The way the sun comes in from our gorgeous bay window while you sip on a cup of coffee really does feel like bliss. But for most, the cons weigh out the pros open-concept homes. It doesn't leave room for privacy, and very little room to hide the mess that we all inevitably make after a busy day.”
Karen Gutierrez, an interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors, agrees that, although open layouts are very popular, trends seem to be shifting away from open concept homes as people think more about whether their space suits their needs.
Open concept kitchens are typically less efficient for cooking. The sprawling design makes the cook take more steps to get from the fridge to the food prep area, and more again from the prep area to the stove, which means that cooking becomes a little more difficult and time-consuming.
The current climate has placed a unique strain on the value and utility of open-concept floor plans, and it's forced many homeowners to rethink the use of this type of living space for their own families and needs, explaining why for some, this type of floor plan has gone out of style.
Open Concept Living Is Officially Closed
“While open plan living provides ample space, the communal space is often being shared by multiple family members for different reasons simultaneously. Next year, we expect to see even more intentional spaces mapped out for specific needs in each home.”
Holographic Surrealism
This trend is characterized by the use of iridescent colors, holographic patterns, and neon lights, and is inspired by science fiction and technology. In 2023, expect to see designers using holographic elements to create designs that are eye-catching, engaging, and futuristic.
Some of the most popular interior design trends for 2023 include quiet luxury, the return of bold color, natural stone surfaces, closed floor plans, mixed metal finishes, statement lighting, and 60s and 70s influences — particularly in furniture design.
Other trends on their way out that we're hoping will stay there: color-matched decor, for one (think: black-and-white photo clusters, or rainbow bookshelves). Others feel equally devoid of life—and perhaps are therefore dying—such as all-white or all-gray color schemes, and clean-countered kitchens.
According to the AIA Home Design Trends surveys, the popularity of open floorplans has decreased in recent years,2, 3 especially since the pandemic in 2020, but that doesn't mean the open concept is dead.
Disadvantages of an open kitchen
However, the design of open kitchens or kitchens integrated into the living room also has certain drawbacks to take into account. First of all, noise in an open kitchen multiplies. The same goes for odors, which will travel unannounced to the dining room.
The open-plan kitchen fits particularly harmoniously into a home setting where coordinated materials are in place to visually link the different areas. The trend is toward wood and natural materials, extending from kitchen furnishings and work surfaces to flooring and into the living space.
While open kitchens seamlessly integrate with the rest of the house, it is a space that cannot afford to look messy. Closed kitchens are perfect if you prefer privacy while cooking or are very busy to tidy up all the time.
While the all-white kitchen will probably never go out of style, there are lots of new kitchen trends for 2023 that will make you equally happy. Think: pops of colors, the return of white appliances, and timeless styling touches to make your space feel fresh. We know, we know.
'Broken-plan' kitchens are all about zoning. While they retain the spacious feel of an open-plan design, they use screens, freestanding furniture and shelving to create distinct areas. These nooks in turn offer a zoned space for cooking, relaxing or entertaining.
While Shaker kitchens might date back to 1774, when the Shakers who arrived in America from England, created the style out of necessity for usefulness and practicality over kitchen trends, the Shaker kitchen style has never gone out of style, even today.
The main benefit of open plan living is that you gain more useable space. Fewer walls mean bigger rooms that are more suitable for larger gatherings. Most people want an open plan living layout if they plan to entertain frequently, since their guests will feel more included and less enclosed.
In addition to the lifestyle appeal, converting your floor into an open-plan living space may have tangible benefits in terms of increased home value. Consider this: A properly planned home can increase your property value by up to 15%.
Spaciousness: Open floor plans create a sense of spaciousness that traditional closed-off rooms simply can't match. By eliminating walls and barriers, homeowners can enjoy a more expansive living space that feels airy and inviting.
Here, designers, decorators, and color experts reveal why beige is replacing gray for 2023, and how to decorate with beige for a beautiful scheme every time.
Cottagecore is the blooming hot fashion that is becoming more popular. The beautiful farmhouse interiors, which may be on the wane, are being replaced by this style—despite being somewhat similar.
This season, you can expect to see warm colors that reflect the changing leaves. Bright oranges, yellows, and reds create an inviting and cozy atmosphere for fall. Don't forget about neutrals like gray, brown, and black. Keep things interesting this fall season by adding bold colors like navy blue and emerald green.
Viva Magenta by Pantone
Rounding out a year of blush-tone selections, Pantone selected Viva Magenta 18-1750, a bold pinkish red, as its 2023 color of the year, calling it "an unconventional shade for an unconventional time."
Warm and Calming Neutrals
“In the living room, we are seeing warm, calming blues, peach-pinks, and sophisticated neutrals like sable, mushroom, and ecru—these are really catching my eye for 2023,” she says.
Dark Wood. “Light wood has been trending for a long time—it will be refreshing to see a new twist on dark in 2023, especially because it can feel nostalgic and classy. When done well, it can have a commanding yet refined impact on a space.