The ultimate guide to open-plan living
To find out more about the evolution of open-plan living and how it affects you, we offer the following guide.
10/09/2019
In the past decade, there has been a massive surge of interest in open-plan spaces in the home. This has evolved in numerous ways, although it has continued to stay on-trend for many years, making homes appear more modern and spacious than ever before. Despite the positives that come with this architectural style, there are also some negatives along with a long line of history associated with the open-plan living concept. To find out more about the evolution of open-plan living and how it affects you, take a look at the following guide.
The rise of open-plan living
Although it may appear as though open-plan living became popular in the last decade or so, the concept actually dates back as far as the post-world war II period. This was when more rigid decor designs turned more fluid, which was a result of growing families who required more space. It was also ideal for parents who wanted to keep an eye on their children, especially at mealtimes.
Open-plan living was also utilised for expanding populations, as homes were built to accommodate more people in the same spaces. This was a more practical option during the construction stages, as it meant less structural procedures were needed, and heating systems were much easier to install.
In the 1950s, open-plan homes were seen as modern and innovative spaces where the kitchen literally became the heart of the home, as everything else was built around it. However, since the 1990s, this style has become the norm, especially for those looking to add value to their homes, as spacious properties are always the best sellers. Open-plan living is still a sought-after feature today for individuals looking for their next home or investment.
Pros
There are a variety of benefits of having an open-plan space in your home, one of them being it offers homeowners much more room. By having an open-plan room, you can roam freely without the nuisance of obstructions, which is perfect for families with young children.
By knocking down a wall or two, you can also massively improve the purchase price, which is ideal for those looking to sell or rent out their home. Buyers will be more interested in a property that is spacious and airy, which is precisely what the open-plan design offers.
The majority of property developers still use the traditional open-plan design. For example, the luxury apartments available at RW Invest implement this style in their studios, as it offers tenants a spacious and multi-functional living space. These contemporary style apartments are very popular with young professionals who are looking to live in the city centre but do not want to sacrifice space.
Cons
While open-plan is a great seller, there are also some downsides to this type of home. This includes heating costs, as an open area will usually have expansive floor space and high ceilings, which will require a significant amount of energy.
Some people prefer enclosed separate rooms rather than one big one, as they offer more privacy and also offer parents peace and quiet. An open-plan layout promotes a more social experience, which may be great for some people, however, everybody needs some time to themselves to relax and unwind.