Blog Post

Where have all the walls gone? Walls have been disappearing in new contemporary floor plans as home owners crave less separation between spaces, more light, and a more free-flowing feel. A great room or family room, kitchen combination is almost a must in any remodel or new construction. This design trend has also carried over to our work spaces where open office trends have continued to gain traction. As open living spaces change the way we live and interact, how have they affected the way we work?

Open office concepts are meant to encourage collaboration, break down traditional barriers, foster creativity and promote better health through design. Open designs
maximize space and lower costs. But there has also been some backlash. Privacy, sound distraction, and lower productivity have been cited by many who oppose the concept. Some offices are rolling back the purely open floor plan in favor of finding a happier medium between distraction free productivity while still allowing for a collaborative environment.

Ultimately the work environment should mirror the company’s core concepts, as should the home. Central spaces provide areas for people to gather, socialize, and collaborate but that doesn't mean we should do away with private spaces altogether. The open design trend doesn't looks like it’s going anywhere anytime soon; but, it will be exciting to see how trends adapt in 2015.

How do you feel about open design concepts for work and home?