Are open floor plans going out of style?

Dusty Rhodes • January 17, 2024

Closed floor plans: For years, they were yesterday’s news. In recent interior design trends, it’s been all about open concept floor plans. But in recent years, there have been reports of buyers looking for more walls. What gives?


Long story short, the pandemic and the rise of remote work have influenced the kind of homes buyers seek. During lockdowns, open spaces granted less privacy and families sought privacy in separate spaces. Even as restrictions eased, the benefits of having separate rooms left its imprint on interior design trends.


As a result, soft versions of closed floor plans have been making their way back into the woodwork. Home designers have seen more requests for dividing walls and offices in building plans. There is also an understandable emphasis on outdoor living.


We can sense the winds of change, but we also want to know—is this change permanent? Or, will building trends revert to the open kitchen and floor plan we are familiar with? We looked up the opinions of experts, so you don’t have to.


Are Closed Floor Plans Making a Comeback?


Yes, to some extent. But open floor plans aren’t out of the equation. After all, architects can’t just ignore the overwhelming benefits of open floor plans, which include freedom of movement, maximizing small spaces and natural light, and allowing creative furniture layouts. Overall, it depends on who you ask whether dividing walls will become the next “hot” home trend.


For instance, more interior designers than ever are promoting separate rooms as a hot design trend for 2024. Formal dining rooms and separate living rooms, which have long been considered outdated, are now coming back too. HGTV also predicts the rise of compartmented spaces like children’s homework spaces and meditation rooms that emphasize quiet concentration and solitude.


Recently, the Architectural Digest affirmed the ongoing need for “hybrid spaces” that offer multiple functions for the same space – another ongoing effect of our days of staying at home. This points to the ongoing need for residents to have separate spaces that can convert to various functions, allowing different household members to use parts of the home for specific purposes. It’s one of the great strengths of closed floor plans, but it can also be applied to some open concept areas. 


Are closed floor plans right for you?


In the end, it’s all about what you want. Do you think that a dedicated dining area is convenient, as well as a separate living area where residents can relax away from the main part of the house.? A family room can be a more relaxed living area while a guest room can remain pristine for out-of-town visits. Having private areas with a workspace, whether it’s a home office or garage workshop, can also become part of an advantageous home layout.


No matter whose opinion you read, one thing is certain. Home design will rise to meet consumer demand. As lifestyles change, so will homes adapt. Time will tell if including more walls will stick, or if the modern home builder will revert to the airy, open floor plans that have captured our fancy for years.


The Case for Closed Floor Plans


It’s normal for experts to come to different conclusions even after looking at the same evidence. Realistically, it’s unlikely that the rise of remote work and school post-pandemic has not influenced life at home at all. When voices regarding this trend are mixed, we must consider—what reasons could be behind an overarching closed floor plan shift?


The Need for Definition in Larger Homes


The average home size has more than doubled since the 1950s, and Americans are now expressing challenges about defining spaces in open floor plans. Since the typical home in 2020 was around 2,300 square feet, homeowners found that there weren’t enough room dividers or fancy bookshelves to designate what part of the kit-living-den combo is for what.


Not Wasting Space


Lack of definition leads to another problem: unused space. Whereas a closed floor plan could easily integrate a cozy home office or kid’s playroom, homeowners report wasted opportunities when there are too many options for a space. A great room has a lot of potential, but if there is no spatial definition, there can be wasted square footage.


The Need for Privacy & Quiet

Let’s not forget another factor driving the need for closed floor plans: privacy. In fact, the author of this article also went from an open floor plan to a closed floor plan after the pandemic. The need for more walls and privacy increases as one spends more time around the same people.


When multiple family members must work, learn, and play under the same roof, it is challenging when one must concentrate on a work assignment while another wants to play guitar. Having separate rooms on the same floor resolves this problem. It also helps parents of young children and fur parents put up gates to control traffic flow for safety reasons.


Freedom to Decorate in Closed Floor Plans


Closed floor plans offer another advantage: the freedom to assign unique design concepts to different rooms. While you can make one bathroom “dark and moody,” you can make the office bright and full of plant life or experiment with some bold paint colors.


When there is one open floor plan, homeowners are compelled to unify wall colors and fixtures. For instance, combining the living room with a dining room means requires that these living spaces have a harmonious color palette.




Source: Marketplace Homes

Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

By Dusty Rhodes • June 29, 2026
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Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

By Dusty Rhodes • June 15, 2026
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How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell Your Home Faster

By Dusty Rhodes • June 8, 2026
When preparing to sell your home , the outside matters just as much as what’s inside. Learning how to stage your outdoor space to sell can help create a memorable first impression, boost curb appeal, and make buyers feel emotionally connected before they even walk through the front door. From refreshing landscaping to creating cozy gathering areas, thoughtful outdoor staging can help your home stand out in a competitive market. In this Redfin guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for transforming your yard, patio, porch, or garden into a space buyers can easily picture themselves enjoying. Whether you’re preparing a bungalow in Boise, ID , or listing a modern home in Savannah, GA , these outdoor staging ideas can help sellers create inviting spaces that feel polished, functional, and move-in ready. Why outdoor staging matters when selling a home Outdoor staging helps buyers form an emotional connection with a home before they even step inside. 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Focus on curb appeal first Curb appeal plays a major role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of a home. Before buyers notice updated interiors or spacious layouts, they’re already evaluating the condition of the yard, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. “Ensure your home is move-in ready by maximizing its curb appeal and value through thoughtful landscape design,” suggests Fel Quinn, Marketing Director at TerraVita Landscape & Gardening Inc. “Carefully consider how the trees, shrubs, and perennials add interest while keeping the space low-maintenance. Sometimes less is more – by prioritizing strategic planting and the overall health of your landscape, you can create a welcoming space that is both well-kept and inviting.” To improve curb appeal before listing your home: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Refresh mulch in flower beds and garden areas. Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clean and clutter-free. Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. 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