Rethinking the Open-Plan Space

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><md>I like some open plans and I like some of these ideas! Some open plans just have no defined space and I'm not crazy about them, but some manage to have defined spaces in the form of pony walls, or plant stands or someething and still remain open for entertaining. I could probably live with an open space if it was defined somewhat.


If I am ever in a position to be able to plan and build my own house it has to have LOTS of NATURAL light and the breakfast eating area full of the morning sun and view of a private yard with a smallish pool and hot tub, BBQ and lounging area \- bit of grass and other greenery, not all cement, no mulch unless its in flower beds or base of trees &amp; don't want to see much of the neighbours' houses, and desert yards are not my cup of tea \- I do like a few tall grasses here and there though, I think some are very beautiful.


As for rooms, the \#1 thing on my list will be a butler's pantry off the kitchen \- most wonderful things I've ever seen \- places for all the big "stuff" like the Instant Pot, the mix\-master, the foodprocessor, (and a section of the butler's pantry counter will actually be a mobile little table/island on wheels so you can just slide your heavy stuff on and wheel it to the kitchen when you want it, wheel it back and park it when done!) the baking pans, etc, all the canned goods, the seasonal and regular linens, etc, extra &amp; dishes and cutlery, a bit of extra counter space. \#2 will be a kitchen with LOTS of windows including a large one above the sink overlooking the backyard, a built\-in wine/beverage fridge, a pot filler faucet above the stovetop, double ovens, all lowers cabinets pull out drawer types, NO open shelving for dishes, glasses etc, a little bit would be ok for some serving bowls maybe, central vac with the toe\-kick "dustpan", open or semi open to a dining area with room to expand the dining table to sit 10 (and if it's possible I want a round or square table (not rectangle or oval) to sit 4 or 6 regularly, then a leaf that stores attached underneath the table that you oop up and slide into place when you pull the table apart to expand it to seat 10), \#3 on the list will be a large laundry room with windows, that has a counter for folding, a deep utility sink, a bar rack for hanging things to dry or hang out of the dryer, a closed cupboard that holds the vacuum hose, brooms, cleaning supply etc, the ironing board comes out of the wall, an extra apartment sized fridge for beverages and entertaining goodies, also a chest freezer. \#4 will be a type of "mudroom" at the BACK of the house, with a bench for sitting, and an enclosed wardrobe to store all the winter coats, boots etc. \#5 At the front door there will be a GUEST coat closet (family members on notice they will suffer the wrath if they stuff it up with their own coats etc) with a padded bench to sit. \#6 will be a living room like the cozy sitting room with a big flame fireplace like shown in the pics above \- LOVE IT just need it a bit bigger and off the kitchen dining room with a wide opening. \#7 on the list will be to do with bedrooms/bathrooms set up: I want 3 bedrooms \- master with big walk\-in closet, both the master <b>and 1 guest room ensuited</b> (master bedroom with <b>walk\-in jet tub</b>/shower unit, and guest bedroom with a 4 pc regular ensuite, plus another just plain guest room), then a 2pc powder room at the beginning of the hall for easy access from the living, kitchen areas but not seen from them, all bathrooms will be down a wide hallway "wing" with NONE of them right off the living room or any other room, \#8 will be a rec room with big TV, pool table, bar area, and another powder room. \#9 will be a front covered front porch. \#10 a small office. I add to the list every time I watch HGTV lol but those are my "for sures". Seems like I "built" my dream house room by room and built the house around the rooms, r

I couldn't Agree More!!

Right-o. The open floor plan in our new home isn't working for us, either. Sports enthusiasts in one room and kids playing in the other room - mamma in the middle ready for a meltdown. I can take one or the other, but not both at the same time. Ours will be like the attached photo, but narrower and with an arched top. We are seeking a partition wall, choosing see-through sliding door or french doors + an arch at the top.

Although I realize the fragility of glass partitions when you have kids in the house... at this point, I don't know what else to do. Unless I design a sexier barn door...lol. How did those dreadful barn doors get into the city?????? hahaha!