Open Concept Pros and Cons
Although we never recommend it, due to scheduling conflicts, we once held a design kickoff meeting with one half of a married couple with the understanding that they were “on the same page”. In a conversation around general programming, project goals and design ideas, we heard a preference for modern design and open-concept floor plan, where they could see most of the first floor from any vantage point and entertain large groups of people. A few weeks later we all gathered to review our initial design options and heard from the other party “oh, these are all so open, I really prefer a segmented plan with walls for art.” We jokingly suggested they live next door to each other. Anecdotes aside, this isn’t an uncommon situation - two individuals coming together to design a house with two different visions and priorities. While it isn’t uncommon to work through varied wish-lists and find compromise, an open vs. closed or segmented floor plan is really a decision that needs to be unanimous. Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you determine what your own needs may be.
Cons:
Open Concept
Can be loud - when you have an open concept plan, the noise level in one space is the noise level everywhere.
Lack of privacy - introvert who likes to read? Well, I hope you don’t mind me next to you banging pots and pans in the kitchen
Structurally Expensive - depending on how large the open areas are, without walls separating spaces, you need structural beams to carry the load. The longer the span, the deeper and more costly that structure will be.
Closed Concept
You can’t see - Trying to look after a toddler while making dinner? Forget about it. With a closed concept, activities in other rooms are hidden.
Harder to entertain - The space to host friends and family is confined to the size of the room. Hosting 12, but can’t fit more than 8 people around the dining table? 4 of them will have to eat their meal in another room, let’s just call it “the kids’ table”
Can feel smaller - When each function needs its own space or room, spaces are less likely to be cross-utilized, making the space feel smaller as a result.
Pros:
Open Concept
Cross-utilization of spaces - By opening up your floor plan, you can use space beyond its intended purpose. The dining table can extend into the living room for a holiday meal, the kitchen island becomes lounging space and a spot to watch the game playing in the living room. The flexibility of an open plan is endless.
Great for groups and entertaining - Many homeowners notice that when hosting, guests like to congregate in the kitchen. With an open plan, guests can see and chat with the cook from anywhere, and you can maintain your workspace by keeping guests more than an arm’s length away.
Transmit natural light from windows more easily - Houses divided with walls tend to be darker - by removing interior partitions, you open up the ability for natural light from windows at exterior walls to stream entirely through the house. This might actually be the greatest benefit of an open plan, in our opinion.
Closed Concept
Space on walls to display art and place furniture - With an open concept you must ask yourself where will the upright piano go? What about the heirloom hutch you’ve been keeping? With a closed plan you have more wall space, and with wall space, more opportunity for placement of anchored furniture or hanging your favorite pieces of art.
Sound reduction, focus, privacy - If you have children or louder family members who are all home at the same time, an open concept doesn’t provide for a place to hide away. Sound transfers easily between spaces, as well as light, so having a closed plan where you can shut a door and keep out unwanted noise may be a welcome reprieve.
Character, intimacy, nooks/crannies - If you have memories of being at your grandparent’s home discovering hidden staircases, rooms full of books, or little closets tucked away, then you certainly know the charm of a closed concept plan. Closed plans provide opportunity for discovery and whimsy in a way that an open concept just can’t.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to weigh when deciding what the right plan is for you and your family. Through Cult Creative’s design process we work with homeowners to create a plan designed with your unique culture and lifestyle at the heart.