Pros and Cons of Open-Concept Floor Plans

Open Concept floor plans have largely (pun intended) been at the core of the new home industry for decades now. They were the antithesis of the previous approach to home building. Most likely, if you're over 40, you grew up in a home that consisted of a series of extremely small rooms, with the exception of a huge formal living room that no one was actually allowed to use. 

We spent most of our time in a ridiculously small kitchen and an awkward family room.

At some point, someone thought this approach wasted too much space and decided to create the open concept floor plan in which space was used maximally, and our day-to-day living benefited from larger kitchens and more comfortable living spaces.

While much can be said for the open concept floor plan, it does present its own set of challenges…

Problem 1: Lacking in Privacy

With less wasted space due to unused rooms, we also gained space for a single, large communal room. The upside of this plan is having a wonderful place where everyone can be together all the time. 

The downside of this plan is...having a wonderful place where EVERYONE can be together ALL THE TIME. Homework, food prep, phone calls, friends, TV, kids happy, kids unhappy, social media, bill paying,...and on and on. 

Everyone ends up being within earshot of one another, and finding privacy for quiet tasks like reading or working can be difficult.

Problem 2: Substantially More Expensive

Don't get me wrong, I love an open concept plan, but there are times when it works and times when it may not. If you are thinking of a remodel to open up your space, consider if there are alternate choices for quiet spaces in the home for work or study. How will shared space impact your heating and air conditioning usage?

Problem 3: Nowhere to Contain Clutter

Another consideration is the inability to contain everyday messes from visiting guests or other family members. Kids' toys and projects, spouses' computer and paperwork, dishes, bills, laundry, shoes, etc., can often be the center of attention in such a large area, possibly adding stress and frustration to daily functions. 

Workarounds for these inconveniences include clever organizational solutions (everything has a place) and dedicated task areas outside of the main room to provide quiet and privacy when needed.

I'm still a big fan of a great open concept house plan, but it's not for everyone or every family. Think through your family's lifestyle before you purchase or remodel your home. And if you decide to move forward, you'll love having the benefits of a large space with an open feel.

If you enjoyed these floor plan tips and want more advice you can use when renovating or building, click here to download my free guide!

Until next time,
Kelly