Stick with a consistent color palette and flooring to create flow and a sense of openness. Use complementary or tonal shades in adjoining spaces to keep the look cohesive.

Create inviting conversation areas by pairing each sofa or chair with a nearby table. Also, use an area rug to define individual zones.

In open spaces, freestanding storage is key. Consoles with doors and drawers work beautifully behind sofas —adding function, lighting and display space.

In an open concept plan, you want different areas to act as rooms. Having furniture float in different areas creates spaces for different functions.

When designing an open-concept space, choose a consistent color palette and flooring to create the feeling of expanse and cohesiveness.

The still popular open-concept design in apartments, condos and new-home construction continue to evolve, and interior designers have discovered and developed options to unify combined spaces.

It takes an artistic eye. A Troy-based design team tackles open-concept design like an empty canvas. Lynda Armstrong Caccamo, an Allied Member of American Society of Interior Designers, is the co-owner of

© Times Union