As this fast-paced world continues to shape our daily lives, we have seen a direct correlation with how we plan and design our personal spaces. The hustle and bustle of daily life makes calmer moments in the home; moments of togetherness and bonding, all the more important, directly influencing how we consider spatial layouts.

Although space planning has remained constant in many essential ways in terms of private rooms, how we define common areas in the home has seen a shift away from traditionally divided rooms; separated by function. In it’s place has evolved the more organic and loosely defined “open concept” approach. Open concept plans have become an essential way to connect spaces and allow for easier monitoring of young children, better sight lines and more natural togetherness during social gatherings, just to name a few perks.

As a result, what was once referred to as the “heart of the home”, no longer is - at least not entirely. While still very much a top-of-the-list priority for most home-owners, the kitchen now shares it’s title with another space: the family room. Read on to see how this shift has impacted our use of space, how we define and connect open areas, and how we anticipate a continuing evolution of our approach to home design.

1. Multiuse Within Connected Spaces

Now that we’ve expanded the former heart of the home to include the family room and, more often than not, the dining room as well (read on for how our dining practices have evolved!), allocating “zones” for each area ensures careful balance and flow throughout. Creating visual balance can be tricky when planning how different elements will be organize in an open area, for example family room furniture open to kitchen cabinetry and appliances, however if this is carefully considered, the results can be amazing.

Our first step is always a collaborative discussion with the home-owners about their vision and goals. Common asks often include large islands, plenty of storage, an informal dining area, and furniture layouts which allow for ample and comfortable seating. Positioning these big ticket items can actually serve as transitional stopers between spaces, defining the different uses of the overall space and creating focal points as well. Determining ahead of time what the “must-haves” versus the “like-to-haves” is an integral step in laying down the foundation for a beautifully functional layout.

2. The Evolution of Entertaining

Characterized as a place where family and friends gather to relax, interact and bond, the “heart of the home” is very simply put, a space in which we enjoy each other’s company - no pretenses required. In traditional layouts the kitchen, like other rooms, was segregated from other areas, either creating a disconnect for the person busy in the kitchen, or resulting in an overwhelming overflow of people congregating within the kitchen walls. Although this often resulted in memorable, if not chaotic, moments with loved ones, it also often created an overcrowded and stressful environment. With the onset of open concept spaces and removal of separating walls, the congested was alleviated with occupants now situated in the adjacent areas, relaxing on the sofa, drink in hand, while in conversation with the chef. Day-to-day life now has children laughing and playing with their toys in direct view of their caregiver, a movie playing in the background as meals are prepared, or a cup of coffee is enjoyed. Stress gone - or, at least lessened!

3. Informal Formal Dining

More and more we are seeing an increase in popularity for eliminating formal dining spaces, opting instead for dining nooks for family meals within the newly defined open concept area and reallocating the former dining space to either a larger kitchen, or family room. Island seating is often incorporated for breakfast meals and snack time, functioning as a way to reconnect with the chef, this time with a physical barrier between the chef and other occupants.

When it comes to formal dining during special occasions and gatherings, factoring in dining pieces that allow for expansion and ensuring ample space is available for these events ensures that the home can accommodate everything from a casual weekday meal to an extended family gathering during the holidays. By doing so, the newly defined “heart of the home” truly is where every shared experience takes place.

4. Semi-Private Zones

Over the past few years as families found themselves in close quarters for more than we were typically accustomed to, the open concept layout at times felt a bit TOO open. Many families expressed the need for quiet zones, or semi-private spaces to allow for concentration during meetings, or home schooling. With an overall goal of maintaining openness, creating transitional, or multi-purpose spaces became a clever to way to check satisfy the need for privacy. Closed millwork which opened up to reveal desk space when required, or framing in pocket doors that could be closed during meeting times and open during down times, were a few of the design solutions that accomplished this. In the future, with the work-from-home approach still incorporated to some extent, we anticipate a fusion of the traditional function-based spaces and the open concept approach.