The Open Floor Plan is Not Dead

For most homeowners, the advantages of an open floor plan are still valuable. More light, better traffic flow, and the best way to maximize square footage, not to mention being able to cook and entertain at the same time.

Most designers have found new ways to create alternative spaces for private home offices, whether it’s converting a spare bedroom, den or garage into a home office, building out a closet with a desk and shelves, or using multi-functional furniture that is a desk by day and converts to a bed by night. We are even seeing the creation of workspaces in new condo developments for people that work frequently.

Closet Converted into Office

3D Rendering of Wall Desk

3D Rendering of Wall Bed

From what I’m seeing, the open plan still remains desirable. I personally like a hybrid version where perhaps the bedrooms are walled off but the living/dining/kitchen areas are open. We create some separation of the open space using subtle boundaries like ceiling heights, a kitchen peninsula or island, area rugs, or furniture placement. This helps each space have its own identity while still having an overall open layout with better flow, lighter and more seamless entertaining.

Kitchen Peninsula Overlooking Dining Area

Here is a floor plan for a guest house showing the kitchen, living area and sleeping area all open spaces.

Guest House Floor Plan

For a small space like an ADU or guest house, an open floor plan is perfect, but for an entire home, we like the hybrid version described above where the bedrooms are walled off but the food preparation and entertaining areas are open.