(Newswire.net — October 8, 2019) — Since the 1990s, open floor plans have become the dominant choice among individuals building new homes. Open floor plans can make an otherwise small home seem larger. Additionally, many people cite the “flow” of an open floor plan as one of its primary benefits.
On the other hand, some people prefer the privacy and special distinction that only closed floor plans can provide. These spaces are often considered much more formal. Though open floor plans have recently become more popular, the majority of existing homes still have a closed floor plan.
Whether you choose an open floor plan or a closed floor plan will have a major impact on your overall approach to interior design. You may also want to consider developing a “hybrid” floorplan that has elements of both distinctive styles.
In this article, we will discuss the most important things for you to think about when deciding between an open and floor plan. By weighing the pros and cons of each design style, you’ll be able to know which one is right for you.
Cost
When comparing open to closed floorplans, one of the first things you will need to consider is cost. If you are designing a home from scratch, creating an open floor plan is generally more affordable. Not only do open floor plans require fewer “cosmetic” structural features (such as non-load bearing walls), but you will also be able to create a simpler, uniform interior design scheme.
Conversely, converting an already existing closed floor plan into an open floor plan can sometimes be rather expensive.Industry estimates indicate the cost of removing a non-load bearing wall can be $1,000 or even more. The cost of tearing down load-bearing walls can exceed $3,000. Converting open floorplans to closed floor plans will also be an expensive endeavor. New walls, interior design features, and infrastructure will all need to be paid for. As you would probably imagine, the most affordable option will be to stick with the floorplan that already exists. However, cost alone should not limit your choices—there are still several other factors you will need to account for.
Functionality
Before deciding which floorplan is right for you, it will be important to determine what you want to do with each room. Rooms such as bedrooms, offices, and personal libraries will benefit from the privacy of a closed floor plan. At the same time, combining your kitchen and your dining room or your dining room and family room can improve foot traffic and establish better gathering spaces.
If you are looking for a space that is flexible, open, and conducive to socializing, then an open floor plan will be your best option. If you are looking for a space that is private, intimate, and easier to keep organized, then a closed floor plan will be better. Things such as the number of people living in your home (and your relationship to them), how frequently you have guests, and your current collection of furniture should also be considered.
There are other components of “functionality” that will need to be addressed as well. For example, if you live in a very cold or very warm climate, a closed floor plan will be cheaper for heating and cooling purposes. On the other hand, open floor plans are better for using light more efficiently and maximizing window views. These are the sorts of variables that interior designers must consider on a regular basis.
Homeowner Value
Another factor to consider is the impact that a floor plan will have on the value of your home. Unsurprisingly, interior design choices can have a significant impact on the perceived value of a home and how long that home stays on the market. Open floor plans have become more popular over the last twenty years. When all else is equal, homes with open floor plans will typically sell for more.
While there is indeed a financial incentive to have an open floorplan, it is important to note that the cost of converting your home to an open plan will often be greater than the amount of value added to your home. If it takes $5,000 to increase the value of your home by $3,000—both common estimates for conversions—then you may want to reconsider your options.
The location of your home, and the competitiveness of the market, will also have a major impact on how much your home is worth. Obviously, your personal preferences will need to be considered along with homeowner value, but homeowner value should not be overlooked.
Creating a “Hybrid” Floor Plan
Both open and closed floor plans certainly have their merits. While open floor plans are better for socializing and acting as multi-functional spaces, they also can make a home feel less private. At the same time, while closed floor plans offer a sense of structure and tradition, they are not always as appealing to new home buyers.
In order to balance these apparent pros and cons, many interior designers will look for clever ways to create hybrid floor plans. As the term might imply, hybrid floor plans have elements of both styles.
One of the most common methods for creating a hybrid space is installing French doors between rooms. This makes it easier to control the exact level of openness within the room itself. To make things feel even more opened, designers may use glass doors or remove the doors altogether (while still keeping the basic frame).
Additionally, you may want to consider using “half” walls, or countertops between spaces. Installing a countertop is an excellent way to separate your kitchen from the dining area while still maintaining a consistent flow. Other creative options, such as windows between rooms, collapsible walls, or changing interior design features (floors, walls, ceilings, etc.) can help assure your spaces are both distinct and interconnected.
Conclusion
Choosing between an open floor plan and a closed floor plan will require you to consider many different things. Variables such as cost, functionality, and homeowner value should not be ignored. In order to blend the benefits of both types of floorplans, many individuals will create a hybrid design. If you are unsure which option makes the most sense for you, consider consulting a professional interior designer.