Are you making this open-plan living mistake? George Clarke reveals the common mistakes people make when renovating their homes
'You've got to make sure you get the balance of the space right.'
George Clarke has revealed the one thing we are getting wrong when it comes to open plan living and you'll kick yourself for not thinking of it sooner.
The architect, best known for his appearances on Channel 4's The Home Show, The Restoration Man, George Clarke's Old House New Home, and George Clarke's Amazing Spaces, George Clarke is no stranger to sinking his teeth straight into the latest home renovation trends.
Open-plan living room ideas are popular choice for many homes, so it comes as no surprise that the Sofology Ambassador has seen his fair share of mishaps, but the one he sees all the time involves where you put your electrics and plugs.
When George spoke to Ideal Home about all things sofas and living rooms to celebrate this newest range of sofas (available at sofology.co.uk), he revealed one of the most common mistakes he noticed people make when designing an open plan space is not accounting for where the electrics will run.
‘Open plan living is quite a big thing these days, particularly with open plan living room dining spaces,’ he says.
‘Quite often I think people really don’t get the balance of those spaces right. Obviously, it’s got to work for how your family lives and what your priorities are. Also what you’ve got to think about when you do open-plan living spaces is you’ve got to be clever and design it as three zones that each work independently.
'All the sockets have got to be in the right position, all the lights have got to be in the most sensible position but then it’s also got to work as a space when those three zones are stitched together.'
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
‘One example of people failing open plan living is they decide to put a sofa in the middle of the room and then realise they haven’t put the electrics in,' George adds.
'They’ll put floorboxes in for their lamps by their sofa because the sofa is in the middle of the room in open plan living, and put the sockets on the wall a metre away so you've got cables running everywhere.
‘You've got to make sure you get the balance of the space right, and you’ve got to make sure you’ve got things like electric points in the right places and lamps in the right places so you don’t have cables running everywhere.’
It's no secret that wires and cables have the ability to turn your living spaces from fab to drab, which is why we all want to hide TV wires where we can.
How to hide cables
If you've already fallen foul of George Clarkes open living room cable warning, there are a few options that can help you make things look neater.
These cable protectors will conceal unsightly cables into one neat bundle.
However, as George points out, prevention is better than cure and when designing any space, it’s very important to take your electricals into account. It’s a job easy to forget but one that will make all the difference to the final look of your room.
Kezia Reynolds joined the Ideal Home team as News Writer in September 2024. After graduating from City, University of London in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Kezia kicked off her career spending two years working on women’s weekly magazines. She is always on the lookout for the latest home news, finding you the best deals and trends - so you don’t miss a thing!
-
Fluted cabinets are set to be a huge kitchen trend in 2025 - this is how to make texture work in your cooking space
It's a simple way of making your kitchen look instantly stylish
By Holly Cockburn
-
How to clean a washing machine with vinegar and baking soda - make the most of these natural cleaning agents in 6 easy steps
Vinegar and baking soda are the ultimate cleaning duo
By Lauren Bradbury
-
If you're shopping for a foodie gift this Christmas, you'll want to know about this gift idea
Here's how you can transform your stand mixer into your hardest working appliance
By Molly Cleary
-
Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion? Not always say the experts
When do you need planning permission for a loft conversion and when might you be able to go ahead without making an application? Our guide explains all
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
23 Christmas wreath ideas to add a festive flourish to doors, tables or mantels
This is how to adorn your home and front door in style this festive season
By Nicky Phillips
-
What’s the best white paint? Experts reveal the ideal shade for every room
From small spaces to north-facing room, there’s a white paint for every area of your home
By Holly Walsh
-
Paint trends 2024 – the key shades, colour palettes and paint techniques to try in your home this year
All the fun and creative paint looks you’ll soon be obsessed with
By Nicky Phillips
-
Graham & Brown announces ‘Reflections’ as wallpaper of the year 2017
Say hello to Reflections - wallpaper of the year 2017...
By Tamara Kelly
-
How to choose the right door
Use our guide to find the right statement-making door for you
By Ginevra Benedetti
-
Gas fires - our pick of the best
Looking for a new gas fire? From traditional brass with coal effect to a modern black design with logs, we’ve picked a selection of our favourite gas fires.
By Tamara Kelly
-
Pendant Lights - Our Pick of the Best
The pendant light has become a modern day icon, a statement lone light fitting suspended from the ceiling by a stylish flex, often interwoven around a metal chain.
By Tamara Kelly