Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a large house with formal DR and LR, library and closed kitchen. The closed-door plan isolates the hostess during casual parties, creates subgroups that don't mix and mingle and the kitchen is not near the patio or barbecue making for long treks back and forth[i][b]. Outside of parties, DH cooks and I clean so one or the other of us is stuck in the kitchen alone or with one kid helping.

The closed floor plan is history. I'm going to be re-doing our first floor layout for modern life.

From ePlans:
Open layouts are becoming more and more popular, making up the majority of today's bestselling plans. Homes with open floor plans combine the kitchen and adjacent living areas into a single, large gathering space where family members and guests can interact during the entire course of a visit, not just during the sit-down meal. The result is a home that encourages a more modern relationship between the kitchen, traditionally considered a working zone, and formal spaces such as the living room and dining room. In fact, open floor plans elevate the kitchen to the heart and functional center of the home, often featuring an island that provides extra counter space and a snack bar with casual seating. Vaulted or decorative ceilings add drama. An open layout is a great way to maximize space in a small plan.

What I have underlined, bolded, and italicized sounds good to me. I like little groups at parties. I don't like big auditorium-style gathering where everyone's laughing uproariously at one single stupid joke one person said. Smaller groups allow for more nuance and more personalization.

Agree. Person whose ILs have open-plan back again:

At their Christmas party, even though their whole house is open-plan, people kept trying to escape periodically into the small, small den at the front of the house. A TV was on in there for children and the adults would go into there if they just wanted some peace and quiet or to get away for a bit. My MIL kept exclaiming, "I bought this big, open house and everybody keeps trying to escape into the den!!" People LIKE opportunities for small gatherings, a change to get away from the group and recharge, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Because a PP talked about wanting to close the doors between rooms to keep her dog confined to where it is "allowed." Asswipe.

Haven't you ever had houseguests who don't like dogs? I've had children in my house who are absolutely terrified of our dog, even though she wouldn't hurt a fly. Some people are not dog lovers.

Heck, I'm not even a dog lover - I don't DISlike them, but my husband is the dog person and I am a cat person. I do NOT find it cute when the first thing a bigger dog does upon meeting you is ram its nose into your crotch.

Right. The dog goes outside. Or in its crate. I'm not picking a flippin floor plan based on a DOG. I'd get rid of the damned dog before I'd build my life around it like that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a large house with formal DR and LR, library and closed kitchen. The closed-door plan isolates the hostess during casual parties, creates subgroups that don't mix and mingle and the kitchen is not near the patio or barbecue making for long treks back and forth[i]. Outside of parties, DH cooks and I clean so one or the other of us is stuck in the kitchen alone or with one kid helping.

The closed floor plan is history. I'm going to be re-doing our first floor layout for modern life.

From ePlans:
Open layouts are becoming more and more popular, making up the majority of today's bestselling plans. Homes with open floor plans combine the kitchen and adjacent living areas into a single, large gathering space where family members and guests can interact during the entire course of a visit, not just during the sit-down meal. The result is a home that encourages a more modern relationship between the kitchen, traditionally considered a working zone, and formal spaces such as the living room and dining room. In fact, open floor plans elevate the kitchen to the heart and functional center of the home, often featuring an island that provides extra counter space and a snack bar with casual seating. Vaulted or decorative ceilings add drama. An open layout is a great way to maximize space in a small plan.

What I have underlined, bolded, and italicized sounds good to me. I like little groups at parties. I don't like big auditorium-style gathering where everyone's laughing uproariously at one single stupid joke one person said. [b]Smaller groups allow for more nuance and more personalization.

WTF? Why are you throwing large parties then, if the uproarious laughter of people actually having fun makes you uncomfortable?

Anonymous wrote:

Because a PP talked about wanting to close the doors between rooms to keep her dog confined to where it is "allowed." Asswipe.

Haven't you ever had houseguests who don't like dogs? I've had children in my house who are absolutely terrified of our dog, even though she wouldn't hurt a fly. Some people are not dog lovers.

Heck, I'm not even a dog lover - I don't DISlike them, but my husband is the dog person and I am a cat person. I do NOT find it cute when the first thing a bigger dog does upon meeting you is ram its nose into your crotch.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love having separate spaces for different things. When we have parties, it is nice for different groups to congregate in different areas. And I can set up the dining room in advance because it isn't in the main gathering area. That said, we have a semi-open floorplan - large walkways between most rooms. I can see the family room from the kitchen, but we also have a pocket door that can close the kitchen off. The kitchen itself is big enough for 6 or so people to gather. This arrangement has really worked for our family.
That said, I probably have a dinner party or other party where I'm cooking about 5 times a year. It always cracks me up on house hunters and other HGTV shows when people look at open kitchens and say "ooh, i love that I"ll be able to cook and still interact with my guests at parties." Unless you have a party every week, that seems like a really silly reason to choose a floorplan!

I guess I don't understand the preference to have your party guests separate from one another. I'd hate having to host and running from one room to another to talk to all of my guests. We only feel comfortable inviting a limited number of people to our (closed floorplan) house at once specifically for that reason. I wish we had a larger open space to invite more of our friends and family over.

+1 We moved from our shitty, boxy, 1200sf DC townhouse into an open floor plan house twice the size in a different area. I've died and gone to heaven because I love to host and now I actually have the space, including a deck, patio and actual yard for outoor entertainment in the warm months. I think a lot of people on this thread are just trying to pep talk themselves into loving their tiny, cramped spaces.

On the contrary, I HAVE a spacious open-floor plan and I hate it! I am the one saying I want to close doors b/w rooms!

You might want to get rid of the pet. Planning your house around a pet seems a bit nuts to me. The dog can be trained or go outside.

Pretty stupid people on this thread. Who ever said pet = dog?

Because a PP talked about wanting to close the doors between rooms to keep her dog confined to where it is "allowed." Asswipe.

Ahh, I see. ONE person said it, so you thought ALL of us meant that. I get it now. . .NOT!

Okay. Get a fucking life. I directed a comment primarily toward the person who made that comment. Sorry you're so hung up on this detail, crazy cat lady.

Anonymous wrote:I have a large house with formal DR and LR, library and closed kitchen. The closed-door plan isolates the hostess during casual parties, creates subgroups that don't mix and mingle and the kitchen is not near the patio or barbecue making for long treks back and forth[i][b]. Outside of parties, DH cooks and I clean so one or the other of us is stuck in the kitchen alone or with one kid helping.

The closed floor plan is history. I'm going to be re-doing our first floor layout for modern life.

From ePlans:
Open layouts are becoming more and more popular, making up the majority of today's bestselling plans. Homes with open floor plans combine the kitchen and adjacent living areas into a single, large gathering space where family members and guests can interact during the entire course of a visit, not just during the sit-down meal. The result is a home that encourages a more modern relationship between the kitchen, traditionally considered a working zone, and formal spaces such as the living room and dining room. In fact, open floor plans elevate the kitchen to the heart and functional center of the home, often featuring an island that provides extra counter space and a snack bar with casual seating. Vaulted or decorative ceilings add drama. An open layout is a great way to maximize space in a small plan.

What I have underlined, bolded, and italicized sounds good to me. I like little groups at parties. I don't like big auditorium-style gathering where everyone's laughing uproariously at one single stupid joke one person said. Smaller groups allow for more nuance and more personalization.

Anonymous wrote:I have a large house with formal DR and LR, library and closed kitchen. The closed-door plan isolates the hostess during casual parties, creates subgroups that don't mix and mingle and the kitchen is not near the patio or barbecue making for long treks back and forth. Outside of parties, DH cooks and I clean so one or the other of us is stuck in the kitchen alone or with one kid helping.

The closed floor plan is history. I'm going to be re-doing our first floor layout for modern life.

From ePlans:
Open layouts are becoming more and more popular, making up the majority of today's bestselling plans. Homes with open floor plans combine the kitchen and adjacent living areas into a single, large gathering space where family members and guests can interact during the entire course of a visit, not just during the sit-down meal. The result is a home that encourages a more modern relationship between the kitchen, traditionally considered a working zone, and formal spaces such as the living room and dining room. In fact, open floor plans elevate the kitchen to the heart and functional center of the home, often featuring an island that provides extra counter space and a snack bar with casual seating. Vaulted or decorative ceilings add drama. An open layout is a great way to maximize space in a small plan.

Exactly. So are the notions that no one can ever see your home in less than pristine, controlled conditions during some stuffy, formal affair. The people I'm inviting to my house don't give one shit if they can see the party buffet on the kitchen island from the family room. In fact, they love the easy access!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love having separate spaces for different things. When we have parties, it is nice for different groups to congregate in different areas. And I can set up the dining room in advance because it isn't in the main gathering area. That said, we have a semi-open floorplan - large walkways between most rooms. I can see the family room from the kitchen, but we also have a pocket door that can close the kitchen off. The kitchen itself is big enough for 6 or so people to gather. This arrangement has really worked for our family.
That said, I probably have a dinner party or other party where I'm cooking about 5 times a year. It always cracks me up on house hunters and other HGTV shows when people look at open kitchens and say "ooh, i love that I"ll be able to cook and still interact with my guests at parties." Unless you have a party every week, that seems like a really silly reason to choose a floorplan!

I guess I don't understand the preference to have your party guests separate from one another. I'd hate having to host and running from one room to another to talk to all of my guests. We only feel comfortable inviting a limited number of people to our (closed floorplan) house at once specifically for that reason. I wish we had a larger open space to invite more of our friends and family over.

+1 We moved from our shitty, boxy, 1200sf DC townhouse into an open floor plan house twice the size in a different area. I've died and gone to heaven because I love to host and now I actually have the space, including a deck, patio and actual yard for outoor entertainment in the warm months. I think a lot of people on this thread are just trying to pep talk themselves into loving their tiny, cramped spaces.

On the contrary, I HAVE a spacious open-floor plan and I hate it! I am the one saying I want to close doors b/w rooms!

You might want to get rid of the pet. Planning your house around a pet seems a bit nuts to me. The dog can be trained or go outside.

Pretty stupid people on this thread. Who ever said pet = dog?

Because a PP talked about wanting to close the doors between rooms to keep her dog confined to where it is "allowed." Asswipe.

Ahh, I see. ONE person said it, so you thought ALL of us meant that. I get it now. . .NOT!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love having separate spaces for different things. When we have parties, it is nice for different groups to congregate in different areas. And I can set up the dining room in advance because it isn't in the main gathering area. That said, we have a semi-open floorplan - large walkways between most rooms. I can see the family room from the kitchen, but we also have a pocket door that can close the kitchen off. The kitchen itself is big enough for 6 or so people to gather. This arrangement has really worked for our family.
That said, I probably have a dinner party or other party where I'm cooking about 5 times a year. It always cracks me up on house hunters and other HGTV shows when people look at open kitchens and say "ooh, i love that I"ll be able to cook and still interact with my guests at parties." Unless you have a party every week, that seems like a really silly reason to choose a floorplan!

I guess I don't understand the preference to have your party guests separate from one another. I'd hate having to host and running from one room to another to talk to all of my guests. We only feel comfortable inviting a limited number of people to our (closed floorplan) house at once specifically for that reason. I wish we had a larger open space to invite more of our friends and family over.

+1 We moved from our shitty, boxy, 1200sf DC townhouse into an open floor plan house twice the size in a different area. I've died and gone to heaven because I love to host and now I actually have the space, including a deck, patio and actual yard for outoor entertainment in the warm months. I think a lot of people on this thread are just trying to pep talk themselves into loving their tiny, cramped spaces.

On the contrary, I HAVE a spacious open-floor plan and I hate it! I am the one saying I want to close doors b/w rooms!

You might want to get rid of the pet. Planning your house around a pet seems a bit nuts to me. The dog can be trained or go outside.

Pretty stupid people on this thread. Who ever said pet = dog?

Possibility pet rats on shitshack

There you are! Surprised it took you so long to show up.

I have a large house with formal DR and LR, library and closed kitchen. The closed-door plan isolates the hostess during casual parties, creates subgroups that don't mix and mingle and the kitchen is not near the patio or barbecue making for long treks back and forth. Outside of parties, DH cooks and I clean so one or the other of us is stuck in the kitchen alone or with one kid helping.

The closed floor plan is history. I'm going to be re-doing our first floor layout for modern life.

From ePlans:
Open layouts are becoming more and more popular, making up the majority of today's bestselling plans. Homes with open floor plans combine the kitchen and adjacent living areas into a single, large gathering space where family members and guests can interact during the entire course of a visit, not just during the sit-down meal. The result is a home that encourages a more modern relationship between the kitchen, traditionally considered a working zone, and formal spaces such as the living room and dining room. In fact, open floor plans elevate the kitchen to the heart and functional center of the home, often featuring an island that provides extra counter space and a snack bar with casual seating. Vaulted or decorative ceilings add drama. An open layout is a great way to maximize space in a small plan.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love having separate spaces for different things. When we have parties, it is nice for different groups to congregate in different areas. And I can set up the dining room in advance because it isn't in the main gathering area. That said, we have a semi-open floorplan - large walkways between most rooms. I can see the family room from the kitchen, but we also have a pocket door that can close the kitchen off. The kitchen itself is big enough for 6 or so people to gather. This arrangement has really worked for our family.
That said, I probably have a dinner party or other party where I'm cooking about 5 times a year. It always cracks me up on house hunters and other HGTV shows when people look at open kitchens and say "ooh, i love that I"ll be able to cook and still interact with my guests at parties." Unless you have a party every week, that seems like a really silly reason to choose a floorplan!

I guess I don't understand the preference to have your party guests separate from one another. I'd hate having to host and running from one room to another to talk to all of my guests. We only feel comfortable inviting a limited number of people to our (closed floorplan) house at once specifically for that reason. I wish we had a larger open space to invite more of our friends and family over.

+1 We moved from our shitty, boxy, 1200sf DC townhouse into an open floor plan house twice the size in a different area. I've died and gone to heaven because I love to host and now I actually have the space, including a deck, patio and actual yard for outoor entertainment in the warm months. I think a lot of people on this thread are just trying to pep talk themselves into loving their tiny, cramped spaces.

On the contrary, I HAVE a spacious open-floor plan and I hate it! I am the one saying I want to close doors b/w rooms!

You might want to get rid of the pet. Planning your house around a pet seems a bit nuts to me. The dog can be trained or go outside.

Pretty stupid people on this thread. Who ever said pet = dog?

Because a PP talked about wanting to close the doors between rooms to keep her dog confined to where it is "allowed." Asswipe.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love having separate spaces for different things. When we have parties, it is nice for different groups to congregate in different areas. And I can set up the dining room in advance because it isn't in the main gathering area. That said, we have a semi-open floorplan - large walkways between most rooms. I can see the family room from the kitchen, but we also have a pocket door that can close the kitchen off. The kitchen itself is big enough for 6 or so people to gather. This arrangement has really worked for our family.
That said, I probably have a dinner party or other party where I'm cooking about 5 times a year. It always cracks me up on house hunters and other HGTV shows when people look at open kitchens and say "ooh, i love that I"ll be able to cook and still interact with my guests at parties." Unless you have a party every week, that seems like a really silly reason to choose a floorplan!

I guess I don't understand the preference to have your party guests separate from one another. I'd hate having to host and running from one room to another to talk to all of my guests. We only feel comfortable inviting a limited number of people to our (closed floorplan) house at once specifically for that reason. I wish we had a larger open space to invite more of our friends and family over.

+1 We moved from our shitty, boxy, 1200sf DC townhouse into an open floor plan house twice the size in a different area. I've died and gone to heaven because I love to host and now I actually have the space, including a deck, patio and actual yard for outoor entertainment in the warm months. I think a lot of people on this thread are just trying to pep talk themselves into loving their tiny, cramped spaces.

On the contrary, I HAVE a spacious open-floor plan and I hate it! I am the one saying I want to close doors b/w rooms!

You might want to get rid of the pet. Planning your house around a pet seems a bit nuts to me. The dog can be trained or go outside.

Pretty stupid people on this thread. Who ever said pet = dog?

Possibility pet rats on shitshack

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love having separate spaces for different things. When we have parties, it is nice for different groups to congregate in different areas. And I can set up the dining room in advance because it isn't in the main gathering area. That said, we have a semi-open floorplan - large walkways between most rooms. I can see the family room from the kitchen, but we also have a pocket door that can close the kitchen off. The kitchen itself is big enough for 6 or so people to gather. This arrangement has really worked for our family.
That said, I probably have a dinner party or other party where I'm cooking about 5 times a year. It always cracks me up on house hunters and other HGTV shows when people look at open kitchens and say "ooh, i love that I"ll be able to cook and still interact with my guests at parties." Unless you have a party every week, that seems like a really silly reason to choose a floorplan!

I guess I don't understand the preference to have your party guests separate from one another. I'd hate having to host and running from one room to another to talk to all of my guests. We only feel comfortable inviting a limited number of people to our (closed floorplan) house at once specifically for that reason. I wish we had a larger open space to invite more of our friends and family over.

+1 We moved from our shitty, boxy, 1200sf DC townhouse into an open floor plan house twice the size in a different area. I've died and gone to heaven because I love to host and now I actually have the space, including a deck, patio and actual yard for outoor entertainment in the warm months. I think a lot of people on this thread are just trying to pep talk themselves into loving their tiny, cramped spaces.

On the contrary, I HAVE a spacious open-floor plan and I hate it! I am the one saying I want to close doors b/w rooms!

You might want to get rid of the pet. Planning your house around a pet seems a bit nuts to me. The dog can be trained or go outside.

Pretty stupid people on this thread. Who ever said pet = dog?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not like open floor plans either. For one thing, we have pets, and I want to be able to shut the friggin' door b/w one room to another to keep the pets out of areas where they are permitted. As it stands now, the whole middle floor of our open plan house is: living room (formal), dining room (formal), and kitchen. And there is no way to SHUT a freaking door to keep them out of the formal rooms. This is TOPS on our list for our next home.

Number two reason why I do not like open floor plans: noise carries, and carries, and carries. When we were at my in-laws' for Christmas, it was impossible for my 6yo DD to get to sleep at night b/c everybody's holiday chatter was making so much noise, and it just reverberates and echoes throughout the whole house. There was nowhere to get away, to have some privacy and quiet.

Did you live in a warehouse or barn without rooms? Most houses have a main area that is open and either a 2nd floor, basement or other section with rooms with doors.

Yes, you guessed it. I did not want to put it out on here, but I DO live in a warehouse or a barn without rooms.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love having separate spaces for different things. When we have parties, it is nice for different groups to congregate in different areas. And I can set up the dining room in advance because it isn't in the main gathering area. That said, we have a semi-open floorplan - large walkways between most rooms. I can see the family room from the kitchen, but we also have a pocket door that can close the kitchen off. The kitchen itself is big enough for 6 or so people to gather. This arrangement has really worked for our family.
That said, I probably have a dinner party or other party where I'm cooking about 5 times a year. It always cracks me up on house hunters and other HGTV shows when people look at open kitchens and say "ooh, i love that I"ll be able to cook and still interact with my guests at parties." Unless you have a party every week, that seems like a really silly reason to choose a floorplan!

I guess I don't understand the preference to have your party guests separate from one another. I'd hate having to host and running from one room to another to talk to all of my guests. We only feel comfortable inviting a limited number of people to our (closed floorplan) house at once specifically for that reason. I wish we had a larger open space to invite more of our friends and family over.

+1 We moved from our shitty, boxy, 1200sf DC townhouse into an open floor plan house twice the size in a different area. I've died and gone to heaven because I love to host and now I actually have the space, including a deck, patio and actual yard for outoor entertainment in the warm months. I think a lot of people on this thread are just trying to pep talk themselves into loving their tiny, cramped spaces.

On the contrary, I HAVE a spacious open-floor plan and I hate it! I am the one saying I want to close doors b/w rooms!

You might want to get rid of the pet. Planning your house around a pet seems a bit nuts to me. The dog can be trained or go outside.