If you love open concept living, you’re not alone. The design shot to popularity in the 1970s and has stuck around since. By the 1990s, most new construction properties were built with an open floor plan, and it’s still the predominant style today. Why are open concept homes so popular? Let’s break it down.
Why do people love open concept houses?
House hunters and homeowners love open concept houses for a variety of reasons, but the ones we hear most often are:
They’re great for entertaining.
Open concept homes are perfect for homeowners who like to host get-togethers. The main living areas and kitchen flow together, so no one is stuck cooking while the party happens in the next room over. Additionally, open concept homes provide more space for a variety of seating areas. Guests seated at the breakfast bar can interact with those on the sofa and those in the eat-in space in the kitchen, and no one is left out. Open concept designs keep the energy flowing, which is perfect for social butterflies.
They’re more spacious.
Both visually and literally, open concept homes provide more space. Visually speaking, open concept homes feel more, well, open. It’s possible to see from one space to another without disruption, allowing both light and air flow freely. This makes for a brighter, airier appearance that homeowners love.
Functionally speaking, open concept floor plans provide more usable square footage. Space that would’ve been occupied by a wall or divided into narrow hallways between rooms is now open and available. People can move freely between areas, and the furnishing possibilities are endless.
How to style an open concept living space
While open concept floorplans are a homeowner favorite, many aren’t sure where to start when it comes to interior design. If you need help styling your open concept home, try these tips:
Break the space into zones
While you don’t need walls to block off different living areas, it’s smart to identify the zones within your open concept floorplan and design accordingly. Do you have a living area, a kitchen, and a dining area? How about traffic zones where people usually walk? Once you’ve determined what zones you have, you can lay down area rugs and start arranging the furniture.
Use color and texture to unify
If your furniture is used to separate your open concept living spaces, color is used to bring it back together. Choose color palettes for each space that complement one another, and try to maintain a common thread between them. Similarly, the finishes of your furniture, appliances, and surfaces should be the same or complementary to keep your home unified and flowing together.
10 homes with open concept living under $1.5M
1. 2101 Oberlin Village Dr #105, Raleigh, NC 27605 - $1,400,000
3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2,709 square feet
Listed by Gretchen Coley • Compass -- Raleigh
TMLS #2471022
2. 10316 Ten Ten Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603 - $665,000
4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2,840 square feet
Listed by Jonathan Perry • Perry Properties & Development, Inc
TMLS #2481453
3. 311 Lord Ashley Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 - $780,000
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,098 square feet
Listed by Jessica Zuch • The Ocean Group
TMLS #2483171
4. 3921 Milltown Ridge Run, Raleigh, NC 27612 - $548,480
3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2,098 square feet
Listed by Theresa Braswell • Baker Residential
TMLS #2485218
5. 3513 Skycrest Dr, Raleigh, NC 27604 - $425,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,300 square feet
Listed by Joey Robbins • Robbins and Associates Realty
TMLS #2486157
6. 5700 Baird Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606 - $1,250,000
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4,066 square feet
Listed by Danielle Weeks • NextHome Turn Key Realty
TMLS #2486050
7. 4204 Little Fellow Ln, Raleigh, NC 27610 - $320,000
3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,733 square feet
Listed by Michael Wolgin • Keller Williams Legacy
TMLS #2486477
8. 12401 Cilcain Ct, Raleigh, NC 27614 - $735,000
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,201 square feet
Listed by Amy Simpson • Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Listed by Richard Simpson • Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
TMLS #2485882
9. COMING SOON: 5616 Horsewalk Cir, Raleigh, NC 27606 - $715,000
4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,419 square feet
Listed by Shelby Hooker • Weekley Homes, LLC
TMLS #2486429
10. 6313 Stephens Ridge Ct, Raleigh, NC 27615 - $1,280,000
4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,816 square feet
Listed by Brian Wolborsky • Allen Tate/Raleigh-Falls Neuse
TMLS #2452652
Found your dream home?
Let us show you in person. Whether you found a home on our list or a different open concept property that checks all your must-haves, we can’t wait to help you make it yours. Our team has over 20 years of experience navigating the Triangle real estate market, so we have the experience you need to get the home you want at the right price for you.
Fill out the form below to get started.
All listings provided courtesy of TMLS.
Last updated on 12/19/2022 at 1:05PM.
Did any of these homes catch your eye? Give us a call today at 984-217-2752 and let's schedule a showing!
