Comfort has no boundaries in modern living. Big, open, airy living spaces are ideal in an age where friends and family move freely between the couch and the kitchen.
Open plans have a rich tradition in American homes. In many historic farmhouses, for example, the front door opens directly into the living room. Without a foyer, the space between seating areas directs traffic flow through the room and often beyond, as seen in this Sonoma County farmhouse where the living room is also open to the home's main stairwell.
Open living rooms are a natural choice in high-rise living, where space is a precious commodity, and where walls would block the panorama of window views.The goal here is a living room that appears to float in front of wraparound windows. Without any dividing architecture, the orientation of furnishings is key. In this urban condo, the living area runs the length of the space as opposed to the dining table, which traverses it horizontally. The difference creates a sense of separation.
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