An open plan home is nothing new - in fact, the design concept has been popularised since the 1950s. The exclusion of walls typically combines the living, kitchen, and dining rooms, creating one large, spacious area. In addition to maximising space, open-plan living also allows lighting to filter through more of the home.

Making the Most of Space with an Open Floor Plan

Having more space in the home means more options for storage and furniture placement — but not all homes have the luxury of space.

Open floor plans solve the problem of congestion in the home by removing the walls that separate rooms, creating longer sightlines. Sightlines are a design principle that building designers use — longer sightlines open up the view of a space, making it feel more expansive.

While the actual square meterage of the home remains the same, an open floor plan will make the home feel more spacious and airy.

Better Lighting in Open Concept Homes

Open floor plans can bring in more natural light. In traditional homes, the walls block light from reaching different areas, creating the need for separate lighting in each room. In open-concept homes, there are fewer physical barriers between areas, so light from one source can reach more areas of the home.

This principle gives homeowners more flexibility in planning the lighting of the home. Main sources of light can be designed more for aesthetics without worrying about enough light for open spaces. The same goes for natural light—sunlight can reach more of the home from well-placed windows.

How to Make the Most of an Open Floor Plan

Open floor plans need to be planned carefully to maximise space and light without sacrificing the functionality of the home.

High Ceilings

Open floor plans create a sense of openness, which can be further enhanced by having a high ceiling feature, such as a raked ceiling. Increasing the ceiling height in combined spaces makes it feel more breathable and less enclosed. High ceilings also allow more natural light to fill the home and are a great spot to place lighting fixtures with drama.

Multifunctional Spaces

An open plan layout allows the larger space to accommodate multiple uses. For example, a living room, dining room and kitchen that flows into one another can also be a space to host parties. There are many options for furniture that can be transformed or serve multiple purposes at once, such as sofa beds and coffee tables with storage. Creating multifunctional spaces is one of the best ways to make the most of space in an open floor plan.

Create Boundaries

With multiple spaces blending into each other, open floor plans must be carefully planned to avoid necessary clutter. The key to having an open and airy home is to create visual boundaries that bring order to the transitions between spaces. Using different coloured paint or functional furniture as markers helps to define the areas.

Open floor plans are an ideal home design option to make a home feel larger and brighter. When deciding on an open floor plan that meets your needs, it’s best to work with a builder who can translate your vision and preferences into the design. As North Queensland’s most professional builder for 5 years, Keir Constructions is the home builder in Townsville that can achieve the open concept home of your dreams.