Open to the concept
If you’ve ever been in the market to buy a condo or toured a new build, you’ve probably noted that open plan living spaces are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, an article from Time magazine revealed that opening up space and kitchen makeovers are among the top seven things that homebuyers are searching for in a home.
Sure, open plan (sometimes referred to as open concept) layouts look amazing, but what are the benefits?
let there be light
Open-plan living is one way to bind a kitchen with other rooms and the garden to create one large multi-functional and light-filled space. The nature of the design traditionally allows for light to travel all the way through the ground floor of a property, with no pesky walls getting in the way and blocking its natural flow; great for mood and saving on electricity costs, too.
Multitasking modernism
Another big tick in the open plan box is the multi functional nature of such a space. With the kitchen, dining and living rooms flowing into one space, open concept allows friends or family to convene and converse (and keep you company while cooking). It’s also somewhere to actually eat (dining rooms are so last century) as well as serving as a living room, where the kids can play and the family can watch T.V together.
Getting social
As mentioned, having an open-plan provides homeowners with a social space. However, it seems that knocking down walls to combine kitchen and dining spaces also knocks down barriers between people. This open plan space quickly becomes the focal point in the home, creating a fluid space that people are drawn to. If you are a host (or an entertainer) an open-plan kitchen is the dream—providing a space that you can use to socialise with guests while cooking.
Everything in its place
An open space provides opportunities for you to identify different zones, and delegate space, while remaining open. From zone lighting to kitchen islands, breakfast bars and dining booths, having an open-space area doesn’t mean you’re living without structure.
Such an arrangement is ideal for larger families, allowing parents to keep an eye on children playing while cooking in the kitchen or working away in the den area. Open-plan takes away the need for parents to be in ‘two places at once’, as it were.
If you’re in the market to sell or buy a home, the Merenda team can help. With our 20+ years of industry knowledge and a client-forward approach, we’ll get you the results you want and the experience you deserve. Contact us today and let’s get a conversation started.