Why People Are So Obsessed With Broken-Plan Living

Go back ten years or so, and open plan living was the only thing that people were thinking about. All they wanted was a large space in which to live which combined their kitchen with their diner and living room – and, in some cases, their bedroom. 

But fast forward to today, and there are a lot of homeowners who aren’t as keen on the idea as they used to be. They love the sensation of having lots of space. But they also long for a sense of privacy and enclosure. Living in something that feels like a massive warehouse isn’t exactly homely. 

That’s where broken-plan living comes in. This new interior layout trend is utterly upending expectations and giving people the best of both worlds. 

Broken-plan living is precisely what it sounds like. You’re breaking up open-plan spaces using clever design features, such as mezzanine areas, pitted living rooms, screens, and retractable blinds. The idea is to provide more flexibility. When you’re in the mood, you can open the place up how you like. And when you want more privacy, you can close it off. 

So why do people love this concept? 

It Allows You To Zone More Effectively

In the old days, people would just dump all their furniture in a large space and not really think about zoning. There was a distinction between the living room and kitchen, but it wasn’t formal or physically marked.

Broken-plan concepts, however, provide a half-way house between traditional living space layout and something more open. For instance, we’re seeing a lot of people using bookcases to separate modern sofas and seating areas from dining areas and kitchens. 

It Makes Your Home More Cozy

Here’s another reason people are getting totally obsessed with broken-plan living – it makes homes feel much cozier.

When you think about it, the traditional open-plan layout isn’t particularly warming. It looks great, and it provides you with a sense of freedom and space. But living in one large room doesn’t feel the same as the environment in which you grew up. And that can make you feel a little alienated from your surroundings. 

Again, broken-plan interiors offer a compromise. You get that same sense of space (and it always remains an option), but you’re also able to feel a sense of seclusion when you want it. Screening or dividing provides options. 

It’s More Attractive

Broken-plan living is also surprisingly attractive. You would think that putting up screens and dividers would be a negative, but it’s actually a plus. 

Why? Because it creates more visual interest. 

Imagine having a mezzanine living level connected via steps to a kitchen. It provides open-plan, but it also entirely transforms the psychology of the space. You no longer feel like you’re knee-deep in pots and pans. You’re able to relax. 

It’s Better For Work

Finally, there’s the practical matter that many people now work remotely. It helps, therefore, to separate the office space from the rest of the home, especially for zoom calls and business meetings. 

Krystal | Sunny Sweet Days
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