Blog Post

How to Pull Off an Open-Concept Space in an Older House

Ken Carney • Oct 02, 2019

Help your home feel larger and more inviting

open plan
Open floor plans are a popular option in new homes, but many who live in older houses are also eager to get in on this trend. An open floor plan will help your home feel larger and more inviting while allowing for more versatility in how you use the space. By following a few home remodeling tips, you can create a stunning open-concept space.

3 Tips for Creating an Open-Concept Space If You Have an Older Home
  1. Check for Weight-Bearing Walls
    Knocking down walls is a key part of creating an open-concept space, but be mindful of the structural implications. Have an engineer inspect your home to determine which walls are weight-bearing. Removing a wall that provides structural stability could cause severe damage to your house if not addressed properly. However, if needed, steel or timber beams can often provide adequate support for the newly opened space.

  2. Consider How the Spaces Will Interact
    Work with a designer to create your ideal space. This will help different elements of the layout interact with each other. For example, have the kitchen opening face toward the living room so it’s easier to communicate between the two areas. They can also help you create subtle zones in the floor plan by using archways and other elements to strategically separate certain areas.

  3. Use Lighting & Flooring to Improve Functionality
    Lighting and flooring will help give different segments of the floor plan more purpose. For example, create a slight change in the floor level to divide the living room and kitchen. Additionally, hang a chandelier to mark where the dining room table should go. Subtle distinctions will create an easy to understand layout that will help you make future decorating decisions.

From bathroom remodeling to a full-scale home remodeling project, you can count on Baybrook Remodelers to get the job done. Serving New Haven County, CT since 1992, our full-service home builders will help you from concept to completion. To learn more about our building process or to discuss your home remodeling project, visit us online or call (203) 937-6400.
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