Should I Connect My Living, Dining, and Kitchen Areas?

Homes built in the mid-90s were typically constructed with separate living, dining, and kitchen areas.  Most homes today feature an open floor plan where the kitchen, dining, and living room share one expansive area. One of the advantages of a combined living, dining, and kitchen area is that it gives a home more open visual space and better movement.

However, if you are considering connecting your living, dining, and kitchen space, you should keep the following in mind:

It is Quite Costly

Many people avoid the open floor plan because of the cost involved. While it may not be difficult to get approval from the relevant authorities, there is a lot of structural work and rebuilding involved that would require a large budget. You’ll need to engage a reputable contractor to give you a cost estimate based on your specific needs.

It Can Affect Your Utility Costs

Open-plan homes typically cost more to heat. However, they allow more light in throughout the day, which can help you save on lighting costs.

Furthermore, the insulation in your walls, roof, doors, and windows can have a significant impact on your heating bills. Consult with a reputable contractor to help you figure out how switching to an open floor plan will affect your utility costs.

It Creates a Spacious Living Area

With just a few walls and doors, an open floor plan can leave you with far more space than you expected. This style also allows you to add more space, with a stylish home extension. However, you may need approval from relevant authorities before you commence a home extension project.

It Promotes Social Living

One of the most significant advantages of open-plan living is that it encourages people in a home to spend more time together. To make the best out of this arrangement, you will want to furnish your home accordingly. Plan to furnish your home in a way that caters to the taste of virtually everyone in your family. You can also create focal points around the house where family members can converge and spend quality time together.

With this information, you can decide whether connecting your kitchen, dining, and living areas is a good idea or not. It’s essential to work with a qualified designer to help you make a more informed decision.