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Pros and cons of open concept floor plans
Open floor plans that make it easy to move through primary living and entertaining areas have been popular for decades . Open concept floor plans join the dining room , kitchen and living ( great ) room into a communal space where sight lines are maximized and walls are minimal .
According to JJones Design Co ., the origins of open concept floor plans may be traced to the deaf community . An open layout allows for better visual communication and awareness of one ’ s surroundings , and some deaf individuals modified their kitchen and living spaces to facilitate more room for social gatherings and signing . Nowadays , it ’ s nearly impossible to find a new construction with closed-off rooms . Here ’ s a look at some of the pros and cons of having an open-concept home .
• Benefit : Open concept plans make small spaces feel bigger . When smaller homes are broken up by walls , they can seem even smaller . By tearing down walls , one can trick the mind into thinking there is more square footage .
• Drawback : The space may feel too large . An open concept floor plan in a large home can make interior spaces feel cavernous . A cozy home can be difficult to achieve with fewer walls .
• Benefit : Open concept plans facilitate the flow of natural light . Without walls to break up rooms , homeowners can maximize light coming in through their windows . This also may help to brighten darker rooms that do not get as much natural light .
• Drawback : Privacy can be hard to achieve . Unobstructed views from windows and doors can make it more challenging to create privacy when desired . When window shades are open , passersby can see into a home . Also , sunlight may end up wearing out flooring and furniture throughout the home .
• Benefit : Open floor plans allow more space to spread out when entertaining . One of the biggest plusses of open floor plans is that it makes it easier to host crowds . Guests can enjoy the communal space , while hosts can still interact with friends and family even while preparing meals in the kitchen .
• Drawback : Homeowners will likely need to do more cleaning ahead of hosting guests , as multiple rooms will be on display . Also , cleanup afterwards may be more arduous since guests have spent time in multiple spaces .
• Benefit : Open concept plans can improve property value . The home renovation experts at The Spruce note open floor plans are desirable and increase the value of a home by up to 7.4 percent a year .
• Drawback : Some home buyers are beginning to shy away from open floor plans . This may have been prompted by stay-at-home requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic , when multiple family members were working and doing school work at home . In that environment , an open-concept layout didn ’ t provide the privacy or distraction-free spaces residents may have needed .
Open floor plans have been around for more than 30 years , but they aren ’ t everyone ’ s cup of tea . The pros and cons of this design style merits consideration when renovating or shopping for a home . n
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70 March 2025 | Thomasville Scene