You may have heard the term “open plan” home in magazines, blogs, and also when describing homes that are for sale. What exactly does an open plan mean? It essentially means that there aren’t walls separating the various rooms that have different functions within the home. Some might say a lot of people prefer an open plan versus one where there are more walls dividing up space. However, it all depends on how one uses the space. Typically, I have seen open plans mean that the kitchen, dining room, and living room are all in one area with no walls necessarily separating them. Except, perhaps, some shorter walls indicating where one space ends and the other begins.
Gaudi Architecture, Instagram image via @momentsofgregory
A good amount of older homes actually had more walls and specific rooms dedicated to particular uses. That’s why, if you tour a home that’s older, you may also see remnants of where past owners have removed walls. For example, it was common to also have walls divide up the living room and dining room but shorter walls that sometimes included built-in sliding doors. A lot of these types of built-ins have been removed over the years for various reasons, but one of them was possibly to achieve that open plan feel.
So, then the question is more about you and your family. Asking the question, how do I use this space? How do I use it with others in it? How often will we have a dinner party for 12 people? Back in the day, it seems that people used to have more meals together in larger familial settings. Historically, families used to live in multi-generational households. At present day, it seems that there are some that are moving back into the multi-generational household model while others are quite content to be living solo or with a partner.
When I tour with my clients, I pay attention to how they feel about the place. Feeling is a powerful thing, and I believe that it’s coming from all one’s preconceived notions up to that point and being brought to a space that either fits who you are or doesn’t quite match up. That’s why sometimes choosing a home is thought of as choosing to be in a relationship. After all, in theory, you and your family will be residing in the home a majority of the year. So, a feeling is important. Although subjective, it’s something that can be quite the guiding force.
With all that in mind, how do you feel about an open plan home? How do you feel about one that may have walls up between the dining room and kitchen? Perhaps you are somewhere in between. The point is, the more you are clear about your preferences, the easier it will be do choose the home of your dreams.
Let’s chat about those dreams and find a home that makes your heart sing.