Open Concepts Are Out Of Style – But Inspo From The '90s Could Make Them Still Work

The '90s were an interesting time for interior design. Warm neutrals, Tuscan-inspired decor, and matching sets dominated homes, and some styling choices even continue to rage on in contemporary aesthetics today. The '90s was also when open-floor concept homes were having a moment. Gone were the days of divided rooms; many areas, including the dining and entertainment spaces, were often fused together. It's not as common to find these types of floor plans today, and we've been seeing a shift toward traditional layouts and defined spaces since then.

There's a lot to love about an open concept home. For one, the airiness of having large, open spaces not only made homes feel larger than they were, but they also allowed for more socializing and communication. In this decade, open layouts were often family-oriented, but also created single spaces that could work as multiple functional rooms. You could entertain in the dining area or take care of work in the living room. This type of floor plan addresses those same needs today, so if you're interested in how to make your open concept layout work, it makes sense to seek a little design inspiration from the '90s.

Having shared, multifunctional spaces really makes the most of whatever room you've got. And, an open concept gives you a lot of freedom to bring back the '90s practically and modernly. Defining areas in an open layout is a major way to bring the home up to date aesthetically. You can create distinct areas using angular furniture, such as an L-couch to demarcate a living area that separates a dining area, or use rugs in each area to make these zones. Storage solutions, like a bookcase or cube storage shelving units, can be a great way to fuse an entertainment space with an office nook. Modern lighting, such as pendant lights, is also an unexpected way to create defined spaces. Arches and half-walls are a perfect in-between when you want more division without totally closing off a space.

Another way to maximize the utility of an open area is to take advantage of vertical space. Installing an open loft above a space is a great example of this and works if you're looking to keep the charm of an open concept but create a contemporary atmosphere. Beyond making more space, it creates the illusion of a divided space without compromising on openness. The 90s maximized vertical space with its use of sliding library ladders, which can also help define a multifunctional space, like an office space combined with the living room, for example.