With the growing popularity of open-plan living spaces it is possible to create the perfect setting for entertaining large numbers. Our guide will show you how to achieve this

Picture one: the overall view
Successful open-plan living is all in the planning. Get this right and the room will be spacious and ordered by day, and perfect for entertaining by night. For a cohesive look, use one colour for the walls, adding the same accent colours in all three areas – dining, sitting and relaxing – to hold the scheme together. Choosing the right furniture is also important; think about size, comfort and manoeuvrability. Also, consider pieces that have a dual purpose which will add to the room's versatility. Open-plan spaces don't work well when they are cluttered, so provide ample storage.

How to make it work
• Make sure that the areas of the open-plan room are clearly defined
by using large rugs. Choosing them in different shapes helps to divide up the floor space.
• Select a neutral paint colour and use it throughout to unify the scheme. Upholstered chairs and accessories, such as throws and cushions, in accent colours help to link the different areas.
• Choose dual-purpose furniture, such as a drop-leaf table and sofa bed.
• So that the space can be enjoyed by everyone, invest in headphones for the television. That way, the children can watch films while the adults chat.

Picture two: for dining
An extendable dining table on castors is a practical solution for this area as it can be moved to make the best use of space. For formal meals, the table can be pulled out into the centre and extended. Seating is provided by dining chairs, stacking chairs, which can be neatly stored, and a bench with cushions which sits behind the armchairs. For buffets and informal entertaining, fold in the table leaves and push it back against the wall to create extra floor space for guests.

FURNITURE Bjorna dining table, H75 x W155-200 x D100 cm, £160, Ikea. Castors, 660-19-289, Hafele at SDS. Palermo dining chairs in Oak, H97 x W46 x D46 cm, The Chair Company. Tallow stacking chairs, H83 x W51 x D53 cm, Habitat.
FABRICS Chairs in Makeda Plain 6236, linen mix, 140 cm wide, Harlequin. Curtains in Ivory Delgado DEL001, wool, 140 cm wide, The Isle Mill.
ACCESSORIES Tall white vase, The Conran Shop. Eloise punchbowl and ladle; cups; all William Yeoward Crystal. Mirror, 89 cm sq, Louise Bradley.
PAINT On table legs, Granite, eggshell, Fired Earth.

Picture three: for a gathering
A large rug defines the convivial seating area, with armchairs and footstools on castors so that different arrangements can be created. A nest of tables and a coffee table provide plenty of surfaces, while pretty glassware is displayed in the top half of a glazed cupboard, with the shelves below for further storage.

FURNITURE Campden armchairs, H88 x W93 x D105 cm, Wesley-Barrell. Montana coffee table, H70 x W130 x D35 cm; Opus nest of tables, H49 x W58 x D40 cm; both Heal's. Gustavian side table between armchairs, Oka. Housekeeper's cupboard, with Stone with Parchment painted interior, H220 x W109 x D44 cm, Grand Illusions. Mi bench, H45 x W400 x D31 cm, Benchmark.
FABRIC Armchairs in Podio F5540-07, Osborne & Little.
ACCESSORIES Shagreen lamp, H43 cm, Louise Bradley. Collie shade, H31 x diameter 41 cm, William Yeoward. Jasper cushions, Habitat. Painting, Evening Sun by Margaret Ballantyne, H80 x W95 cm, Ainscough Contemporary Art.
FLOORING Flower rug, 274 x 183 cm, William Yeoward at The Rug Company.

Picture four: for relaxing
A large sofa bed helps define the television area and is useful if visitors are staying overnight. Choose a classic contemporary style in a neutral fabric that will not date and add soft furnishings in shades that echo the rest of the scheme. As storage needs to work hard in an open-plan room, this smart sideboard can be used to hide music systems and videos, while a wall-mounted flat-screen television keeps the look neat.

FURNITURE Stripey sideboard, H55 x W180 x D64 cm, The Conran Shop. Timsbury stools, H40 x W75 x D50 cm, Sean Cooper. Balance sofa bed, H83 x W204 x D100 cm, Designers Guild.
FABRICS Stools in Tambora LF4480-04, cotton/viscose/linen, 142 cm wide, Liberty Furnishings at Osborne & Little. Sofa bed in Tevere Natural F169-02-C, cotton mix, 140 cm wide, Designers Guild.
ACCESSORIES Pink cushion, The Conran Shop. Throw, Laura Ashley. Television, KDL-32V 2000U, Sony. Amethyst vase, Habitat. Lamp, H79 cm x diameter 30·5 cm, Christopher Wray. Rug, 160 cm diameter, Kelaty.

STYLING LISA BROWN
PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY WREFORD
JANUARY 2007