For decades, home hunters have been placing open-concept layouts near the top of their wish lists. It’s at the point where we can no longer call the preference for unobstructed living spaces a trend. That said, there’s also a growing number of buyers who are opting for more traditional styles—which often means more walls. While it’s really a matter of preference, there are a few things you should consider when you’re deciding which layout is right for you.
In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of open-concept spaces—and provide some tips for those who want to add some privacy to their spacious interiors…
The pros
No doubt about it, there are a whole lot of reasons to fall in love with wide-open living spaces. Let’s start with the views. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, many homeowners love the look of high ceilings and uninterrupted rooms. Opening up your field of vision can serve a practical purpose, too. If you have little ones, the appeal of seeing what they’re up to in the living room while you whip up breakfast is clear.
Open-concept homes are also great for those who are big on socializing. If you like to entertain, there’s nothing better than being able to join in conversations happening in other rooms while you prepare a feast in the kitchen. Of course, there’s also something to be said for the feel that you get in a big, open home. A sense of spaciousness and more room to breathe is crucial for many homeowners. If this sounds like you, it might be best to avoid houses that contain a lot of closed-off spaces.
The cons
While the benefits of going the open-concept route are clear, some home buyers feel that there are drawbacks as well. Depending on your personality type, you may find that free-flowing spaces can feel a little bit overwhelming. Sure, they provide plenty of opportunities for conversation. But we all crave our privacy and personal space at times. There are also noise levels to consider. Walls act as sound barriers, and they can go a long way towards creating a feeling of calm in a family home.
It’s true that some people prefer closed-off rooms, but it’s important to remember that every home is unique. Even if you’re looking for tranquility, there’s no reason to give up on an open-concept space if you like the way they look and feel. It all comes down to design, and it’s entirely possible to find a home that offers the best of both worlds.
Tips for creating separation
What should you do if you live in an open-concept home and you’re finding it a wee bit noisy? How can you create a greater sense of privacy for you and your family members? Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your home more comfortable. Here are just a few practical tips for doing just that.
Add sound barriers
You can start dampening the noise in your home by adding insulation to existing walls. You might also want to consider installing decorative elements made of soft materials. Cloth drapes and padded carpeting can help absorb sound travelling between open rooms.
Look for dividers
There’s a simple way to make your open space feel a bit more private, and that’s by adding separators. Partitions made of rice paper can add a touch of elegance to any room, and you can find affordable options in most home decor stores. You can also use pieces of furniture, such as bookcases, to create a sense of partial separation.
Make the most of your rooms
You may want to consider creating an extra room where members of your family can spend some time alone. If you have a basement or upstairs sunroom that’s rarely used, you can convert it into a family room, den, or additional bedroom.
The bottom line
When you’re deciding what kind of layout will work best for your family, there are many factors to consider. A great real estate agent can help you find the ideal home—whether it’s open-concept, more traditional, or something in between. You can also customize open spaces to ensure that they meet your family’s needs.
What about when it comes time to sell? Don’t worry. The demand for open-concept homes is here to stay, but there’s also a need for more closed-off spaces (especially within older buyer demographics). No matter what type of layout is ideal for you, we can pretty much guarantee that it will be just as perfect for another home hunter in the future.
Ready to start your home search? Reach out today to learn more about the buying process—and what’s available on the market!