Trying to find a home in Melbourne that isn’t open plan is virtually impossible, so we have little choice but to embrace open plan living whether we like or not. And while we may not admit it, secretly some of us may dream of the era when kids played in their rooms, lounges were JUST lounges, and kitchens weren’t public showpieces that have to be SPOTLESS ALL THE TIME.
Of course today’s open plan homes are a far cry from the mid 20th century homes when ‘open plan’ tended to mean shared lounge and dining rooms with separate kitchens. The design evolved from separate kitchens to kitchen servery windows before the concept of knocking down walls introduced kitchens into living spaces and new designs began to reflect the popular trend.
The upside of open plan living is bigger, lighter, brighter spaces and the subsequent ability to connect with family members. Families embrace the opportunity to multi-task, preparing dinner while helping the kids with their homework, entertaining guests, or catching up on the evening news.
But open plan family living can be noisy and messy, lack privacy, not feel cosy or warm, and attract astronomical energy bills.
The solution is seen in floorplans that now incorporate formal dining rooms, outdoor entertainment areas, and second lounges or “retreats” alongside the open plan family spaces.
These second living areas are where individuals can escape the family hustle and bustle to find peace and privacy, while outdoor entertaining and formal dining rooms allow home owners to entertain guests in a space that doesn’t include kitchen clutter and chaos.
Better insulation and solar powered or energy efficient heating and cooling systems help to keep energy costs low, while a return to softer architectural lines in curved interior walls, fixtures and furniture reintroduces the concept of cosy, which has been lacking.
So regardless of whether you love them or hate them, they seem to be here to stay.
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