There is light. There is space. There is flexibility. Even togetherness. And let’s face it, there’s also a bit of glamour. Open space floor plans harken back to bohemian artists living and creating with wild abandon in open space New York lofts in the mid-20th century. Now, even homeowners with older homes are knocking down walls to get a bit of that bohemian feel.

Of course, open space floor plans are great — until it’s time to decorate them.

The reality is that lots of undefined space presents a number of design challenges that can frustrate even the savviest interior decorator.  Here are a few tips for making it all work:

1. Keep things cohesive. This goes for wall color, floor coverings and furniture choices. For wall color choices, you’re better off sticking with light and bright paint colors that will highlight the light and space in your open floor plan, rather than challenging it. Colored accent walls are losing favor in recent years in favor of very subtle paint color changes in trim and wall color.  Maintaining one type of floor covering for the entire expanse of space will also go a long way to giving your space a feeling of unity. For example, wood floors throughout –even in a kitchen — will create an elegant and soothing effect.  Finally, keep your furniture in the same scale and tonal range. For example, go with all wenge or dark woods or all birch or lighter woods.  Having a dining area featuring all-Victorian furniture and a living room area featuring all mid-century modern just won’t work, unless you are able to bring elements of both periods into both rooms.