Open Plan vs. Closed Spaces – The Ultimate Design Debate
By Eunice Aubert
9 April 2025
If you’ve ever planned a home renovation or daydreamed about your dream house, you’ve probably come across the great debate: Open Floor Plans vs. Closed Spaces. Some people swear by open-concept living, while others love the coziness of traditional, divided rooms. But which is actually better? Well, that depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and how you use your space. We thought we would break it down for you, so you can better understand what the difference is and what you’d prefer.
Open Floor Plans: Airy, Modern, and Social
What’s to love
Spacious Feel – With fewer walls, your home feels bigger and brighter. Natural light flows freely, making everything feel more open and connected.
Perfect for Entertaining – If you love hosting, an open layout allows guests to move seamlessly between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, so no one feels left out.
Better Sightlines – If you’ve got kids or pets, an open floor plan makes it easier to keep an eye on them while you cook or work.
Modern Aesthetic – Open layouts are sleek, stylish, and create a contemporary feel that many homeowners crave.
Image: Arent & Pyke
The Downsides
Noise Travels – Without walls, sound bounces everywhere. Cooking, TV, and conversations can all blend into one chaotic symphony.
Less Privacy – If you need a quiet space to work or relax an open-concept home will not provide this for you.
More Mess on Display – If your kitchen is part of the living space, there’s no hiding the dirty dishes when guests come over, unless you are really organised!
Image: EA Design
Closed Spaces: Cozy, Private, and Functional
Why People Love It
Defined Spaces – Each room has a clear purpose, making it easier to stay organized and maintain a structured home.
Better Privacy & Sound Control – Walls help block out noise, making it easier to focus, relax, or work without distractions.
Cozy & Intimate – Smaller, enclosed rooms can feel warm and inviting, perfect for creating a sense of comfort.
More Design Flexibility – Each room can have its own unique decor and function without clashing with the rest of the home.
Image: Studio Asaï
The Downsides
Can Feel Smaller & Darker – More walls can mean less natural light flowing through the home, making some areas feel closed off.
Less Social Flow – If you love having everyone together, closed-off rooms can make it harder to stay connected while cooking or entertaining.
Not Always Ideal for Modern Living – Many homebuyers today prefer open layouts, so a home with separate rooms might not be as appealing. Also it’s harder to make each room flow harmoniously into the next room (unless you know what you are doing), without your house feeling higgledy-piggledy.
Image: Home Edit (www.homedit.com)
So, Which One Is Right for You?
At the end of the day, it’s all about your lifestyle. If you love a bright, social space where everything flows together, an open floor plan is the way to go. But if you crave cozy, private areas with clear separation, a closed layout might be the better choice. Here at EA Design we love both. What makes either one appealing for us, are our clients needs, the way they live and what the building allows.
Our Advice If You Can’t Decide…
You don’t have to fully commit to one or the other! Semi-open layouts (think glass partitions, sliding doors, or partial walls) can give you the best of both worlds.
Image: EA Design
