Question: It seems open floor plans are de rigueur these days with any remodel or new home. Do you find this to be the case? I've always loved having separate areas for living and dining. How do you feel about this more contemporary floor plan?
Phoebe's Answer: Agreed. People love open floor plans, and they are often requested by our clients. Personally, I like living with both styles. My house in Jacksonville has separate living, dining and family rooms, but my house in East Hampton was much more open. Both are great - the biggest factor is how you and your family like to live. Young families especially seem to love very open styles because it is simply easier to keep an eye on the children. Also, they are particularly popular in small cities due to size constraints and vacation houses, as the living is usually much more casual. We decorate all kinds of floor plans, but here are some examples of open floor plans we have worked on:
This kitchen has a casual dining room and a banquette seating/dining area, with the family room (not pictured) directly across.
This seating area is just off the kitchen, with the breakfast room in the background. The perfect place to relax with the morning paper or while someone is preparing dinner!
Small-space living in a city often dictates an open floor plan, and this apartment is no exception. The family room is right off the breakfast area, which can be seen from the kitchen.
The above two photos show rooms that sit side-by-side in a beach house. The kitchen also has a large pass-thru that helps keep it part of the action, too.
In this beach condo, the living room and dining room are right next to one another.
Here, the living room opens directly on to the dining room (not pictured) as well as the breakfast room with the red chairs, which is just off the kitchen.
This house is very inter-connected, just the way the clients wanted it.
This city apartment is very open, making the modest small space feel much larger and more fluid.
