The Best Open Floor Plans for Single Level Homes

Flexibility

• Open floor plans tend to be simple but flexible. They most often create a large space with the kitchen as a focal point. Entertaining tends to be easier, since guests can roam freely between the kitchen, dining and living spaces and usually have easy access to bathroom facilities and the backyard. In a single level home, hallways from the open public area lead to more-private space, such as bedrooms.

Main Room Design

• With the kitchen as a home’s focal point, kitchen design is often an important aspect of the overall design. Special features and top-end materials make this room look like the gem of the home. Normally, homeowners and designers opt for customized cabinets to optimize space, with recessed lighting and modern appliances. Higher-end houses often feature granite countertops, fireplaces and even built-in electronics. If the design focuses more on a family room or great room, you can organize the room for multiple uses. For example, you can arrange separate areas for reading, watching television or playing games.

Benefits and Drawbacks

• The open layout provides uninterrupted space for entertaining and wide open spaces for families. This allows for unimpeded movement from one space to another, which is especially useful when transporting food and beverages from the kitchen. This layout is a benefit in smaller homes, as it makes them look and feel larger. But the open space also poses some drawbacks, including the challenge of decorating the large living and family space so it doesn’t feel empty and cavernous. It can also become difficult to separate children and adults during a party.

Layout Options

• Layouts for a single-story open floor plan can vary greatly depending on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the square footage. Several online resources can aid in designing a home. Though most layouts feature the kitchen at the center, there are other options. For example, families with small children might prefer all the bedrooms close together on one side of the open floor area, while couples with older kids might prefer to separate the master bedroom from other bedrooms. Families that enjoy entertaining might want a family or great room that leads to an outdoor deck or patio.