Turn on any home-design TV show and you’ll repeatedly hear the words “open concept.” Tearing down walls to create open floor plans for the living, dining, and kitchen area is what open-concept design is all about.
For some, separate rooms still hold their charm. But many homeowners today are taking a sledgehammer to their traditional floor plans so they can enjoy cooking, eating, and movie watching all in one space
Benefits of Open Floor Plans
Open-concept living is a favorite for many reasons. First, it can make even the smallest space feel bigger and brighter. A small apartment with a tiny, windowless kitchen off the living room can be transformed into a light-filled space by replacing the wall with an island or table.
Entertaining is a breeze with an open-flow kitchen and living area. You can chat with your guests while you cook. Kitchen islands or tables that are typically used as room demarcations become a focal point for food and drinks.
A large “great room” is great for keeping an eye on your little ones, too. You can efficiently cook dinner or accomplish other household tasks while interacting with your kids. Placing a desk and computer against a wall or the back of the sofa makes the room even more multifunctional.
Other Things to Consider Before Opening It All Up
- Foundational Limitations—Beyond load-bearing walls, keep an eye out for water issues, problem wiring, and any foundational weakness. Any significant problems could have a financial impact on your project, so best to take care of everything at once.
- Moving Walls and Building New Ones—Do you plan on creating smaller rooms, like a private office or closet space? If so, you’ll want to talk to your contractor first.
- Half-Walls Might Be Worth Exploring—Adding half-walls, whether for support or a bit of division between rooms can double as a bookcase, extra storage, or an eating bar for more casual meal-times.
- Is Your House One or Two Stories? Removing a wall in a one-story space is much easier than in a two-story house. Two-story homes require a structural engineer which will add to your remodeling budget.
Why You May Want to Consider Opening Up Your Floor Plan
The Property Brothers don’t need to tell you; open floor plans come with a long list of benefits—many of them emotional. Kids can play in view while mom and dad cook dinner and catch up. It’s easy to entertain guests—whether it’s a hosting a few pals for a game night and a few glasses of wine or pulling off a Thanksgiving feast for the extended fam.
The open floor plan brings more natural light into a space, which can help you cut back on your energy bill. Additionally, the improved air flow can keep things cool during those hot summers. Best of all, an open floor plan maximizes your space. There are no more under-utilized formal dining rooms or nooks for nothing but hiding junk.
Schedule consultation and we’ll help you design a floor plan that works for you and your lifestyle. Follow ON Design & Remodeling on Instagram, Thumbtack, Google, Home advisor and Houzz for more helpful tips and ideas.