For quite a while, open-plan concepts have been all the rage, but a certain little feature called "privacy" is making a comeback.

I'm going to share with you why closed-concept layouts are gaining popularity in interior design. There are pros and cons between open- and closed-concept layouts, but the current trend does seem to be moving in favor of spaces with more walls, more privacy.

All interior design trends swing on a pendulum. For a long time, open-concept layouts have been viewed as the most desirable and practical for how we've been defining "modern-day living".

In these spaces, the kitchen, dining room, and living room blend seamlessly into one, creating a sociable, light-filled area. More recently, however, I’ve noticed a gradual shift away from open-plan, with an increasing number of homeowners adding in walls rather than knocking them down, converting open-plan to closed-concept layouts.

Why Are Closed-Concept Layouts Gaining Popularity?

Open-plan living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas remain popular, particularly among parents of young children and those who love to host. There is still a love of kitchens and dining areas that are open and connected, particularly for families who want to engage with their children while preparing meals.

However, the current trend for closed-concept layouts is a legacy of the pandemic, which sparked a newfound appreciation for closed-off spaces for working, studying, or simply enjoying a moment of peace and quiet. While we are no longer spending quite so much time at home, we still value a layout that offers privacy and seclusion.

The Return of the 'Classic Six'

During the pandemic, the practicality and privacy offered by separate spaces became undeniable. The resurgence of the classic "New York Six" layout is a testament to this shift. This layout, also known as the "Classic Six," refers to the apartment floor plans with six rooms – a formal dining room, living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. These were common before the 1940s. This trend marks a significant shift from the open floor plans that dominated the previous decade, underscoring a renewed appreciation for distinct, separate spaces.

Maximalist, Playful Trends

The trend for closed-concept layouts isn't solely down to the pandemic. It's also influenced by other interior design trends dominating right now. Instead of closed or open concept, we’re seeing fewer one-size-fits-all homes, and more families are choosing the style that specifically caters to what they need.

Maximalism and dopamine design are really trendy right now. Those styles lend themselves best to separated spaces due to the abundance of color, texture, and personality involved. When you indulge in this design style, you’re likely curating smaller, divided spaces so as to not overwhelm one open space with tons of visual stimuli.

As an aside, dopamine design features brilliantly bold colors and patterns, eclectic prints, inviting textures, and a nostalgia-infused, unmissable vibe. Named for the feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine decorating—an offshoot of “dopamine dressing” in the fashion world—brings back memories of a carefree childhood when the bedroom walls had your favorite celebrity posters, playful signs, eccentric lights, and objects that elicited a deep sense of joy.

FAQs

How Do I Choose Between an Open and Closed-Concept Layout?

It comes down to what you prefer, but the size of your property is also a key consideration. City apartments often need an open kitchen because, otherwise, they would likely lose any daylight in the kitchen and dramatically reduce the perception of the size of the living area. It also depends on how much storage space you need and your tolerance for mess. Incorporating a kitchen into a communal living area brings its mix of benefits and drawbacks, including the necessity for a perpetually pristine kitchen and the potential sacrifice of valuable wall space that could serve for storage or house a dining area.

What Are the Benefits of Closed-Concept Layouts?

In a closed-concept layout, the kitchen is distinct from other living areas, effectively isolating cooking odors, sound, and visual clutter. This separation keeps the culinary chaos concealed, allowing the rest of the home to retain its aesthetic appeal and functionality without the constant need for cleanliness. The compartmentalization inherent in closed-concept layouts permits more precise control over heating, cooling, and lighting on a per-room basis, avoiding the energy waste associated with conditioning unoccupied areas.

Will Open-Concept Go Out of Style?

I don't think so. The open concept is great for people who like to entertain and for families with small kids. This layout promotes interaction and brings everyone together by allowing everyone to be in the same room.

The Bottom Line is: What's Your Preference?

If you're suddenly looking at your spaces and thinking, 'hmm... I wonder...', I can always come visit and evaluate your current situation and advise you on how to achieve the approach you're envisioning. Just contact me and let me know – I'm here to help. You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some wonderful decor and design approaches together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.