Open concept floor plans are a trend that aims to stay. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, The Spruce states that “an open floor plan in residential architecture refers to a dwelling in which two or more common spaces have been joined to form a larger space by eliminating partition walls.” Bedrooms, offices, and the like are usually still enclosed, but other areas of the home are merged into one large space in an effort to enhance its utility.
These types of floor plans have many advantages including giving a smaller home or original space a much larger feel.
Excluding partitions also allows for a flow of natural light. You could even consider adding additional windows to the home, minimizing the reliance on lamps or overhead lighting.
Open floor plans are conducive to entertaining. Imagine preparing something in the kitchen and not missing out on a conversation happening in the visible living area. The interaction remains unbroken, and people can move about without crowding in one area or another.
If you’re an eagle-eyed parent trying to handle a million things in addition to watching over a child (or several), having an exposed area can add a sense of security. You can multitask supervising and your other tasks.
Common variations of an open floor plan are:
- Living/Dining Room
- Dining Room/Kitchen
- Kitchen/Living Room
- Living Room/Kitchen/Dining Room (often called a “Great Room”)
You can also think outside of traditional notions of what the room should be. Perhaps you often work from home; you can incorporate an office area. Maybe someone in the household does arts and crafts; there can be a section for that, too. Work out at home? Maybe your living room doubles as a yoga studio.
The best part of this type of plan is its flexibility; you can tweak its design to what works best for you. Many of John Cannon’s model homes implement this concept. You can view our Korina, Tindarra and Kylie models for inspiration.
