The phrase “open floor plan” has become a bit of a buzzword in the home design industry. Contrasting with traditional room-based layouts, open floor plans, also called open concept, are often associated with modern luxury. But which layout is best for your custom home? Read on to learn the advantages and drawbacks of open concept versus traditional floor plans.
Space
For a spacious feel, open concept is the clear winner. Having no walls or partitions between various areas of the house instantly makes the home seem better. Open floor plans allow a “flow” that many people find freeing. If you tend to feel cramped by walls or get frustrated by having to open doors or go around corners, an open-concept home is an excellent choice.
Coziness and Privacy
Open floor plans are designed to allow the free movement of people, light, and energy from area to area. But for some people, there is such a thing as too much space. Open concept has minimal distinction among various parts of the shared room. This can lead to a feeling of not being able to escape one room or cozy up inside another. People who enjoy feeling snug in a room will probably prefer a traditional floor layout.
Natural Light
Open floor plans allow light from the windows to spill throughout the home. This has a clear benefit for both design and peace of mind, as people love seeing natural sunlight. That said, common rooms can get a bit toasty if you’re not careful! However, open concept is the indisputable winner when it comes to ambient natural light.
Interior Design
Believe it or not, open-concept homes can be more challenging to design than closed-layout ones. This is mostly because traditional layouts demarcate one space from another, so it’s easy to give each room a distinctive feel — from wall color to flooring to overall aesthetic. By contrast, open floor plans require you to get a bit creative with furnishings, lighting, flooring, and fixtures. It’s very easy for spaces to bleed together, which can make rooms look cluttered rather than spacious. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional interior designer who can help your custom home gain a cohesive yet fluid feel.
Resale Value
Trends change, but in recent years, open-concept homes have become increasingly popular. Most buyers are requesting to see homes with open-floor plans. Spacious living/dining areas and open kitchens are in high demand. So, if you plan to sell your home at some point, an open floor plan is probably a wise choice.
Wrapping Up
As you see, there are pros and cons to each type of layout. You can also pull from elements of both, such as having a joined living/dining room but a separate kitchen, or opening up the kitchen into an entertaining area but keeping a separate “den” for a quieter space.
No matter which is your preference, Marc Julien Homes can bring your vision to life. Inquire today to learn about our custom home design and construction.