Open Floor Plans: Pros and Cons
Are open floor plans the future of modern home design or an inconvenience best left to tiny apartments housing broke college students? Should you knock down all your walls or build more? Is it best to leave your space divided and private or wide open and inviting? If you’re wondering which path to take, here’s a list of pros and cons for open floor plans to keep in mind as you figure out which decision is the best for your home and lifestyle.
Pro: More Floor Space
Depending on how thick your walls are, an open floor plan can save you a lot of space– especially when you consider how much space has to be left clear around doors and doorways. Without a million dividing walls in the way, you can fit more possessions and people comfortably. No more missing out on the perfect couch because it’s an inch too wide for the living room!
Open Floor Plans Con: Less Wall Space
You don’t miss it until it’s gone. If you’re someone who loves to hang picture frames, posters, and art on the walls, you may have to find a plan B. It can also feel weird to place furniture in the middle of the floor without a wall to anchor it. If this really bothers you, you might find yourself with a big hole in the center of your open floor plan and no real use for the extra space.
Pro: Great for Entertaining
One of the most frequently touted advantages of open floor plans is their convenience when it comes to entertaining. Host large or small gatherings with plenty of room for guests, food, and decorations without dividing the party into pieces between rooms. Music and lighting don’t have to be sectioned out when there are no walls to confine them!
Con: No Privacy
As with many things, open floor plan parties are a double-edged sword. There’s no blocking sound if someone’s belting karaoke while fifteen feet away someone else is trying to have a heartfelt conversation, and it’s difficult to establish any visual privacy. For better or worse, your home is truly open when you invite guests in!
Open Floor Plan Pro: Open, Airy Feel
Open the curtains and let the sunshine in, ‘cause there are no walls to block the light! Open floor plans promote a free, airy feel that makes even small spaces feel less confining. Plus, there won’t be any rooms without windows!
Con: No Separation
Not everyone wants to roll out of bed and come face-to-face with their oven. A little separation is valuable, especially when it comes to sleeping areas vs. places you want to be productive. Your brain learns to associate different activities with different areas, potentially making it difficult to focus or rest if you mix them up.
Keep an eye out for Part 2 to explore more pros and cons of open floor plans!
Open Floor Plans Remodel?
We can help! Our team’s expertise extends well beyond the realm of fencing and decking. If you need any interior or exterior home remodeling in or around Baltimore, MD, then Excel is your go-to company. We offer the best in customer service alongside unbeatable prices and top-quality construction materials. Contact us today through our quick online form or give us a call at 410-803-9499 and let the journey with Excel Fencing and Decking begin!