I know I'll probably sound like a traitor, but I'm not particularly a big fan of the open concept. It's nice in a kitchen and maybe paired with a family room. Maybe I haven't seen enough episodes yet, but I'd like at least once for the homeowners to say ... hold on, no! I want to keep the old-fashioned formal dining room, etc.
shareIt's a fad. Many people who entertain a lot don't necessarily want their guests seeing all the drama that often goes on in a kitchen during dinner parties. For cocktail parties the open-concept works but no so much for sit-down dinner parties. Also, the open concept does not work with every style of house though a partial open concept can work in some older more traditional houses.
shareI can't stand open concept. To me, open concept floors look like a furniture store. What if everyone in that giant room (living room/dining room/kitchen/etc.) wants to do something different? There would be one person cooking, one person doing homework, someone else watching tv, and another person entertaining (because God help you if you don't have space for that!). Too much chaos, too much going on at once, and no privacy.
shareIt's good for mothers that are in the kitchen a lot, they can look out and see what they're children are up to.
I prefer like a half open/half closed concept. Something like where the kitchen and living room are connected and open, but then there's a formal dining room and a formal living room separately.
^ This. I don't mind a half-and-half type concept, but I hate when there's just one long room and all the spaces blend together. I prefer a dining room to be separate and closed off.
shareI don't like a completely open concept, but neither do I like completely closed and segmented - much too claustrophobic. Widened doorways, half walls, and large cut outs can make rooms feel more spacious and give that open concept feel without having the kitchen, living room and eating area all in one big room.
shareI'm an old fashioned person. I don't like an open concept where everything is just one big room. I see that on these shows and it looks like you're living in a warehouse. I like a separate formal living room and a separate formal dining room. A family room that isn't an extension of the kitchen. I like a kitchen where I can cook in peace and the smells don't invade the rest of the house. And I don't like a house where you open the front door and see the kitchen appliances and cabinets on display. As we say in the south, I think that's just tacky!
(Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.)
Hooray! So good to hear someone else concur, and so much more! You are a person of my own heart!!!!! Nothing tacky about you ... good taste in my view : )
shareThank you, everyone, for your replies. I didn't see all of them until today. You are all after my own heart. I do agree with some people too that opening up spaces to make them seem fuller and flowing is great, but nice to be able to keep the formal dining room and privacy, too.
Unfortunately, IMDb is ending our forums (fora?) on Feb. 20, I believe. But thanks for all your great replies! I hope the designers took note too, lol : )
Like someone else said, it's a fad. Like barn doors, brass ("gold") faucets, and waterfall countertops, it will pass. I wouldn't mind the kitchen being open to the dining room, but when I'm relaxing in the living room after dinner I don't really want to be looking across at piled up dirty dishes and pots. Open concept always reminds me of a studio apartment or motel room, except on a larger scale.
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