The Pros and Cons of Open Floor Plans

The open floor plan is no longer a trend. It has become a staple of new homes and many remodels. While most homeowners love it, it is not for everyone. Sometimes personal preference calls for a different approach, and sometimes the existing structure makes an open layout impractical or costly.

Our designers are big fans of open concepts, and so are our clients, as you can see in our project gallery. But decades of experience have taught us that a beautiful remodel does not depend on an open plan. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros of an Open Floor Plan

Togetherness

If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, an open plan keeps you connected. You can talk with guests while you cook, keep an eye on young children, chat about everyone's day while making dinner and finish the dishes without missing family movie night.

Spaciousness

Removing barriers between rooms makes your home feel larger almost instantly, without the cost of an addition. With fewer walls, you move and communicate freely and natural light reaches more of the space. If you have a view, like a lake home, you can enjoy it from multiple spots.

Flexibility

Instead of walls dictating the layout, you use furniture and design touches to define spaces. A sofa or console table can separate the living room from the kitchen without closing it off, and rearranging is much easier when you want a fresh look.

Cons of an Open Floor Plan

Less Privacy

Some people prefer a cozy, separate kitchen to cook in peace, or a quiet living room to read by the fire without the bustle of the kitchen. And if you like to leave the dishes for later, an open plan puts the mess on display. The same goes for kids' toys and that 100-piece puzzle in the den during family dinner.

Expense

Removing load-bearing walls is possible, but replacing them with support beams can add to the budget. Large open spaces with high ceilings are also harder to heat and cool. Smart home technology can help manage those costs. Learn more in integrating smart technology in your remodel.

Noise

With fewer walls to absorb sound, open plans are louder, and vaulted ceilings carry conversation and TV noise throughout the space.

The Best of Both Worlds

On the fence? You can blend open and traditional layouts. Freestanding walls, open shelving and half walls break up space without closing it off, add privacy and sound absorption and provide storage or display space for art and family photos. Compare options in open floor plan versus traditional.

Design a Layout That Fits You

An experienced design-build firm can combine the best parts of your vision and solve the challenges. Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.