Open Floor plans out or in!

Open floor plans enjoyed immense popularity over the last couple of years, but as it always does, the tide has recently been turning on this concept. Historically speaking, the open floor plan was not necessarily a new concept, as people were already beginning to combine living and dining spaces around the turn of the 20th century. However, social and industrial changes and affordability of construction began to reflect in architectural trends that emerged in the decades that followed, such as the 1940’s rancher, which was part of the development of the open floor plan.

Fast forward to the present day, the last few decades saw great popularity of the open floor plan, with structurally unnecessary walls being torn down and living spaces becoming more open than ever. It was partially a reflection of the times, as our lives had become much more casual and relaxed, and there was no need for the formal parlors and dining rooms of decades past. Instead, the concept offered ample natural light, an inviting openness and visual continuity, and the feeling of more togetherness within the home.  

However, as we have recently started to see, more people are beginning to make a case for separate rooms. The idea is that there is a need, both from a practical and a design standpoint, for walls. While the tide was already turning on the open-concept spaces, this pandemic has brought about an immediate need for separate private and public spaces. The need for privacy and certain auditory conditions are both a factor in this shift. We often hear clients with open floor plans and young children complaining about noise traveling everywhere and the house being too loud. We have also seen a growing demand for a separate entry, where people can take off their shoes before entering the house. And perhaps even a separate area for people to self-quarantine. 

Besides the need for physical separation of rooms, there will also be a need to separate work and relaxation spaces within the home for psychological and mental well-being. This pandemic has highlighted the topic of mental health, and more than ever, interior design will need to consider how the living environment can support mental health and well-being. 

 While a fully open space may feel light and airy, homeowners are often struck with the fact that it can be hard to furnish and a lack of storage. As The Atlantic mentions, “Designers are beginning to treat the symptoms of open-plan excess. Modernists once designed for multipurpose use or simplicity, but now they design for stowage.” With the need for intimacy and display of self in the home, the lack of walls creates a large waiting area type of space that may feel impersonal and lacking room for personality. There is also the social aspect and the fact that as our lives have become more public, we crave more privacy and look for that in our homes more and more. Architecture and design are ever-evolving, adapting to and influencing how and where we live, with the open floor plan being a prime example of this ever-changing nature.