As the Founder and Director of Focus Build, I bring over a decade of hands-on experience in the building industry, having started my journey as a carpentry apprentice in Albury. Moving to Melbourne, I built a strong reputation with Wolki Carpentry before launching Focus Build, where we’re known for delivering high-quality renovations with a personal touch—including expertly executed open plan renovation services.
I’m passionate about crafting homes that reflect the people who live in them whether it’s blending the indoors and outdoors or creating spaces that families can truly enjoy. With a practical mindset, clear communication, and a commitment to quality, I approach every project with the same care as if it were my own home. Off the tools, you’ll find me outdoors whether I’m hiking in the High Country or kicking the footy with my German shepherd, Loki.
The Evolution of Open Floor Plans: A Glimpse into the Past
Before the 1940s, most homes had rooms separated by walls—each space had its own purpose. Kitchens, for example, were tucked away as service areas, not spaces for socialising.
In the mid-1900s, architects like Frank Lloyd Wright started breaking down walls, combining living, dining, and kitchen areas into one open space. This “open concept” design became especially popular after WWII when families grew, and house sizes shrank.
By the 1990s, open floor plans were everywhere. But did you know the Deaf community played a role in this shift? They’d remove walls to improve visual communication, long before open layouts became a mainstream trend.
Why Open Floor Plans are Popular: The Big Advantages
One of the main reasons open floor plans are so popular is their ability to make smaller homes feel much bigger. By removing walls, you create a sense of flow that makes even the tightest spaces feel more expansive. Light flows freely from room to room, and everything feels more connected. This is particularly beneficial for compact homes or apartments, where every square metre counts.
I’ve had clients in Melbourne who’ve transformed their cramped city apartments by simply removing the wall between the kitchen and the living area. Suddenly, their space opened up, allowing for better traffic flow and a brighter, airier atmosphere. It’s amazing what a simple design change can do!
Higher Real Estate Value & Faster Sales
When it comes to selling your home, open floor plans can make a significant difference. Buyers today are looking for modern layouts that offer a sense of space and connection. Open floor plans not only make a home feel larger, but they also allow for greater flexibility in how the space can be used.
I’ve seen this time and again in the real estate market. Homes with open layouts tend to sell faster and for higher prices. In fact, I had a client in Toorak who sold their house for well above asking price after we redesigned the living space with an open plan layout. It didn’t just make the space feel larger—it gave the home a modern vibe that attracted buyers.
Easier Communication and Social Interaction
Another advantage of open floor plans is that they naturally encourage interaction. In a traditional home, people in separate rooms can feel disconnected. But in an open layout, family members or guests can easily communicate across spaces. This is especially great for families who want to stay connected while doing different activities. A parent can cook in the kitchen while still being part of the conversation in the living room.
I remember hosting a BBQ at a friend’s place that had an open layout, and it made the whole gathering feel more intimate. The kitchen was part of the living area, so everyone was included in the conversation, even while someone was cooking. It’s these little moments of connection that an open floor plan really shines at.
Increased Natural Light and Its Positive Effects
One of the unsung benefits of an open floor plan is how much it maximises natural light. The lack of walls allows light to flood into the space, brightening up even the darkest corners. In Melbourne, where we experience everything from sunny afternoons to dreary days, natural light can make a huge difference in how a home feels.
I’ve worked on homes where adding large windows in an open plan design transformed the entire space. The shift from relying on artificial lighting to using natural light not only made the space feel larger, but it also helped save on energy bills. In fact, during winter, the light flooding into the living area could make the room feel warmer, reducing the need to crank up the heater.
The Flip Side: Drawbacks of Open Floor Plans You Should Consider
On the flip side, one of the biggest drawbacks of open floor plans is the lack of privacy. In a traditional layout, you can retreat to a quiet room for some alone time or focus on a task without distractions. But in an open layout, every activity is visible and audible to everyone else in the space. This can be a challenge for families, particularly in multi-generational homes or shared apartments where privacy is essential.
In offices, this lack of separation can also lead to stress. Employees can feel exposed, and the noise and constant movement can make it hard to concentrate. I’ve worked with several businesses where employees requested more private spaces to focus, which led us to integrate semi-open designs to strike a balance between openness and privacy.
Noise Issues
Without walls, noise becomes a major factor in open layouts. Sound travels freely from one area to another, which can be a nightmare if you have noisy kids, a loud TV, or someone cooking in the kitchen. The echoes in an open layout can amplify sounds, making them feel even louder than they are.
In my experience, clients who had open layouts often complained about the noise. In one case, a couple with young kids found it hard to manage the noise levels when both children and adults were all in the same open space. One simple solution we implemented was the use of acoustic panels on the walls to help absorb sound, and it worked wonders.
How to Tackle the Downsides: Mitigation Strategies and Hybrid Designs
One of the best ways to manage the challenges of an open floor plan is through furniture arrangement. You can use furniture like a sofa or bookshelves to visually divide the space without breaking the flow. I’ve worked on projects where strategically placing furniture created zones for living, dining, and working, giving the home a sense of order while keeping the openness intact.
For instance, placing a large sofa or bookshelf between the kitchen and dining area can help define both spaces. Throw in a few area rugs and you’ve got a well-organised layout that still feels spacious. These zones can adapt as your needs change, especially in a multifunctional home.
Architectural Dividers: Creating Separation Without Losing the Open Feel
If you need a little more structure, architectural dividers like half-walls, sliding barn doors, or even decorative screens can create privacy without fully closing off a space. I’ve used these in several builds where the homeowners wanted to keep the openness of the layout but needed a bit more definition between spaces.
A half-wall can separate the kitchen from the living area while allowing light to flow through. Sliding doors give you the option to shut off a room when needed but easily open it up again for a more communal feel.
You don’t have to sacrifice style for function either—these dividers can add character and charm to your space. For example, I’ve added timber slat dividers to create subtle boundaries while keeping the space airy and bright.
Acoustic Solutions: Reducing Noise in Open Spaces
One of the trickier aspects of open floor plans is the sound. Without walls to block noise, sound travels freely, which can be frustrating in both home and office settings. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to reduce the noise and make the space more comfortable.
Adding sound-absorbing materials, such as carpets, rugs, and heavy curtains, can help absorb sound and reduce the echo in an open space. In one of my projects, we incorporated acoustic panels on the walls, and the difference in sound quality was immediate. Plants are also a great way to dampen noise while adding a touch of greenery to your home. Not only do they absorb sound, but they also improve the air quality.
If you’re looking for a more high-tech solution, sound masking systems or even soundproof booths can create a quieter, more focused environment in both homes and offices. I’ve seen offices where employees use soundproof pods for private calls, and it’s been a game-changer in terms of reducing distractions.
Why Open Floor Plans are Popular: The Big Advantages
One of the biggest benefits of open floor plans is the way they make even small homes feel much larger. When you eliminate walls, the space flows more freely, creating an open, airy feeling. This is especially beneficial in smaller homes, where every square metre matters.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worked on small apartments in Melbourne, and after knocking down a couple of internal walls, the space transformed. Suddenly, what felt like a cramped apartment turned into a light-filled, expansive home. This ability to make a space feel bigger is one of the core reasons why open layouts are so attractive, especially in urban areas where space is often limited.
Higher Real Estate Value & Faster Sales
Homes with open floor plans tend to sell faster and for higher prices. This layout is in demand, and buyers often associate it with modern, desirable design. It creates a more flexible living space and feels more inviting, especially to young families and first-time buyers.
I’ve seen open-plan homes go for top dollar simply because of the space they offer. One project I worked on in Richmond was a small 3-bedroom house. After we removed a few walls and opened up the kitchen to the living room, we saw a noticeable uptick in interest. It didn’t take long before we had multiple offers above the asking price.
Easier Communication and Social Interaction
Another reason open floor plans are so loved is that they encourage communication and interaction. In a traditional layout, it’s easy to feel disconnected from family members or guests if they’re in different rooms. But in an open layout, you can chat with your kids while cooking dinner, entertain guests in the living room, or watch a movie with everyone nearby.
I remember one family I worked with where they had a passion for hosting. They wanted a layout that would let them cook and engage with guests at the same time. An open floor plan was perfect for them, allowing them to interact without missing a beat. The whole atmosphere changed when the space opened up, making gatherings feel more connected.
Increased Natural Light and Its Positive Effects
The flow of natural light is a huge benefit in open floor plans. With fewer walls, light can flow freely from room to room, brightening up the entire space. For example, in Melbourne, where we experience a mix of sunny and cloudy days, homes with open spaces can feel much warmer and brighter, especially in the winter months.
I’ve worked on projects where we added big windows in open-plan living areas, and the transformation was incredible. Not only did it make the space feel larger, but it also helped with energy savings because homeowners weren’t reliant on artificial lighting during the day. Natural light has a whole host of benefits—from boosting mood to promoting better sleep, and who wouldn’t want that?
