Open floor plans started being popular in the late 1980s and remain a top choice to this day. But, like everything else, this style has its ups and downs. It’s not a style suitable to everyone due to its distinct characteristics. Only by analyzing both the pros and the cons of living in an open floor plan home you can decide whether or not it’s for you.

Pros.

Perfect for small homes.

The open floor plan design is ideal for small homes. It allows you to open up the spaces, making the rooms feel larger by connecting them to one another. With no walls in between, the illusion of space is irresistible and the freedom that comes with it is a wonderful plus.

Reduced cost.

Both building and decorating a home with an open floor plan is cheaper than in other cases. You get to save money on doors, hardware, paint and everything else. Save on materials and you also get to save on labor. You can then use the money for something else.

Easy to decorate.

By combining two or three spaces into one you make decorating a lot easier. Instead of selecting different color schemes and themes for each of the space you get to only choose once. Yet another way to save money with an open floor plan.

Cons.

Limited privacy.

As much as you’d enjoy your freedom and flexibility that comes with an open floor plan, there’s also a downside. There’s not a lot of privacy even if you install room dividers. It’s why an open floor plan home is usually suitable for small families.

Noise and smells travel freely.

Since there are no walls to separate a kitchen from the living space for example, noise and smells can travel freely between the spaces. This can be disturbing for someone trying to watch TV, relax or work in the adjacent area.