Open floor plans have become increasingly popular in recent years, both in homes and multifamily common areas, as they can provide benefits that more structured floor plans cannot.
Advantages of open floor plans include:
1. Increased social interaction: One of the biggest advantages of an open floor plan is that they promote social interaction among occupants. Without walls and doors separating different areas of a home or common area, people are more likely to communicate and interact with each other and foster a sense of community and collaboration.
Photographer | Ryan Gamma Photography
2. More natural light: Open floor plans typically have more windows and natural light than traditional floor plans, where the light can be obscured by walls and doors. Open sight lines and natural light can make the area feel bigger, brighter and more spacious.
3. Flexibility: Open floor plans offer more flexibility in terms of how the space can be used. For example, a large open living area can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a living room, dining room and play area, all at the same time. Furniture can also be moved and repositioned easily to create different room layouts
4. Improved traffic flow: With fewer walls and obstacles to navigate, open floor plans can improve traffic flow. This can be especially beneficial in busy areas such as kitchens, where multiple people may be working at the same time.
5. Modern aesthetic: Many people prefer the modern and contemporary aesthetic of the clean lines and minimal clutter that open floor plans provide. Ample storage areas are a must to maintain this effect.
Finding the right floor plan requires full consideration of a family’s wants and needs, as well as the pros and cons of each layout. For many, an open floor plan checks all the right boxes.
