The Argument for the Open Floor Plan

Though a growing desire for more privacy has pushed homeowners to rethink their open floor plans, Realtor.com argues the airy design is not dead. The pandemic changed the way homes and families function. Though the changes can be temporary for some and permanent for others, such as permanent remote work, it is argued there are many other solutions for privacy than tossing out the open floor plan for good. Open floor plans offer more benefits than just a nice appearance, says Realtor.com. And lighting solutions can help to separate spaces in open floor plans. Large pendant lighting can separate the kitchen from the living room, and adjustable lighting in each area can help even further.

For example, in a recent project, Bikoff differentiated between the kitchen and living area by using bright pendant lighting above the kitchen island for food prep and indirect lighting in the living area to create a mood.

She says innovative lighting solutions, from companies like Ketra, offer easy programming and custom settings to make it easier to design open spaces.

2. Without open floor plans, homes can feel smaller and more formal
Part of why open floor plans originally became so popular is because they help make homes feel bigger, less restrained, airy, and modern, says Bikoff. And after months of being cooped up at home, that's the exact vibe we want.

People have been getting away from formal rooms since the 1980s, says Phil Kean, architect and owner of Phil Kean Design Group in Winter Park, FL. He says removing walls gives a sense of spaciousness that brings homes alive.  

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