Design trends: from open plan to “broken floor”
One of the key defining features of many new homes and renovations of the last decade would have to be the open floor plan design. Removing the walls between the kitchen, dining room, and living room to create the illusion of more space has been the trend for several years. Entertaining and living in such an open way has never felt so integrated and fluid.
However, there are some subtle signs that the Open Plan may not be ideal for much longer. After all, there are some flaws in its design. For example, trying to cool or heat a large air-conditioned living room can be an expensive and time-consuming exercise. Watching sports on TV, with appliances like the dishwasher humming in the background, can be tedious. And, people with kids will relate – there’s no room to escape noise, clutter, and toys!
We are gradually moving away from closed rooms, with many old-style houses consisting of many smaller rooms that can be sealed off with internal doors. With heating and cooling options less affordable for many families, this style was a great way to keep warm; to separate formal living rooms from adults for entertaining and to create separate zones within the home. The last fifteen years or so have seen a huge change in such styles, and it has been about knocking down walls to create a large expanse of open living.
Along with the increased use of technology, there is a noticeable shift away from open plan living towards creating smaller nooks throughout the house for peace and privacy. Mary Duggan, UK architect and judge for the RIBA House of the Year award, recently spoke on the subject:
‘The world of the open plan living room has changed quite a bit.
“They ask us for more comfortable spaces, rooms with televisions or a space where people can go and watch something independently, instead of an open space.
‘That was the trend, but I think it’s slowing down. The idea of having a ‘broken plan’ seems much more the way our buildings are developing now.”
– Mary Duggan http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2015/nov/11/broken-plan-living-opening-up-new-spaces-in-home
Looking ahead, when planning a renovation or new construction, consider how the use of technology has advanced dramatically and will likely continue to be a staple in people’s homes. Therefore, home design should reflect this and include smaller nooks, studies or ‘snugs’ designed to use devices such as iPads and tablets. The ‘Broken Plan’ house is the new black!
For further consideration, building inclusions could include fixtures within these areas, such as built-in charging stations, built-in benches and desks to accommodate such devices. Also, keep in mind that many devices will now want to sync up with the nearby TV or speaker, and many high-tech devices will now have features that allow the occupant to lower the shades, dim the lights, etc. remote form. It’s simply the way of the future, and it makes sense that our home design reflects such advances.