When it comes to home interior design, there are two types of layouts: an open floor plan and a closed floor plan. Each layout affects how a space feels in terms of light, mood and sound. An open floor plan usually works extremely well in homes with less square footage – sometimes out of necessity – while larger homes have more leeway when integrating rooms into a floor plan. 

Learn more as DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes shares advantages and disadvantages of this layout.

The Pros of Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans may bring to mind one large space, like a city loft or a modern office space. Think versatility and multiple uses, and you’ve got the idea. 

1. Increased light. With no walls to divide up the space and block the light from windows, open floor plans let the sunlight in. The result is bright rooms with views of the outdoors and an airy feel.

2. Sight lines. Open-concept floor plans are nice when you have young children – you can easily see or monitor your kids from all areas of your main living space. To get the ideas for the best open-concept plan for your home, search online for “contractor near me.”

3. More space for your family. An open-concept floor plan not only feels larger, it allows for flexibility and the ability to create the maximum amount of floor space. It’s easy to add oversized furniture pieces and create separate activity areas. 

4. Higher resale value. Open floor plans are increasingly popular and their resale value remains strong. When it’s time to sell, the desirability of this type of plan is a major selling point for potential buyers, who are looking for the same flexibility and roominess that attracted you. 

The Cons of Open Floor Plans

Open-concept floor plans aren’t perfect for every homeowner. It’s good to be aware of what the more traditional layout of a closed floor plan can offer. 

1. Visible clutter. Open floor plans require upkeep because even a small amount of clutter can make the space appear messy. Dishes in the sink or toys on the floor are easily visible from the other rooms, so you’ll have to be diligent about daily cleaning.

2. Noise. While being able to see and hear everything can be beneficial to some homeowners, a lack of interior walls means sound will travel easily, which can result in noisy distractions.

3. Challenging furniture placement. Open-concept layouts can be spacious but sometimes placing furniture can be a challenge, especially in smaller spaces. Walls can be a valuable feature for enhancing storage space, but fewer walls means fewer opportunities for solutions like shelving, built-in bookcases and console tables.

4. Less privacy. Without walls and doors to close areas off, block views and contain sound, an open-concept floor plan can lack the privacy some families need. If you spend a lot of time together, individual rooms can be more desirable.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

Looking for a home renovator? Let DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes help make your remodeling dreams come true. Our team operates on a well-established and written Code of Values™ that is expressed by treating customers with respect and demonstrating integrity in all we do. No matter what vision you have for your kitchen remodel, we will work diligently to ensure that the end result meets your expectations.Call us at (262) 500-3689 or fill out our contact form to start planning your own dream renovation today! We are proud to serve homeowners in Kenosha, Racine, Burlington, Lake Geneva, Pleasant Prairie, Union Grove, Salem, Bristol, Sturtevant, Somers, Paris, Twin Lakes, Brighton and Kansasville.