Open Concept vs The Traditional Floor Plan
When deciding which floor plan you prefer, the open concept or the traditional, it will basically come down to your personal preference. There are pros and cons to both and your taste will play a significant factor when you make the choice. If you are torn, however, in which you like better, let’s look at the pros and cons to make your decision easier.
Definition of Open Concept vs Traditional Floor Plans
Before we get into the pros and cons of the two different floor plans, let’s define what they both mean.
- The open concept floor plan has no walls between your different areas. There is no wall separating the living room from the kitchen, and dining areas.
- The traditional floor plan has a more designated area for each room. The rooms, such as the living room and kitchen area are enclosed with walls making each a separate room.
These are the different features between the open concept floor plan and the traditional floor plan for you to consider.
Safety
One of the most significant benefits of an open floor plan is the line of sight you have as a caregiver or parent. Without walls to block your view, you are able to pay attention to elderly relatives or small children who need supervision. You can be in the kitchen preparing a meal and still see what is happening in the living room.
Attractiveness
The open floor plan is often referred to as a more modern style. You will see this in homes considered industrial-style or ones that have lofts. It can be difficult with the open floor plan to distinguish where one room ends and the next begins, as the rooms flow into each other. These floor plans do create a challenge when decorating as you will have to coordinate the furnishings for all rooms in the same theme. In this plan, your living room will have to coordinate with your kitchen as well as your dining area.
The traditional floor plan or closed floor has each room as an individual area. With this plan, you can choose different colors or themes for all rooms as they will not blend together. While it offers more choices in design, it does not provide the brightness from natural light as the open floor plan. The walls will close off a lot of natural light and it will feel smaller without the openness.
Space
Without the walls in the open floor plan, you are able to move around more easily. This characteristic makes it better for socializing and accessibility. You will also find you have more flexibility with the open floor plan as to how you will use your space. Without the walls to restrict you, it is easier to redesign areas to fit your individual purposes.
The traditional floor plan with walls will make areas feel smaller and can chop up the appearance of your home. On the flip-side to this, some feel the smaller areas give the home a warmer more cozy feel.
Odors/Smells
Some people dislike the smell of cooking in the house. If you choose an open floor plan, the foods you cook in the kitchen will share their scent throughout the house. Which makes the open concept for kitchen remodeling so popular. Depending on the dish you are preparing, this smell could be strong and may be a drawback to the open floor plan.
Resale Value
Currently, depending on where you live, the open floor plan may be to your advantage when it comes to resale. The current markets are showing more people prefer the open concept over the traditional floor plan. Studies show more than seventy percent of buyers in the current markets are preferring the open floor concept. These trends can change.
Where to Find More Information on Open Floor vs The Traditional Floor Plan Choices
All Phase Building Concepts is dedicated to helping businesses and families find the most comfortable and productive home or office. We offer both new construction and remodeling services. Sit down and talk to our building specialists if you want more information on the differences between an open floor or a traditional floor plan and let us begin building or turning your dream home into a reality.