As a retired realtor and having sold both the open and the living/family room concepts, I heard a lot of folks, especially in the last 10 years, wanting open concept, until they actually lived in it. One room to do all the living would seem okay, until you might have a party and a few folks want to meander to a more quieter space for talking, ie, the living room. I personally love to open a front door and see a beautiful living space with my piano in one corner and my bookcase on another, mine feels a bit like a dreamy library. I’ve heard in the past, “oh the living room is wasted space, a place no one ever uses because it’s all dressed up.” However, this can be another space to actually use and enjoy. Well, that’s my take, and I’m sticking to it! 😉
Open concept isn't my favourite layout because kitchens are just busy areas meant to be functional for every day use and unless you're constantly putting away things like small appliances, you will see them and they just aren't the most beautiful things to look at. Besides, if they were visually stunning, you'd see them on display in show suites, but you'll see a fake fruit basket or cupcake tier before you ever see a toaster displayed. Nobody is displaying cupcakes every day but most of us probably do use a coffee maker or toaster. Beyond that, if anyone is using the kitchen while you're trying to watch a movie in the living room, you can just forget the movie. Halfway through a movie when your teenager emerges from their room, hungry and on the hunt for a snack. Don't even get me started on the dishes you can see left beside the sink.
I couldn’t t agree more. You really have to be one of those people (I am one of them) that is constantly cleaning and organizing. I can’t have anything out in the open it’s all gotten better put away. And it would drive me crazy otherwise. At the same time you can’t have that with a larger family with everyone doing something in each room 😭
Not to mention the smell. Depending on the dish (fish or anything that needs to be seared or that has to simmer for a few hours) the smell lingers. Nice to just close the door to the kitchen.
I, for one, like to keep the kitchen separate because I'm the type of cook who fills and needs to run the dishwasher after getting a glass of water. Translate that to mean I'm a messy cook - very messy cook. No guest wants to see the disaster I've created in my kitchen when sitting down to dine or talk after in the living room area. This is also why I like a galley kitchen that has limited visual access to the dining areas.
I do love a good open concept space. However, i really think that when building or redesigning a home, it is a really good idea to include a second living space, where people who want to get away from everything else going on in the house can go to retreat besides a bedroom.
I couldn’t agree more, you can’t get the same level of intimacy and coziness from a living space, watching a film while the dishwasher is going, and someone’s cleaning in the kitchen. Plus you can never get the areas dark enough to enjoy the movie either.
I like a hybrid open concept space, where there are conversation spaces or potential work spaces. I'm a Realtor and sometimes when I look at homes presented on the market, so many look like Grand Central Station that are not inviting. I've learned a great deal from your channel ;)
I started watching your you tube a month ago….love,love them..please keep giving us all these informative design ideas…hoping your numbers grow you deserve it…Pam
I do like a modified open concept. I’ve seen house flippers gut an older home to make it open concept and it just doesn’t work. I don’t want to live in a space that looks like a lodge hall. I do want openness but some separation as well
There have been far too many flippers that showcase an “open concept” and it’s absolutely terrible. The style of the house is so dependent on the layout and you’re right, it doesn’t work in every home!
Designing my open space loft, 1/2 is kitchen and living w a wall dividend the private master bedroom, walk in closet and large bathroom with laundry area. Master bath can be accessed through a private door to the bathroom. Guest will enter off the kitchen area. I've spent hours on this design. I will utilize a peninsula as my visual barrier to seperate the kitchen from living room. My current stuggle is paint colors and how to join them but define seperate areas. I'm a work in progress. Any tips are welcome ❤
The thing I would watch for in open concept homes - esp the new, Studio McGee inspired ones - is the tendency for seating to be the dominant factor. It starts looking like a food court quick. A row of stools at the kitchen island, 3 feet behind it, two rows of bland chairs around the dining table, which is the same rectangular shape as the island next to it, then a living room with more generic seating and very little decor. I'd say try to take the emphasis off the number of seats by using attractive colors, unique chair shapes, and decorative pieces. Love your sofa console idea for this purpose, for example.
Agreed! I’ve seen far too many open concept layouts that have all the seating within a close proximity. The 3-5 island stools, the 6-10 dining chairs all back to back makes for a whole cluster that ruins the overall design
I love open concept space, however, it is nice to have a second family room for younger kids including nieces nephews to have fun whenever family gathering. I do really enjoy my open space when we get together flow through the patio outdoor seating and dining as well, perfect to entertain everyone as once.
I currently live in an open concept house and love it. I lived in one about 15 years ago and hated it. I think I understand now how to better use design techniques to decorate it. You had many good points and always do!
My space is so cluttered. It's shipped very strange and has no storage. I bought a shed for outside but that's even too small. Uuuuuurrrggghhhh. So frustrating .
I'm a traditional. I like a kitchen with table and chairs in its midst, for company and family dinners, and a living dining for the large gatherings, keeping the mess out of sight. Not to mention how dirty is a kitchen and I don't like that that oily dust spreads all over the place.
Love and only buy open concept houses. I feel the need to see around me and the need of not feeling cluttered is life to me. thank you for this wonderful video Design Daddy!👌💕🥰🙏🏼
After purchasing our semi custom forever home 3 yrs ago, at that time, I wanted the open concept home. And you are right, as always, that they are very hard to decorate and at times I regret what I so desperately thought I wanted. But I am making it work, so yes, I am 50/50 .
I’m so torn myself! I’ve always lived in very small spaces, so to be able to have an open concept is something I’ve always wanted. I feel like a second ‘family’ room is needed though to have more intimate and cozy movie nights though
Open concept works for me. Australia only has 2 - 3 cold months a year. The outdoor/indoor livability just works with open concept. Continuity of floor at least in colour form from inside out increases the visual spacial flow especially with open plan. It just works with our cimate.
I always look forward to your videos. They are very informative and helpful! I'm not a fan of open concepts, but I've no choice as I have to live with it since I'm still renting. I still take in your ideas into my home using with what I've and can afford 😊
No, I’m not an open concept fan only because I like to watch my little TV in the kitchen when I am cooking and it’s very hard to do that when someone in the main living room is watching a different TV show. I lived in an open concept house many years ago and that was my biggest problem. my current house does not have that and I enjoy it this way.
Prob my favorite video you've ever done. Love how you simply explained 60-30-10 and the value of consistent flooring and lighting + focal points to draw the eye. I incorporated all of these principles in my great room. I think a lot of folks are calling open concept "outdated" but open concept is timeless to me and a matter of personal preference.
That means so much. Thank you so watching, and so happy I’ve been able to share my expertise with the world. I very much love an open floor plan myself as someone who loves open space and hosting. I grew up in a very small home, so any way you can make a space feel bigger is what I’m here for 🥰
Excellent video! I think open concept can be beautiful, but it is not functional for how we live, so I've had no interest in ever living in that kind of space. However, I still found your video very informative.
Like your taste and ideas. Thanks. Slowly, I'm putting some of your advice into plans for a 17 x20 room that must function as 4 or 5 work and living space. Watching and listening to you and a few others. Need this boiled down like you are doing. Thanks to the crew, too
I know what you mean. I did a parody video on TikTok and instagram about it. I have it 😅 and it turned into the staple for everyone with coffee table books, like an entry level book 🤣 once any decor piece like that becomes over populated, it becomes cringy
I hate open concept kitchens. These are for people who don't cook. You can have your dining table in the kitchen, sure (although I question the point of having a dining table just next to a sitting island / breakfast nook if they're both going to have just as many seats). But the rest of your home should be separate from the kitchen, regardless of how advanced your ventilation system is. It's just common sense imo. The only exception are Malaysian dry kitchens, but the wet kichens that these are paired with are always separate so this supports my point.
With how busy, and messy a kitchen can get I completely understand. I love cooking and when I do, it’s like a tornado passed through with dishes, pots, and pans everywhere until I finally clean it up. Not ideal for hosting situations and everyone sees it. Cleaning up while your cooking ruining the process in my opinion
THE design daddy legend. I really appreciate your openness and the detailed explanation for your advice. Everything you share is so helpful and eye opening. ❤❤❤❤❤❤ .
Thank you for your easily understood explanation with pictures. I struggle with this and I always buy what I think will work and it doesn’t. Especially now. I’m building a little home that I hope I’ve age proofed. But I got told it would be dark in the open area so I need to go light and bright to bounce light 🤯
God, I hope so. As much as I love light, bright, open rooms, walls are awfully nice. They keep things like kitchen smells (and grease) where they belong.
I’m an avid cooker, and that’s what worries me the most, the transfer of smells that linger in the air that’s hard to control for the exhaust! Additionally I need my walls for artwork!
They really do! You don’t realize that until you have no wall space. Same issue with most condos these days, all window walls; and no room to put anything anywhere 😅
I live in a House with an open concept in the ground floor and I love not having any corridors. To me the problem with open concept is pretending to make It work in 300sq2 so the kitchen is too close to everything else You can kind of separe some spaces with see through furnitures if you need It.
I personally prefer open concept. It's just me and my partner, so it works well for us but I can understand why a family might prefer separate rooms (at least a kids area). I like the idea of a private office, though. I appreciate all of your design tips for open concept. Spot on, Daddy! 👏👏👏
I am new to your channel, but I have watched a lot your videos recently. Lots of good information! I am fine with the open concept, I like to link that kitchen next to dinning room, and living room is near by too. But I do find that I need an office and a second living room or sun room so that we can work and enjoy some me time, or just being with family or next friends. They don’t have to be huge but I just need that separation.
Thank you so much for joining my channel! So happy that you’ve learned something new from my videos 🤍 and I absolutely agree. There needs to be a balance between the open concept and private rooms so that you can still entertain, and have a space that’s peace and quiet 🙏🏼
Nice picture 🙌🏼😂 and you’re most welcome! I hope it can help it feel more cohesive. Especially if you have a great room the size is considerably harder with the extra height as well. 🙏🏼🤍
Following rules, like everything in odd numbers and 60%, 30%, and 10%, will only make your place look staid and boring. My rule is ‘break all the rules’!
I'm fine with open concept in WARM climates, in Northern areas its stupid....I'm in Canada and my parents home is really difficult to regulate the temperature throughout most likely because the three entrances create drafts that are connected on the main floor and there are no physical buffers for any of the common areas (besides bathrooms) so all the hot air just moves to the rafters. Also I hate having open concept kitchens next to living/TV rooms in multi person homes. If you want to watch TV while cooking, fine, then put a TV in the kitchen. One of my pet peeves is having someone talk to me from 20ft away while they are sitting in front of a blaring tv and I have to turn off the kettle or stop chopping to make out their words.
I don't mind the open concept It isn't hard for me to decorate the space though and I have a small family so I think that may play a large part in my liking them still That being said, I also have an appreciation for traditional designated rooms. Especially when they are well designed/decorated.
I couldn’t agree more, I don’t mind either layout personally. But there are some key factors for each that need to be considered to make both layouts work and feel right in the space! It also heavily depends on the lifestyle of the family that lives and operates in the space to what works for them :)
I have never agreed with so.eone so much on everything!!!!! And yes have had been through all these things and all ended up in the same junk yard. However I have had a made to measure sofa bed which although super comfy to sit on I have an extra mattress to triple the density and give a good night sleep but yes just for like 3 nights max....and please no more barn doors ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unless you’re living alone or as a couple I feel like my biggest problem with open concept is the noise from multiple people using different parts of the space.
SO against it but it just so happens that the only cute house for rent (in the short time we had to move) is open concept. The cute kitchen and floors made up for it. Now this video has me excited to decorate it. Thanks xo
Maybe it depends on the family. I knew a woman who had eight children, and she loved the open house because she could see them all and know what they were doing. My husband and I, who are retired, enjoying having separate living, dining and kitchen rooms, especially the kitchen, which is full of dirty pots by dinnertime.
I think open concept works great in smaller spaces. My apartment is 68 m², almost two thirds of that (40 m²) being my living room/kitchen. Noise isn't a problem, since I live alone, but the fact, that it smells like what you cooked the last time, can be annoying.
Yes smells are a major issue in open concept even with good airflow. All I hope is that a family member doesn’t reheat some fish from the night before, because that smell isn’t going to go away 😅
I grew up in four houses with closed off kitchens. I could always smell what was for dinner. Just open windows for fresh air now and then! My last few homes have been open concept by design and I love the open layout!
I am moving to my new house in a month and it is open concept which I do like. Your points are very helpful as I think about how to furnish the living area. so far I have only ordered my dining furniture from RH. Planning to live in the space a bit before I decide rest of the great room furnishing. Thank you..
You’re so welcome! I’m so happy to help! And living in the space will definitely give you much more insight into how the space feels and how it operated with your lifestyle 🤍
I prefer the old “great room” concept. The eating, visiting and lounging at the table and moving to the sofas with a nice glass of wine is more my vibe When I clear the table to a kitchen that is visible it drives me crazy to see the mess. My vote is no. Keep the kitchen separate. Who wants to see the cooking mess.
I don't know of this is due to my neuro-divergency, but I cannot exist in open concept homes. I need closed off rooms everywhere, being in a dining room and someone walking into a connected kitchen or lounge space renders me unable to continue what I'm doing. I hate it.
The only way to live in a open concept house is to make sure there is never any item out of place or any item of anyone's personal use being seen. Make sure you don't have a kid who keeps sniffing with a cold and leaves little tissues all over the house. (3 tissues, one on a end table, one that was on the countertop and fell onto the flloor, and one oddly sitting on your perfect live plant which is next to the sliding doors that lead outside AND that kid left an open coloring book on the end table and a little pile of crayons next to it, AND your hubby is working at the computer desk and there are actual PAPERS on the desk, AND there are three photos held with magnets on the fridge! OMG the house is a MESS!
I am doomed. I don't really like open concept, but I already bought the plan of my new house I am about to build. I guess I will have to put a Kallax bookcase between the dining room and the living room. And the noisy tv will have to go downstairs.
Bring in thick textiles to help reduce the noise that vibrates through the space and don’t be afraid to move things around to find what works best. You can still make an open concept work- it just takes a bit more planning 🥰
I don't like the open concept. However, if the place is small then it's probably best to have open concept. If it's a studio apt, I'd still prefer to have a dedicated bedroom area - maybe via use of bookshelves or dividers.
I prefer open concept especially in smaller houses because it makes it easier for the whole family to be in the same room. Although it's much harder to keep it clean and tidy, I think it's cosy... I hate open concept in huge houses where you need binoculars to see the other side of the room. Somehow it creates the exact opposite feeling to me..
I agree. I’ve had to design some great rooms that’s are 30feet plus in length and feel like you need to do a relay race just to get to the other side. There are some large spaces that just aren’t as functional when you have such a vast space, it ruins the level of intimacy you need in these rooms; it ends up feeling like you’re in a banquet hall
Thank you so much! I try and bring as much of my professional career into the side of educating people on Interiors and really appreciate that it comes through in my videos. Thanks so much for watching 🥰
Super video - very informative! I feel like I have a split personality. My place is done consistently in super colorful, slightly humorous, midcentury modern and it makes me feel happy. But in my dreams, I live in a place with a Japanese vibe in indescribable colors - gold diluted with beige to an almost sparkly champagne, green diluted with greige to a pale celadon, and terra cotta diluted with beige to a pale salmon. None of these colors are really available at online stores - sigh.
Ohhh I absolutely love that idea though. I know I’m always torn, every time I do a new project for a client I fall in love with it all over again and then want to redo my space! It’s not fair! Lol
Hate Open Concept, Subway Tiles, farmhouse anything. The original open concept I think came from Sarah Susanka and her jewel box homes. But she stressed a mixed of ceiling heights, dividers etc. The current open concept I believe was created by Real Estate Developers that saved money on walls and gave a wow factor of space to a home buyer walking in it for the first time. They r just big open boxes that r cheap to make. They seem to be in every new home built and I am SO bored of them . I don’t know when we all agreed to allow home builders to become architect designers, but I hope it will end soon. Yes it shows a dirty kitchen or a great view of subway tiles from your front room. Yes, waste energy. Plus parents, u don’t have to be ALWAYS watching your kids. Karen park the helicopter and let them play out of eye sight sometimes. So 😂 my vote is NO to the mass produced open concept house.
Hey Daddy, what about open plan spaces in small homes? Does everything still apply? My kitchen-dining-living area is 4 meters by 10 meters. Current plan is to go with gray, tan/brown for most thing with a few green and orange things. However white might be good for a bookshelf or plant stand.
When it comes to smaller spaces. Most of these still apply with some considerations. Try and make certain areas like the dining room and the kitchen blend together more seamlessly with colours that go well together and more muted, and same with the chairs. It can very easily start to look like a chair showroom with so many in a small space, so get ones that blend into the style of the dining table or island! I’m planning on doing a follow up video on this specifically for small spaces, as I know it can be a challenge as well 🙏🏼
I'm Pro open concept. When I entertain my range faces out and I am still part of the action. I also have a sitting room for a separate conversation area.
Yes!!! Far too many people don’t realize that having a range in the island facing out to an open concept completely changing the dynamics of a space so you can feel, and be apart of everything that’s happening. So much more intimate
Kitchen smells drifting into the den, noise from the kitchen/dining interrupting someone's movie, no walls to act as boundaries to place furniture, lack of coziness, and the total loss of manners because now it is just so easy to yell across the room instead of go up and speak to someone in another room. I'll keep my walls. ETA Unable to watch anything but g rated movies because the toddler can see what you're watching from anywhere in the house.
Hate open concept. Do not like the feeling of constantly being connected to people; it impacts my concentration, particularly when cooking. Also, do not like the noise/smoke/smells carrying through everywhere. Finally, I have so few usable walls already, what with all of the glass doors, picture windows, and brick (late ‘60s house for you), most rooms have no usable spaces for art (or the tv). If I take those few walls out, I have to ditch my china cabinet, because there is nowhere else it can go. And I mean nowhere. I’d have to put the tv above the fireplace, which means the bottom of the tv must be at least 7.5 feet off the floor. (I had a designer that came through and recommended I rip out those walls to open up the space, you see…) Ultimately, different people need different spaces, and that’s fine.
Open concept is a curse. Even if you have the skill and budget to make it visually appealing - there is always a noise problem. I wish I had a nice quiet place to read while my husband watches TV or has his friends over for a drink. There is no privacy - no place for "me time".
I 100%. It’s unfortunate that it became so popular to feel like you have additional space visually, but the audio issues are insane. Such a large spaces are challenging to control sound vibration, that’s why rugs are thicker textiles are always recommended. It’s very much split 50-50 with people for it, and against it 😅
there is a way around that. Glass walls can isolate spaces like the kitchen or a study for noise and smell, while still allowing light and the eye to travel through.
I have the same problem with my husband listening to theater like sound coming from the large living room tv. There is no place on that floor or nothing that lessens the noise. That’s why I have a second living room on another floor and that’s why these 4 floor townhouses are built- sound barriers between the attached houses and construction for less noise between the floors. I feel sorry for the original poster who has this trouble. Also a large tv can be a visual problem at times if you don’t care for what someone is watching.
I like open concepts a lot in pictures and videos but I cannot mantain the kitchen as if it is never used so I prefer to close the door and hide the mess if there is. That is a distraction to see!!! So, not for me
One really needs to be a clean person to constantly maintain the prestige look of a kitchen looking pristine in an open concept. Seeing all the dishes and mess pile up in an open concept space would drive me wild! 🤪
I would recommend them being the same if you use two, otherwise picking two different ones that complement each other (with a similar undertone or pattern) can also work well 🙌🏼
I appreciated your styling ideas and thought you had something to say until..... Really? A Tom Ford book? Speaking of cliches. An open plan house is fine until you need to hide the mess you made while fixing dinner for guests and where do you put a misbehaving dog if you can't gate off a room or area with an easily cleaned tiled floor.
Do you live in a closed concept space now? I’m curious as to what you may not like about an open concept? Genuinely curious. I like to hear both sides :)
@@mrphoenixgrey All that space, chaos with children playing. The noise! Trying to separate living room and dining areas. It's all what ifs. What if someone is trying to have a conversation in the dinning area and the TV is on for Grandpa. Tool many distractions for me. Also too much area to keep neat and tidy for all to see. I've lived in a house with the kitchen and living room we're open but not like now. It had a step down into the living room. Which gave it some separation. Too much space with high ceilings. I don't want my loud voice to travel all the way to the front door. Sorry I wrote a book.
It definitely costs more to heat and cool an open concept floorplan, especially if you have high ceilings. There a lot of cons against open concept and for the last few years now has it only come to light
People wonder why people in the 70s put in ugly drop ceilings in their older homes and the cost of heating was why. I think as we get more energy conscious again, open concept will change.
We just moved into a home built in 94 and my wife wants to remove the wall separating the living room and kitchen despite the living room having large vaulted ceilings and the kitchen does not.
Against!! It's like living inside a Studio Flat looking at your washing machine & kitchen all day!
New subscriber 👋 I don't like open concept at all, antique homes with a good flow of individual rooms is what I really love.
Thanks for subscribing 🥰 got lots more videos to come.
As a retired realtor and having sold both the open and the living/family room concepts, I heard a lot of folks, especially in the last 10 years, wanting open concept, until they actually lived in it. One room to do all the living would seem okay, until you might have a party and a few folks want to meander to a more quieter space for talking, ie, the living room. I personally love to open a front door and see a beautiful living space with my piano in one corner and my bookcase on another, mine feels a bit like a dreamy library.
I’ve heard in the past, “oh the living room is wasted space, a place no one ever uses because it’s all dressed up.” However, this can be another space to actually use and enjoy. Well, that’s my take, and I’m sticking to it! 😉
Open concept isn't my favourite layout because kitchens are just busy areas meant to be functional for every day use and unless you're constantly putting away things like small appliances, you will see them and they just aren't the most beautiful things to look at. Besides, if they were visually stunning, you'd see them on display in show suites, but you'll see a fake fruit basket or cupcake tier before you ever see a toaster displayed. Nobody is displaying cupcakes every day but most of us probably do use a coffee maker or toaster.
Beyond that, if anyone is using the kitchen while you're trying to watch a movie in the living room, you can just forget the movie. Halfway through a movie when your teenager emerges from their room, hungry and on the hunt for a snack. Don't even get me started on the dishes you can see left beside the sink.
I couldn’t t agree more. You really have to be one of those people (I am one of them) that is constantly cleaning and organizing. I can’t have anything out in the open it’s all gotten better put away. And it would drive me crazy otherwise.
At the same time you can’t have that with a larger family with everyone doing something in each room 😭
Not to mention the smell. Depending on the dish (fish or anything that needs to be seared or that has to simmer for a few hours) the smell lingers. Nice to just close the door to the kitchen.
I just bought a 1980 house that is definitely not open concept and I really like it. I also love that black blazer!!
Thank you so much 🥰🥰 how do you like the closed concept? Have you lived in both to compare? I’m genuinely curious :)
Did you see his flashy pin?😅
I, for one, like to keep the kitchen separate because I'm the type of cook who fills and needs to run the dishwasher after getting a glass of water. Translate that to mean I'm a messy cook - very messy cook. No guest wants to see the disaster I've created in my kitchen when sitting down to dine or talk after in the living room area. This is also why I like a galley kitchen that has limited visual access to the dining areas.
I do love a good open concept space. However, i really think that when building or redesigning a home, it is a really good idea to include a second living space, where people who want to get away from everything else going on in the house can go to retreat besides a bedroom.
I couldn’t agree more, you can’t get the same level of intimacy and coziness from a living space, watching a film while the dishwasher is going, and someone’s cleaning in the kitchen. Plus you can never get the areas dark enough to enjoy the movie either.
What this person said 😂
How to assist people with open concept in tiny tiny space?
I like a hybrid open concept space, where there are conversation spaces or potential work spaces. I'm a Realtor and sometimes when I look at homes presented on the market, so many look like Grand Central Station that are not inviting. I've learned a great deal from your channel ;)
I started watching your you tube a month ago….love,love them..please keep giving us all these informative design ideas…hoping your numbers grow you deserve it…Pam
Awe thank you so much! Back in the studio next week filming! I’ve got so many to come so stay tuned
I do like a modified open concept. I’ve seen house flippers gut an older home to make it open concept and it just doesn’t work. I don’t want to live in a space that looks like a lodge hall. I do want openness but some separation as well
There have been far too many flippers that showcase an “open concept” and it’s absolutely terrible. The style of the house is so dependent on the layout and you’re right, it doesn’t work in every home!
Designing my open space loft, 1/2 is kitchen and living w a wall dividend the private master bedroom, walk in closet and large bathroom with laundry area. Master bath can be accessed through a private door to the bathroom. Guest will enter off the kitchen area. I've spent hours on this design. I will utilize a peninsula as my visual barrier to seperate the kitchen from living room.
My current stuggle is paint colors and how to join them but define seperate areas. I'm a work in progress.
Any tips are welcome ❤
The previous owners made our house look like a shotgun house by taking out too many walls. 😒
The thing I would watch for in open concept homes - esp the new, Studio McGee inspired ones - is the tendency for seating to be the dominant factor. It starts looking like a food court quick. A row of stools at the kitchen island, 3 feet behind it, two rows of bland chairs around the dining table, which is the same rectangular shape as the island next to it, then a living room with more generic seating and very little decor. I'd say try to take the emphasis off the number of seats by using attractive colors, unique chair shapes, and decorative pieces. Love your sofa console idea for this purpose, for example.
Agreed! I’ve seen far too many open concept layouts that have all the seating within a close proximity. The 3-5 island stools, the 6-10 dining chairs all back to back makes for a whole cluster that ruins the overall design
I love open concept space, however, it is nice to have a second family room for younger kids including nieces nephews to have fun whenever family gathering. I do really enjoy my open space when we get together flow through the patio outdoor seating and dining as well, perfect to entertain everyone as once.
I currently live in an open concept house and love it. I lived in one about 15 years ago and hated it. I think I understand now how to better use design techniques to decorate it. You had many good points and always do!
That means so much! I’m so happy I could help out! I know it’s a lot to take in. But there are some golden tips to really help make it cohesive 🤍
My space is so cluttered. It's shipped very strange and has no storage. I bought a shed for outside but that's even too small. Uuuuuurrrggghhhh. So frustrating .
Only door us the one that allows one to come in. 😮😮
For me consistant flooring throughout (exception the lobby and powder room) is a personal must for me.
I'm a traditional. I like a kitchen with table and chairs in its midst, for company and family dinners, and a living dining for the large gatherings, keeping the mess out of sight. Not to mention how dirty is a kitchen and I don't like that that oily dust spreads all over the place.
His jacket is so pretty and modern😮😮
Love and only buy open concept houses. I feel the need to see around me and the need of not feeling cluttered is life to me. thank you for this wonderful video Design Daddy!👌💕🥰🙏🏼
After purchasing our semi custom forever home 3 yrs ago, at that time, I wanted the open concept home. And you are right, as always, that they are very hard to decorate and at times I regret what I so desperately thought I wanted. But I am making it work, so yes, I am 50/50 .
I’m so torn myself! I’ve always lived in very small spaces, so to be able to have an open concept is something I’ve always wanted. I feel like a second ‘family’ room is needed though to have more intimate and cozy movie nights though
Open concept works for me. Australia only has 2 - 3 cold months a year. The outdoor/indoor livability just works with open concept. Continuity of floor at least in colour form from inside out increases the visual spacial flow especially with open plan. It just works with our cimate.
Agreed! It’s really dependent on the climate, the house layout, and the family that lives there with there everyday lifestyle 🥰
For open concept, I'm on the fence with that. Some look gorgeous with the decor, and others look dreadful.
I always look forward to your videos. They are very informative and helpful! I'm not a fan of open concepts, but I've no choice as I have to live with it since I'm still renting.
I still take in your ideas into my home using with what I've and can afford 😊
That means so much! Thank you thank you 🙏🏼 I love hearing from people who enjoy watching my videos
No, I’m not an open concept fan only because I like to watch my little TV in the kitchen when I am cooking and it’s very hard to do that when someone in the main living room is watching a different TV show. I lived in an open concept house many years ago and that was my biggest problem. my current house does not have that and I enjoy it this way.
Prob my favorite video you've ever done. Love how you simply explained 60-30-10 and the value of consistent flooring and lighting + focal points to draw the eye. I incorporated all of these principles in my great room. I think a lot of folks are calling open concept "outdated" but open concept is timeless to me and a matter of personal preference.
That means so much. Thank you so watching, and so happy I’ve been able to share my expertise with the world. I very much love an open floor plan myself as someone who loves open space and hosting. I grew up in a very small home, so any way you can make a space feel bigger is what I’m here for 🥰
Excellent video! I think open concept can be beautiful, but it is not functional for how we live, so I've had no interest in ever living in that kind of space. However, I still found your video very informative.
That means a lot! Thank you so much 🥰
Like your taste and ideas. Thanks. Slowly, I'm putting some of your advice into plans for a 17 x20 room that must function as 4 or 5 work and living space. Watching and listening to you and a few others. Need this boiled down like you are doing. Thanks to the crew, too
Every time I see that Tom Ford book I want to scream,, it's so over played at this point,, every designer uses it, it's become a cliche. 😮💨
I know what you mean. I did a parody video on TikTok and instagram about it. I have it 😅 and it turned into the staple for everyone with coffee table books, like an entry level book 🤣 once any decor piece like that becomes over populated, it becomes cringy
I love your design ideas 👌🏼
That means so much! Thank you 🤍🙏🏼 I really appreciate your comment, and thank you for watching
I hate open concept kitchens. These are for people who don't cook. You can have your dining table in the kitchen, sure (although I question the point of having a dining table just next to a sitting island / breakfast nook if they're both going to have just as many seats). But the rest of your home should be separate from the kitchen, regardless of how advanced your ventilation system is. It's just common sense imo. The only exception are Malaysian dry kitchens, but the wet kichens that these are paired with are always separate so this supports my point.
With how busy, and messy a kitchen can get I completely understand. I love cooking and when I do, it’s like a tornado passed through with dishes, pots, and pans everywhere until I finally clean it up. Not ideal for hosting situations and everyone sees it. Cleaning up while your cooking ruining the process in my opinion
THE design daddy legend. I really appreciate your openness and the detailed explanation for your advice. Everything you share is so helpful and eye opening. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
.
That makes me so happy! Thank you so much for watching
Thank you for your easily understood explanation with pictures. I struggle with this and I always buy what I think will work and it doesn’t. Especially now. I’m building a little home that I hope I’ve age proofed. But I got told it would be dark in the open area so I need to go light and bright to bounce light 🤯
You’re so welcome! That’s why I’m here, so happy to help and give you some more insight into working with an open concept space, I know it’s not easy!
God, I hope so. As much as I love light, bright, open rooms, walls are awfully nice. They keep things like kitchen smells (and grease) where they belong.
I’m an avid cooker, and that’s what worries me the most, the transfer of smells that linger in the air that’s hard to control for the exhaust! Additionally I need my walls for artwork!
Thank you very much! It was a very useful presentation!❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it 🤍 thanks for watching
As a parent, it’s just much easier to see what my kids are up to while I’m doing chores 😂
I love having a living room separate from family room
Wonderful ideas here in this video. As always!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you tuning in 🤍
I prefer separate rooms...they give more walls to hang art and decorate!!
They really do! You don’t realize that until you have no wall space. Same issue with most condos these days, all window walls; and no room to put anything anywhere 😅
I love your video and all you tip most I already incorporate in my condo. It still nice to get many of my design decisions reenforced.
That’s amazing! I’m so happy to hear that you’re on the right track with putting your home together well! Thanks for watching 🥰🥰
Ooo I’ve been waiting for this topic
But the real question is, to open concept- or not to? 😅
I live in a House with an open concept in the ground floor and I love not having any corridors.
To me the problem with open concept is pretending to make It work in 300sq2 so the kitchen is too close to everything else
You can kind of separe some spaces with see through furnitures if you need It.
I personally prefer open concept. It's just me and my partner, so it works well for us but I can understand why a family might prefer separate rooms (at least a kids area). I like the idea of a private office, though. I appreciate all of your design tips for open concept. Spot on, Daddy! 👏👏👏
Thanks so much for watching 🤍 and I agree the special planning is very dependent on the family and how it operates
I am not in the Open Concept camp. It is all sixes and sevens to design for.
You asked about open or closed spaces. I don't like open concept space.
I am new to your channel, but I have watched a lot your videos recently. Lots of good information! I am fine with the open concept, I like to link that kitchen next to dinning room, and living room is near by too. But I do find that I need an office and a second living room or sun room so that we can work and enjoy some me time, or just being with family or next friends. They don’t have to be huge but I just need that separation.
Thank you so much for joining my channel! So happy that you’ve learned something new from my videos 🤍 and I absolutely agree. There needs to be a balance between the open concept and private rooms so that you can still entertain, and have a space that’s peace and quiet 🙏🏼
So glad I found your channel.
Me too! Thanks for following 🥰
Thank you for this! I've been struggling to make my great room look just right. going to put the colour method into place. I think i have too many.
Nice picture 🙌🏼😂 and you’re most welcome! I hope it can help it feel more cohesive. Especially if you have a great room the size is considerably harder with the extra height as well. 🙏🏼🤍
Following rules, like everything in odd numbers and 60%, 30%, and 10%, will only make your place look staid and boring. My rule is ‘break all the rules’!
I'm fine with open concept in WARM climates, in Northern areas its stupid....I'm in Canada and my parents home is really difficult to regulate the temperature throughout most likely because the three entrances create drafts that are connected on the main floor and there are no physical buffers for any of the common areas (besides bathrooms) so all the hot air just moves to the rafters.
Also I hate having open concept kitchens next to living/TV rooms in multi person homes. If you want to watch TV while cooking, fine, then put a TV in the kitchen. One of my pet peeves is having someone talk to me from 20ft away while they are sitting in front of a blaring tv and I have to turn off the kettle or stop chopping to make out their words.
I love open concept!!! I was waiting for this video, love it!! ❤
You’re most welcome! So happy I could help 🤍
@@mrphoenixgrey ❤️❤️
I am for. Thanks❤
I don't mind the open concept It isn't hard for me to decorate the space though and I have a small family so I think that may play a large part in my liking them still That being said, I also have an appreciation for traditional designated rooms. Especially when they are well designed/decorated.
I couldn’t agree more, I don’t mind either layout personally. But there are some key factors for each that need to be considered to make both layouts work and feel right in the space! It also heavily depends on the lifestyle of the family that lives and operates in the space to what works for them :)
Sooo many 1920s and 1930s single-family homes and duplexes in L.A. were *ruined* by open-concept renovations. HATED IT! 🤮
I have never agreed with so.eone so much on everything!!!!! And yes have had been through all these things and all ended up in the same junk yard. However I have had a made to measure sofa bed which although super comfy to sit on I have an extra mattress to triple the density and give a good night sleep but yes just for like 3 nights max....and please no more barn doors ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unless you’re living alone or as a couple I feel like my biggest problem with open concept is the noise from multiple people using different parts of the space.
SO against it but it just so happens that the only cute house for rent (in the short time we had to move) is open concept. The cute kitchen and floors made up for it. Now this video has me excited to decorate it. Thanks xo
Maybe it depends on the family. I knew a woman who had eight children, and she loved the open house because she could see them all and know what they were doing. My husband and I, who are retired, enjoying having separate living, dining and kitchen rooms, especially the kitchen, which is full of dirty pots by dinnertime.
I think ceiling detail, different heights too are vital for open concepts.
I think open concept works great in smaller spaces. My apartment is 68 m², almost two thirds of that (40 m²) being my living room/kitchen. Noise isn't a problem, since I live alone, but the fact, that it smells like what you cooked the last time, can be annoying.
Yes smells are a major issue in open concept even with good airflow. All I hope is that a family member doesn’t reheat some fish from the night before, because that smell isn’t going to go away 😅
I grew up in four houses with closed off kitchens. I could always smell what was for dinner. Just open windows for fresh air now and then! My last few homes have been open concept by design and I love the open layout!
I am moving to my new house in a month and it is open concept which I do like. Your points are very helpful as I think about how to furnish the living area. so far I have only ordered my dining furniture from RH. Planning to live in the space a bit before I decide rest of the great room furnishing. Thank you..
You’re so welcome! I’m so happy to help! And living in the space will definitely give you much more insight into how the space feels and how it operated with your lifestyle 🤍
I prefer the old “great room” concept. The eating, visiting and lounging at the table and moving to the sofas with a nice glass of wine is more my vibe When I clear the table to a kitchen that is visible it drives me crazy to see the mess. My vote is no. Keep the kitchen separate. Who wants to see the cooking mess.
I don't know of this is due to my neuro-divergency, but I cannot exist in open concept homes. I need closed off rooms everywhere, being in a dining room and someone walking into a connected kitchen or lounge space renders me unable to continue what I'm doing. I hate it.
It really takes away the intimacy of each soace
The only way to live in a open concept house is to make sure there is never any item out of place or any item of anyone's personal use being seen.
Make sure you don't have a kid who keeps sniffing with a cold and leaves little tissues all over the house. (3 tissues, one on a end table, one that was on the countertop and fell onto the flloor, and one oddly sitting on your perfect live plant which is next to the sliding doors that lead outside AND that kid left an open coloring book on the end table and a little pile of crayons next to it, AND your hubby is working at the computer desk and there are actual PAPERS on the desk, AND there are three photos held with magnets on the fridge!
OMG the house is a MESS!
I am doomed. I don't really like open concept, but I already bought the plan of my new house I am about to build. I guess I will have to put a Kallax bookcase between the dining room and the living room. And the noisy tv will have to go downstairs.
Bring in thick textiles to help reduce the noise that vibrates through the space and don’t be afraid to move things around to find what works best. You can still make an open concept work- it just takes a bit more planning 🥰
@@mrphoenixgrey Thank you, will have to re-see this video in the future for sure.
I don't like the open concept. However, if the place is small then it's probably best to have open concept. If it's a studio apt, I'd still prefer to have a dedicated bedroom area - maybe via use of bookshelves or dividers.
I prefer open concept especially in smaller houses because it makes it easier for the whole family to be in the same room. Although it's much harder to keep it clean and tidy, I think it's cosy... I hate open concept in huge houses where you need binoculars to see the other side of the room. Somehow it creates the exact opposite feeling to me..
I agree. I’ve had to design some great rooms that’s are 30feet plus in length and feel like you need to do a relay race just to get to the other side. There are some large spaces that just aren’t as functional when you have such a vast space, it ruins the level of intimacy you need in these rooms; it ends up feeling like you’re in a banquet hall
Enjoyed this one particularly because it’s not so amateur (…like some of the other design channels which will not be named. 🤫😂)
Thank you so much! I try and bring as much of my professional career into the side of educating people on Interiors and really appreciate that it comes through in my videos. Thanks so much for watching 🥰
Super video - very informative! I feel like I have a split personality. My place is done consistently in super colorful, slightly humorous, midcentury modern and it makes me feel happy. But in my dreams, I live in a place with a Japanese vibe in indescribable colors - gold diluted with beige to an almost sparkly champagne, green diluted with greige to a pale celadon, and terra cotta diluted with beige to a pale salmon. None of these colors are really available at online stores - sigh.
Ohhh I absolutely love that idea though. I know I’m always torn, every time I do a new project for a client I fall in love with it all over again and then want to redo my space! It’s not fair! Lol
Hate Open Concept, Subway Tiles, farmhouse anything. The original open concept I think came from Sarah Susanka and her jewel box homes. But she stressed a mixed of ceiling heights, dividers etc. The current open concept I believe was created by Real Estate Developers that saved money on walls and gave a wow factor of space to a home buyer walking in it for the first time. They r just big open boxes that r cheap to make. They seem to be in every new home built and I am SO bored of them . I don’t know when we all agreed to allow home builders to become architect designers, but I hope it will end soon. Yes it shows a dirty kitchen or a great view of subway tiles from your front room. Yes, waste energy. Plus parents, u don’t have to be ALWAYS watching your kids. Karen park the helicopter and let them play out of eye sight sometimes. So 😂 my vote is NO to the mass produced open concept house.
I agree with all your thoughts. The only one thing I would add: ‘The emperor’s new clothes’ by Hans Christian Andersen comes to mind.
@@ninaotan7811 SO TRUE!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I haven’t even started watching and my answer to your question is a resounding “ Gawd I hope so!” Now and on to watching this.
Other than the fact that my kitchen is a little small, I absolutely love my open concept home.
I love open too 🙌🏼
Give me doors that I can close please
Le concept ouvert est fait pour les gens propres !!
I'm more for a modified open concept space
Agreed! There needs to be a balance between both styles, not just entirely open
@@mrphoenixgrey I know that’s right Design Daddy!!!
Open concept is not viable in Scotland, I'm afraid but I think it looks great.
It’s much harder in older homes for sure! I love it
Hey Daddy, what about open plan spaces in small homes? Does everything still apply? My kitchen-dining-living area is 4 meters by 10 meters. Current plan is to go with gray, tan/brown for most thing with a few green and orange things. However white might be good for a bookshelf or plant stand.
When it comes to smaller spaces. Most of these still apply with some considerations. Try and make certain areas like the dining room and the kitchen blend together more seamlessly with colours that go well together and more muted, and same with the chairs. It can very easily start to look like a chair showroom with so many in a small space, so get ones that blend into the style of the dining table or island! I’m planning on doing a follow up video on this specifically for small spaces, as I know it can be a challenge as well 🙏🏼
I'm Pro open concept. When I entertain my range faces out and I am still part of the action. I also have a sitting room for a separate conversation area.
Yes!!! Far too many people don’t realize that having a range in the island facing out to an open concept completely changing the dynamics of a space so you can feel, and be apart of everything that’s happening. So much more intimate
It depends.
Visual clutter is my repetition seems like.
Kitchen smells drifting into the den, noise from the kitchen/dining interrupting someone's movie, no walls to act as boundaries to place furniture, lack of coziness, and the total loss of manners because now it is just so easy to yell across the room instead of go up and speak to someone in another room.
I'll keep my walls.
ETA Unable to watch anything but g rated movies because the toddler can see what you're watching from anywhere in the house.
I’ve never, EVER even liked lofts because they are open concept. 😖
Hate open concept. Do not like the feeling of constantly being connected to people; it impacts my concentration, particularly when cooking. Also, do not like the noise/smoke/smells carrying through everywhere.
Finally, I have so few usable walls already, what with all of the glass doors, picture windows, and brick (late ‘60s house for you), most rooms have no usable spaces for art (or the tv). If I take those few walls out, I have to ditch my china cabinet, because there is nowhere else it can go. And I mean nowhere. I’d have to put the tv above the fireplace, which means the bottom of the tv must be at least 7.5 feet off the floor. (I had a designer that came through and recommended I rip out those walls to open up the space, you see…)
Ultimately, different people need different spaces, and that’s fine.
I think of open concept as useful in small spaces, not so much a bigger space. Even a one room loft can support room dividers
Exactly! It really is dependent on the overall space available, and how the individual lives within it.
open concept RULES!
I personally am very much for it! Especially since I’ve lived in small spaces most of my life, I need the room!
Open concept is a curse. Even if you have the skill and budget to make it visually appealing - there is always a noise problem. I wish I had a nice quiet place to read while my husband watches TV or has his friends over for a drink. There is no privacy - no place for "me time".
I 100%. It’s unfortunate that it became so popular to feel like you have additional space visually, but the audio issues are insane. Such a large spaces are challenging to control sound vibration, that’s why rugs are thicker textiles are always recommended. It’s very much split 50-50 with people for it, and against it 😅
there is a way around that. Glass walls can isolate spaces like the kitchen or a study for noise and smell, while still allowing light and the eye to travel through.
@@mrphoenixgrey I tried using a big rug... but even when I rolled him up very tight, I could still hear him yelling!!
(lol - I love your videos)
I have the same problem with my husband listening to theater like sound coming from the large living room tv. There is no place on that floor or nothing that lessens the noise. That’s why I have a second living room on another floor and that’s why these 4 floor townhouses are built- sound barriers between the attached houses and construction for less noise between the floors. I feel sorry for the original poster who has this trouble. Also a large tv can be a visual problem at times if you don’t care for what someone is watching.
@@passing_by8546 Glass walls are an acoustic nightmare, don't do it
Don’t you look dapper ❤
Awe thank you so much 🤍 started pulling out all my clothes I don’t wear as much
Not a fan of open concept coz Asian kitchen is fire😊 ..Its looks nice overall not for me👍
I like open concepts a lot in pictures and videos but I cannot mantain the kitchen as if it is never used so I prefer to close the door and hide the mess if there is. That is a distraction to see!!! So, not for me
One really needs to be a clean person to constantly maintain the prestige look of a kitchen looking pristine in an open concept. Seeing all the dishes and mess pile up in an open concept space would drive me wild! 🤪
Should the rugs in the living area run the same way as the rug in the dinning area?
I would recommend them being the same if you use two, otherwise picking two different ones that complement each other (with a similar undertone or pattern) can also work well 🙌🏼
@@mrphoenixgrey that is good information and I agree with it, but I want to know if they should both lie perpendicular with each other?
I appreciated your styling ideas and thought you had something to say until..... Really? A Tom Ford book? Speaking of cliches.
An open plan house is fine until you need to hide the mess you made while fixing dinner for guests and where do you put a misbehaving dog if you can't gate off a room or area with an easily cleaned tiled floor.
I have an open concept home, and I love it!
I am definately all in for the open concept.😊
Against. Hate open concepts. It does no good for my mental health
I don't have anything like an open-concept pace. I don't think I would like it.
Do you live in a closed concept space now? I’m curious as to what you may not like about an open concept? Genuinely curious. I like to hear both sides :)
@@mrphoenixgrey All that space, chaos with children playing. The noise! Trying to separate living room and dining areas. It's all what ifs. What if someone is trying to have a conversation in the dinning area and the TV is on for Grandpa. Tool many distractions for me. Also too much area to keep neat and tidy for all to see. I've lived in a house with the kitchen and living room we're open but not like now. It had a step down into the living room. Which gave it some separation. Too much space with high ceilings. I don't want my loud voice to travel all the way to the front door. Sorry I wrote a book.
Open concept is such a challenging and flexible home style at the same time. I think this concept won't be over anytime soon. 😉
Agreed! It’s far too functional for the modern family
I have no choice, mu house is an open concept😊
I totally hate this open concept idea. I like separate rooms, I also think it’s harder to heat.
It definitely costs more to heat and cool an open concept floorplan, especially if you have high ceilings. There a lot of cons against open concept and for the last few years now has it only come to light
People wonder why people in the 70s put in ugly drop ceilings in their older homes and the cost of heating was why. I think as we get more energy conscious again, open concept will change.
We just moved into a home built in 94 and my wife wants to remove the wall separating the living room and kitchen despite the living room having large vaulted ceilings and the kitchen does not.
FOR X
It was over from day one.
Open concept if your home is 2000 sq ft or less. In larger homes open concept may be frankly unnecessary and also challenging to get right.
I couldn’t agree more 🙏🏼
❤open concept 😊
Me too 🥰🤍