Open floor plans have been the norm in new residential construction since the 1990s, and it doesn’t look like that will be changing anytime soon. While there are some issues with such a plan such as a lack of privacy in common areas or slightly higher heating bills due to more open space, the pros of the open floor concept definitely outweigh the cons when you have the right kind of decor. Here are just a few reasons why open floor plans remain popular.
Entertaining Guests
An open floor plan has few doors and walls in its common areas, and that makes it much easier to entertain guests. The open space is perfect for increased traffic flow, you don’t have to leave your guests alone unless they need privacy, and the space itself just looks more inviting. Many newer homes combine an open floor plan with large windows for more natural light, which provides an even more inviting space.
Watching Your Kids
Anyone who has children knows how difficult it can be to keep an eye on them. Older kids can go to bedrooms or play areas, but younger children need to be watched at all times. Fortunately, an open floor plan makes that easier than it’s ever been before. Depending on your own floor plan, you can relax in your living room, work at your dining room table, or prepare dinner in your kitchen without having to take your eyes off of your children.
Versatility
Open floor plans tend to be far more versatile than more traditional homes. While there is likely no way that a kitchen can be anything but a kitchen, your connected spaces can be anything from a living room to a rec room to even a home office. If you decide that you want to sell your home one day, the new owners can also do anything they want with these spaces, which greatly adds to its resale value.
In short, there’s a good reason why open floor plans have become the norm in new home construction. While no floor plan is for everyone, most open floor plans are versatile and inviting enough to apply to practically any decor. Whether you are building a new home or you’re planning to remodel your existing home, an open floor plan is definitely worth your consideration.