Understanding the Open Floor Plan in Homes

An “open floor plan” in residential architecture refers to a house in which two or more traditionally separate spaces or rooms have been joined together to create a larger and more open space by eliminating the walls or partitions that stood between them. Traditionally separated areas or rooms such as the living room, kitchen, and dining room are transformed into amazing single rooms.

It might initially seem like a bold decision to make since most people still believe that separate rooms are still the standard. But there are already many homeowners that are breaking the stigma of traditional plans to enjoy the perks of living in an open and freer space. Who does not enjoy multitasking once in a while? You can cook dinner while watching Netflix from your living room.

Today, Bangalore’s living standards continuously improve, making its citizens ready to make smarter decisions when it comes to the interior design of their homes. The most chosen and trusted interior designs in Bangalore include minimalist, modern interior design, and Scandinavian. With the growing income of the city’s residents, many are not just going after quality design but are also after efficiency to maximize and personalize their houses.

When Did This Become an Option?

A few decades ago, houses were built with rooms to address specific household needs. You cook in a kitchen, eat in the dining room, and receive guests in the living, for every function there is a specific room. Everything seemed to be in order by being separated usually with walls and doors.

However, during the 1950s and 60s, home developers realized that an open concept as a way of living could actually be more efficient. Therefore, split-level home designs became a trend.

Why Do You Need an Open Floor Plan?

This concept of living has a lot of reasons why it is a go-to design by many. First, it can make your small space feel bigger and brighter. For example, a small-sized apartment with a tiny, windowless kitchen off the receiving area can be transformed into a seemingly spacious place by removing the partition and replacing it with a long but low table. Second, you can do more tasks inside the house with only minimal movements. 

You can reach for things quickly without having to open another door. Also, it works well with parents when they are keeping an eye on their children. An open floor plan allows them to do their household chores with their kids in their line of sight. Lastly, a large open space can be multifunctional. With the right type of multipurpose furniture, you can easily turn your living room into a home office, an entertainment room, or even a game room.

What are the Challenges of an Open Floor Plan?

As much as we went on about space, the open concept of living still leaves us with some challenges. First, privacy would most definitely be scarce when you remove the walls and doors of your house. Working from home while someone is watching Netflix could be quite challenging in an open floor setting.

If you dislike mess, an open floor plan might not be for you. Unless you are living alone by yourself or you have neat freaks roommates then it is going to be fine. Maintaining your house’s cleanliness is the only key to an open concept of living.

Keep an Open Space

Having open views from one area to the other is the most important part of open floor plans. This concept of living allows you more freedom in picking your furniture but you have to be strategic with its placement. Do not block the lines of sight with tall dividers or furniture that you do not actually need.

Open floor plans certainly do have their disadvantages and people who are used to the traditional setup of living would have a hard time adjusting. However, efficient space usage, a brighter vibe, and multifunctional elements make them a favorite for many reliable interior designers in Bangalore.