Expert-Approved Tips For Maximizing Open Layout Homes

Regardless of the size of your home, working with an open layout can be very tricky. You might be tempted to bring in anything and everything you want—making it look tight and cluttered. To help make every square meter of your home work for you, here are some tips from Heima owner and interior designer Rossy Yabut-Rojales:

IMAGE Paolo Feliciano

 1. Convert some areas into more functional spaces. 

"Ang problema sa bigger space [especially for someone like us na dalawa lang kami], hindi siya sulit. In our home, we decided to convert two spare bedrooms into work spaces. Adjust the space based on your lifestyle. You don't have to make it na this was meant to be a bedroom, so it has to be a bedroom. You can convert it into something else—assign it with something na you think magagamit talaga." 

2. Create enough storage space. 

"Whether it's a small or big condo, kailangan there's an alloted storage space pa rin for your things kasi para mayroon kang space to put your clutter in. May hiding space ka, so it's very important." 

IMAGE Paolo Feliciano

3. Choose furniture pieces that suit the layout. 

"The advantage of having an open space is you don't have to look for smaller furniture, instead, you can go for custom-made items," In her home, Rossy opted for custom pieces to fit their needs. You can do the same, too—you can go for pull-out sofas, dining tables or dividers that double as storage. 

4. Check your layout carefully, so there's no wasted spot. 

"An empty square meter is wasted money kasi you pay the dues. May value [every part of your home]. Siguro as a designer, that's how I think, na every square meter counts. Even your wall, paano mo siya mama-maximize as storage? Or just put something, like your photos, or a meaningful painting." 

This snippet originally appeared in the February 2015 issue of Real Living Magazine. Main photo by cpiat.com.