We can identify the years homes are built on with a few simple observations. Outside of the obvious wood paneling and carpeted bathrooms of decades past, even the layout gives us clues to a home’s origins. While open concept living was the standard a few years ago, Gerard Construction is seeing a mixed bag of floor plans emerging as some families want contained spaces with a specific use once again. The real question is learning what works for you, and whether open concept is the right idea.
Pros-
The number of pros for open living is in abundance. Families can spend time together while still focusing on different tasks in separate zones. It creates a sense of connection without feeling cramped. The flow from kitchen to dining to living area is the most common and most appealing characteristic of open concepts. The ability to prepare meals while kids do homework, or guests relax in another area of the home, is one of the most appreciated benefits of open concept living. It makes entertaining feel more inclusive, allowing the home’s main chef to stay connected during prep, dinner, and clean-up instead of being tucked away in the kitchen. Additionally, the open concept is more flexible and allows for changes to meet the needs of any given day! Every family has a distinct set of needs that will need to be taken into consideration.
Cons-
While open concept living has many advantages, some of its downsides became clear during the COVID lockdowns. With entire families at home, the need for designated spaces for remote work, online schooling, and personal downtime became more apparent. Open concept living can also lead to more distractions, as movement between spaces is constant, making it less ideal for activities that require focus or quiet. Noise can be another downside of open-concept living. Music, conversations, and everyday sounds easily travel across open spaces, especially in homes with high ceilings or open balconies connecting upper and lower levels. This is particularly noticeable when a game or media room is located above a main living area. And if you have kids, don’t be surprised when toys occasionally turn into flying objects, making their way downstairs.
Design Ideas-
Open concept living does tend to add the illusion of more space. Better Homes and Gardens states, “[t]his openness creates design continuity from one room to another and lets in a lot more natural light.” Rooms that may not normally have a window can still benefit from sunlight. You will need to consider the additional heating and cooling from a larger open space, so plan vents and fans accordingly. Clutter may be on more display, so building in storage to tuck items away easily will help you when trying to clean up for visitors or at the end of the day. The extra noise, especially in an open room with hard wood or tile floors, can be dampened with extra textiles, furniture, and rugs to dampen properly.
Ready to explore open concept living? Reach out to Gerard Construction today. From floor plan to final build, our team will guide you through every step of the process, bringing your vision to life with expert care and craftsmanship.