Open-plan living has been popular in Canada since the 1990s. While some trends only last a short time, it seems that open-plan living is here to stay. And rightly so—it has some amazing benefits!
This article examines how we arrived at open-plan living, its main benefits, and how to achieve it in your home.
Open-plan living is a modern twist on the traditional layout of homes. Before open-plan living, rooms were boxed off and given one definite function.
Open-plan living involves combining two traditional rooms and removing a wall, opening up the space and making it multi-functional. It’s most commonly seen in newer homes’ living areas and kitchens.
The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most notable users of open-plan living. He designed Robie House in Chicago with an open plan design in the 1910s.
Even though open-plan living was supported by one of the greatest architects of all time, it didn’t go mainstream until the 1990s. Large-scale construction projects built homes with an open design, which played a big part in its popularity.
Rather than following the popular design choice, it’s important to consider the benefits of open-plan living.
Open-plan living allows you to use your space more effectively. Where some homes have a kitchen and living room separated by a wall, in open-plan living, the spaces are blurred and take on more uses.
Dinner parties in the kitchen can spill over into the living area, and floor plans can easily be altered for different events.
Opening up a space will inevitably bring in more light. In some homes, an open-plan area can get morning and evening sun.
A brighter home also feels bigger. It gives the illusion of much more space and makes your home feel airier.
Open floor plans flow better, too. Removing doors and walls helps manage traffic throughout the home, making the space much nicer to be in and creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Open spaces also help homes be more social. Instead of one person being boxed off in the living room watching TV and another in the kitchen cleaning, open-plan living allows them to be together. This helps families interact more with each other and grow closer bonds.
It’s also great for entertaining. When you have friends over, you don’t want to be stuck cooking alone in the kitchen away from everyone. Open-plan living allows you to be part of multiple spaces at once, so you can cook and hang out with friends all at once.
To create open spaces, the first step is to remove walls. This will help bring in light, improve flow, and make your home much more social. Removing a wall is a large undertaking for the DIY hobbyist, especially if it’s a load-bearing wall!
Industry experts are best suited to large jobs like this. They have all the appropriate equipment and years of experience to deliver open-plan living that perfectly suits your needs.
Once you’ve removed the walls, it’s important to keep the clutter out of the home. Clutter will block off the space that you’ve just opened up. Remember, less is more!
Bulky furniture placed in the wrong area can also ruin your new open-plan living areas. Sofas and tables should not block light or sightlines through the space. Make sure you put sofas up against the walls, allowing the central space to be used for dining and social purposes.
Open-plan living is trendy and for the right reasons! It allows your home to be brighter, more social, and more enjoyable.
Give RDC Fine Homes a call today and see how we can make your home your dream home!
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