Open floor plans, also known as open concept floor plans, began to become popular in the 1950s. Homeowners sought to create a more spacious and flexible living space by removing walls and having an area where the kitchen, dining, and living areas all connected. This allows for improved communication and movement between family members.
However, if you are a household of introverts or highly sensitive people, it's important to be aware of both the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you. In this blog post, we will explore some of the potential downsides, so that you can decide if this open plan design choice is the right fit for you.
Problem 1: Largely Lacking in Privacy
Open concept floor plans can be challenging for those who need quiet and privacy to complete tasks. With everyone in sight and earshot, it can be difficult for introverts or autistic individuals to find a space of their own for reading or studying. Noise can easily reverberate throughout the entire space.
If you are considering a renovation, a new build, or buying a home with an open floor plan, it is important to ask yourself if the lack of privacy is the best option for your lifestyle and your family's lifestyle.
Problem 2: Substantially More Expensive
Open plans can be quite expensive to maintain and renovate, as well. Removing load-bearing walls and installing support beams are costly. The larger, open space is more difficult and costly to heat and cool. Also, a lack of doors and walls is a potential safety hazard for fire and floods. And depending on your expressive personality, creating a space with furniture and décor to fit who you are is often more difficult because there are fewer rooms and walls to give personality to.
Problem 3: Decidedly More Difficult to Maintain
The challenges of an open floor plan don't stop there; these homes can be laborious to keep clean and tidy. Without walls to separate each room, messes have a tendency to quickly spread from one room to another, making it difficult to contain them. Additionally, clutter is often seen by visiting guests, cannot be easily hidden, and makes the area seem messier than it actually is.
This raises the question: Is open concept still good? While it certainly has its benefits of communication and togetherness while being aesthetically pleasing, the downsides should not be ignored. Make sure to weigh all the pros and cons of an open floor plan before deciding if it is right for you and your family.
Are You Looking for the Best Floor Plan for Your Family?
If you would like some support designing your perfect home floor plan, I would love to help. Reach out and let's get to know each other.
Tap in your email here and I’ll send you the list of services from Design A Rose Interiors. Plus you’ll receive a free gift all about the perfect soothing interior design style for you.
Warmly,
QuianaRose
