With so many home layout styles and designs to choose from, you want to be clear on your options and consider what may work best for your family. The open floor plan has taken the real estate market by storm the past few decades, but is it really the right choice?
When it comes to remodeling, many homeowners request to transform their homes into an open floor model that allows for more freedom and space to walk between rooms. Before you make that commitment and start removing walls to achieve this open floor plan design, you’ll want to ask yourself these key questions.
Does an open floor plan fit how you live?
Open floor plans are ideal for large families or those that entertain guests often. These can be spaces full of natural light and have an overall welcoming and relaxing feel to them. However, with an open floor plan, without clear separation of rooms, you’ll want to go with a consistent color scheme that won’t be too jarring. The size, shape, and placement of your furniture may need to be adjusted as what may have looked good in a traditional layout, may seem too big (or too small) in a new open format.
Are you well organized?
When you start to remove walls and open up spaces, you also lose the ability to conceal things behind closed doors. If you tend to have a cluttered home, you’ll want to look to add lots of organizational units when you transition to an open floor plan. Otherwise, you run the risk of too many things closing off the openness that you’re trying to achieve.
Good to Know
If your family prefers privacy and quiet then an open floor plan may not be right for you.
What’s the noise factor?
If your family likes having quiet places to escape to, then an open floor plan may not be the best option. It’s hard to contain noise in one area when you start to remove walls. If on the other hand the idea of talking to each other at any part of the home is appealing, then an open floor plan may suit you very well. Also consider the lack of privacy element that open floor plans don’t provide before committing to making the switch.
Are you fully committed?
Going from a traditional floor plan to an open concept is a big decision to make. If you’re on the fence and not sure how much you’ll like the switch, it may be best to err on the side of caution and not move forward. Once you start removing walls, it’s not easy (or cheap) to go back. So, make sure you’ve thought through the pros and cons of everything before investing in remodeling your home.
Conclusion
If done right, an open floor plan can give you more room and create your home into a relaxing and accommodating space for your entire family. You’ll want to think through all of the intricacies that come with any remodeling project and be sure you work with a reputable contractor who has documented success with creating high-quality and modern open space layouts. Need help finding the top contractors in your area? No problem. At Home Pros can connect you with our network of licensed, insured contractors to get your project started right away.