Rejuvenating an Old Home with an Open Plan Floor

Rejuvenating an old home with an open plan floor is a proper layout.

Knocking down ceilings and walls to create a more open layout of floor plan is gaining more popularity as a trend. However, you need to handle it with sensitivity as there are some key considerations to make.

• The open plan design shows no abating signs, but period homes often have separate rooms that don’t support modern living.
• When you do it correctly, open plan design can bolster your lifestyle and the property.
• Older homes have both a character and history, which makes it difficult to retrieve once you strip them.
• Depending on the nature and age of the house, you can face numerous challenges in building an open floor plan.
• Decide on the connection you want between spaces. You may want more views to the lawn or more natural light.
• Some homes allow open plans. It’s all about respecting the building’s character and getting the right context.
• In cottages, you have cozy enclosed spaces that form their character. So, an open plan may have a negative impact on the house’s feel.
• Industrial conversions or barns are more suitable for open plan spaces because the builders originally built them in that frame.
• You can open many Victorian terraces or semis if their interior design is simple.

Creating dedicated living areas with open spaces

Open floor plans are an exemplary way to enjoy uncluttered and airy living.

• The tones you use need to be predominantly neutral, such as beige, grey and white. They form your color scheme’s foundation.
• You can create clearly defined spaces in compliance with secondary shades of your choice.
• For instance, if your combined office entails khaki walls, you can integrate gold accents for the main den area and blue accents for your office section.
• This segregation will visually dissect them while still letting you enjoy a lofty, open feeling sans doors or walls.
• Designating seating areas is another important step. It’s especially crucial if you have guests.
• You can use rugs for scale and scope. It’s a visual trick.
• You can also create a symmetrical feeling by distinguishing one area from another. You must close a room within two spheres or halves.
• It will naturally look like a complete and clean space.
• Let your furniture make a statement. Dens entail ottomans and armchair, libraries entail bookshelves, and home offices have storage cubes and desks.
• If you have grilling machines, you can accommodate it in the same open area and put grill covers on it.
• Consider proper angles and mind the lighting of the room.

On the flipside

Despite its soaring popularity, an open space doesn’t suit every household or home.

• High renovation costs are one primary reason. When you convert your property to an open floor plan, you may have to undertake extensive and expensive structural renovations to break down the essential walls.
• Increasing energy costs are another reason as big, open spaces cost more to cool and heat. You need qualified and licensed HVAC contractors to install the systems.
• Busy atmosphere and elevated levels of noise are two other reasons.

More often than not, it’s very difficult to divide zones or sections.