Choosing between an open concept home and a traditional floor plan is one of the most fundamental choices when deciding on a home or planning a custom space. First, it’s important to define these different layouts. Open concepts prioritize creating an inviting ambiance by removing walls or barriers to create one spacious room. Often, the living room, kitchen, and dining room are all combined. These types of homes might include vaulted ceilings and large windows to provide the impression of added space. On the opposite end, traditional or closed floor plans include many walls and defined areas so that each room has a designated purpose and added privacy.
Open concepts are seen as a more modern style and have been gaining popularity since the 1970s, with many homes typically including this layout. While traditional concepts are generally seen in older homes, traditional layouts are making a comeback, with many people turning to the classic elements of a traditional floor plan. These layouts have respective strengths and weaknesses, and understanding their differences can help you decide which floor plan best aligns with your taste and needs.
Pros and Cons
Open Concept: Open floor plans are coveted by families with young children or those who frequently entertain guests. Without walls to limit movement, there is a more effortless traffic flow for large gatherings or general household activities. Open concept floorplans also allow the layout of your home to be easily rearranged and are versatile, allowing for areas to be used for multiple purposes. They are best used for creating more space when you have a smaller home. Additionally, due to the absence of walls, these homes can be safer, especially with young kids, because parents can easily watch their children from different rooms. Moreover, open concept homes tend to have a higher resale value, with many buyers looking for an open concept home. Overall, open concepts generally have abundant natural light that fills up your home, creating a more modern feel and easier cleaning.
However, one downside is that the cohesiveness of the space can be hard to achieve since it is one large area that needs to coordinate throughout. Also, due to the open nature of this layout, it can be harder to hide clutter and smells and noise can easily travel throughout the space. Finally, because of the openness, it is often more costly for heating and cooling systems.
Traditional Concept: Traditional floor plans are appreciated for their more classic style. Because of the separate spaces and rooms, your design style isn’t restricted, and your unique decorations can be further explored in each room. Additionally, there can be more privacy in closed concept homes with more walls and doors, adding layers of protection, soundproofing, and smell control. Traditional concepts are also more energy efficient as you can heat or cool only certain rooms rather than one large space. Another perk of walls is it is easier to hide clutter, making it less work to keep the space tidy.
Some downsides to this layout include that these types of homes can feel smaller or stuffy due to all of the walls. It can also be challenging for younger parents who want to keep a close eye on their kids or for families to spend as much quality time together. These homes also tend to get less natural light.
General Factors to Consider
The layout of your home impacts the ambiance of your space. After learning about the differences, there are additional questions to consider when deciding between the two home styles. These can include (but are not limited to) whether you prefer rooms or open spaces and understanding what your lifestyle will look like in the next five to ten years.
Making sure you get the most out of your custom home is our top priority at Artisan Builders. Look through our portfolio as a source of inspiration, and contact us with any questions.
