The Future of Open Floor Plans in Interior Design: Are They Here to Stay?

In recent decades, open floor plans have been a huge part of modern home design, praised for their ability to create airy, social environments. But with shifting lifestyles and the growing need for some level of privacy, the future of this concept has become a hot topic. So, where do open floor plans stand today? To help you understand this better, we talked with TKS Interior Design and Remodeling and asked their experts.

1. The Birth of an Idea

Open floor plans started gaining traction in the late 20th century, driven by the desire for airy, expansive environments that feel less formal. Open layouts broke down the walls between rooms, and as a result, effortlessly created a sense of community and flow throughout the space. It’s a design philosophy that focuses on freedom and flexibility and offers a fresh, modern approach to living that many instantly fell in love with.

2. The Open-Concept Boom

Fast forward a few decades and open-concept living had taken the world by storm. It even became one of the most recognizable elements of contemporary design! Homeowners loved the way open layouts made their spaces feel larger and brighter. The kitchen-living-dining combo became a particular favorite. It’s perfect for households where multitasking is the norm and the clear boundaries between chores and family time slowly disappeared. With lifestyles becoming busier and busier, it's no wonder this trend soared to new heights.

3. Changing Preferences

But the past few years have then brought a change in perspective. Many of those years were particularly challenging, especially the pandemic, and you can say they reshaped how we live and work. People began spending more time at home, so the desire for privacy grew stronger. Open spaces, once symbols of connection, started to feel a bit too exposed. The rise of remote work during this time meant that many needed dedicated, quiet workspaces. It seemed like the era of open-concept living might be drawing to a close.

4. Thoughtful Evolution

But despite the shift in preferences, open-concept living didn't fade away. Actually, it adapted. Many designers were clever and found elegant ways to mix open and closed spaces within single residential units. With strategic layouts, mindful furniture placement, and options like partitions and sliding doors, you could get the best of both worlds. With this adaptability, open-concept living remained practical for many lifestyles. This ‘hybrid’ model proved that open floor plans for homes could still thrive in a world that craves both connection and solitude.

5. Design Possibilities

The beauty of this evolution is that it expands our design options. Open and closed spaces each offer unique opportunities, so having both created more room for creativity. Open areas create a sense of flow and they’re perfect if you want to introduce large, bold, cohesive elements or themes. Meanwhile, defined areas allow for personalized design choices and completely separate color schemes, distinct moods, and tailored layouts. With this approach, open-concept spaces stay relevant, and people can easily achieve homes fully tailored to their tastes and needs.

So, Are They Here to Stay?

In short, yes, open-concept spaces are here to stay. Though the push for completely open layouts has softened, the desire for openness that started the trend way back remains strong. You’ll still find open kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, and in some homes, central hubs or those with loft-style designs, often with innovative design solutions to balance openness with privacy. The appeal of open-concept living hasn’t diminished, it just matured. In this new form, it’s still a standard in modern living.