Whether you’re buying or renting, if you’ve ever been house hunting before, then you’re probably familiar with the phrase “open floor plan.” It’s a selling point in the description of many Zillow and Realtor.com ads. Open floor plans might be commonplace in new construction, but it’s not guaranteed in older homes. If you’d like a new home with an open floor plan design, then look no further. Custom home builders in Chicago from Icon Building Group can help you find the home design that fits your needs and budget.

How Did the Open Floor Plan Become So Popular?

Before World War II, your average home was likely to have a much more closed-off style. Usually, a hallway would branch off into different rooms, including the kitchen, living room, and dining room rather than just bedrooms and bathrooms, as is often found today. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the first open concept floor plans started to crop up. Initially, the open concept meant connecting the dining area and living space, and the kitchen was still generally off-limits to guests. However, the trend started to shift again to make it feel like a larger space. By the 1990s, open floor plans were the norm for new construction, usually combining the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Kitchens have traditionally been separated using a kitchen island or similar divider, while fireplaces separate dining rooms and living rooms. In more modern homes, that separation may be less distinctive, with the dining table defining the formal dining room from the rest of the living room.

Pros and Cons of an Open Floor Plan

Like any design choice, there are benefits and disadvantages to having an open floor plan. Here are a few of the pros and cons to help you decide whether an open floor plan is right for you and your family.

Pros

Benefits of an open floor plan include: – Freely moving foot traffic – Improved communication and social opportunities – Higher real estate value – Easier to keep an eye on children – Design flexibility – Multifunctional spaces

Cons

Disadvantages of an open floor plan include: – Expensive to heat and cool – Higher cost for construction – Often noisy – Little privacy – Easily appears cluttered Some homes offer a further extension of the dining and living area with outdoor spaces like decks and patios as places to entertain friends and family.

Is an Open Floor Plan the Right Choice for Your Family?

There are many reasons that an open floor plan might be the best choice for your family. If you’re trying to make your home feel more extensive and more spacious, an open floor plan is an excellent way to do so. On the other hand, if you’re looking to save on energy bills and want to cut down on clutter, it might not be the ideal choice for you. Icon Building Group is ready to help you build your dream home with common architectural designs and modern open concept floor plans. Call (847) 773-1200 today for a free consultation!