home uses an open concept design, you can still create defined gathering spaces using the tools at hand. Think of one large room as a warehouse, where different functions occur. Instead of solid walls, you can use large pieces of furniture, folding screens and tall bookshelves to define each area. With a combined living and dining room, you can insert a console table behind a sofa and add a pair of tall vases or lamps to create a pseudo wall that defines one area for watching TV and one for enjoying a meal.

 

 

Rugs are another way to define areas without walls. Cluster seating pieces in a square or circular pattern around the rug. For dining space, a large rug underneath the dining table helps define the dining zone’s boundary. Anchor the space with large pieces of art on either wall and perhaps opt for bench seating for visual length.

 

If you are ready to embrace the concept of defined gathering spaces, let our professionals help you find the dining pieces you need, whether your area is with or without walls.