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Open-plan layouts have rapidly gained popularity in many urban residences. The main aim of an open-plan design is to eliminate barriers such walls and doors to create a unified space by combining all the common areas of the home. If you are on the verge of planning the layout of your new home or renovating an existing one, this article will tell you about the strengths and shortcomings of an open-plan design.

Pro: Gives a spacious look

• Space is gained by removing walls between the living room, dining room and the kitchen. High ceilings (more than 10 feet) can make an open-plan home look even more spacious.
• Open-plan homes create a free-flowing space with a continuity in the design, like in this example. A similar flooring runs along all the open areas of this home, while wooden elements are introduced on the ceiling of the living-cum-dining space and around the wide opening of the kitchen to tie the space together.

Pro: Flexible and multi-functional space

• Another advantage of an open-plan home is that it allows flexibility in the furniture layout. Furniture can be periodically re-arranged to create different layouts.
• Also, an open-plan layout creates a multi-functional space which can serve as a family room, TV room, dining space and a perfect spot for entertaining guests.

Pro: Encourages social Interaction

• As open-plan rooms bring together multiple functionalities, they become natural spots for bringing the family together.

Pro: Shared natural light

• The removal of interior walls creates a brighter and well-ventilated home. How? The external windows allow fresh air and sunlight to permeate into those areas of the home that would otherwise be blocked by walls or partitions.

Con: Kitchen odours

• A lot of frying is involved while preparing elaborate Indian meals. Also, masalas are often used lavishly. This produces a lot of smoke and odours that easily spread into the other open areas of the home. Therefore, it is essential to install a heavy-duty chimney which can allow a smoke-free kitchen. The chimney will extract all the kitchen smoke and unpleasant odours, and expel them outside the home.

Con: More upkeep required

• If your kitchen is prone to chaos and clutter, then one of the biggest disadvantages of an open-plan home is that the messy kitchen will be always visible from the open areas of the home.
• The living-cum-dining space has to be kept in order throughout the day to avoid an untidy look.

Con: Increase in cooling costs

• There may be an increase in the cooling costs of an open-plan home because the entire space will need to be air-conditioned.

Cons: The space becomes noisier

• Sound can travel easily in an open-plan environment and can also cause echoes if there are high ceilings. The sound from the kitchen appliances and television can create a noisy space because there are hardly any partition walls to block the noise.

Con: Lack of privacy

• Open-plan homes form a good sociable space but on the downside it might be hard to find a quiet space for reading or studying.