Open Concept vs. Defined Spaces: Best Choice for Bay Area Homes
Have you ever found yourself standing in your living room, staring at that wall that separates one room from another, and wondering to yourself, Should I take this wall down? Then you are not alone. The open concept versus defined space argument has been driving the discussion of design over the years. And it is not only a matter of style, but a statement on how you live, entertain, and relax here in the Bay Area, where homes vary in style as much as the Victorians in San Francisco to the sun-kissed estates in Napa.
We have experienced it all in L+P Interiors. There are those clients who fantasize about open spaces that allow the light to stream in and those who want comfortable nooks and rooms that serve specific functions. The spell consists of discovering the layout that suits your working style, the architecture of your house, and the surrounding space.
Start your layout consultation with L+P Interiors →
The Design Dilemma: Open vs. Defined
To begin with, prior to discussing pros, cons, and in-betweens, we have to straighten out some terminology.
The concept of open design would result in fewer walls within the main areas of living. This can include a kitchen, dining room, and living room all in one. It is large, open, and frequently a good place to entertain.
A defined space layout keeps rooms separate, each with its own character and function. Doors, partial walls, or even just clever furniture placement create that sense of separation.
At L+P, we don’t subscribe to design “rules.” Principal Ansley Majit puts it simply:
“Every home has its own story. Our job is to listen to that story and decide if it needs open chapters or well-defined paragraphs.”
That’s why our portfolio includes both styles, from breezy modern builds to charming historic restorations.
See examples of both open and defined designs in our portfolio →
The Bay Area Factor: Why Layout Matters More Here
Bay Area homes aren't merely square footage-they are context. In a hillside home or ranch in Marin, a floor plan that best delivers views and natural light may be required, whereas in a Pacific Heights Victorian, the home may need to maintain its historical character.
Space is at a premium in smaller city lots, and an open layout could make the rooms appear larger. In wine country estates, there’s often room to play with both openness and intimacy.
And lifestyle here matters, too:
Multi-generational living? Defined spaces can create privacy.
Work from home? You might need quiet zones, even in an otherwise open plan.
Love to entertain? An open flow from the kitchen to the patio might be essential.
Megan Bettor, our Studio Director, says:
“The first thing we ask is how you really live at home. Do you thrive on the buzz of everyone moving around you, or do you crave little escapes of quiet? Once we know that, the right layout starts to reveal itself.”
Start your Bay Area design conversation with L+P Interiors →
The Case for Open-Concept Floor Plans
An open-concept home feels like a deep breath—wide, connected, and full of light. It invites movement and conversation. Guests can lounge in the living room while you prep dinner without feeling cut off. Kids can play within eyesight while you work in the kitchen.
Why people love open-concept spaces:
Light & air: Fewer walls mean more natural light spreading throughout.
Flexibility: Furniture can be rearranged for different occasions.
Social connection: Perfect for gatherings and keeping everyone in sight.
One of our favorite examples is the St. Helena residence. The customers were wine lovers who were fond of making fun and had spectacular vineyard scenery. We designed a plan that dissolved the boundary between the indoors and outdoors, with sliding glass walls, opened the living room to a terrace, and the kitchen seamlessly led to both. It was not only the process of taking away the walls, but also making people feel like a unit, and expressing the setting.
Open plans are still popular. The National Association of Home Builders notes that open layouts remain a top request, even as people adapt spaces for hybrid work and living.
Thinking about opening up your space? Consult L+P Interiors’ team →
The Case for Defined Spaces
But here’s the flip side—sometimes a little separation is exactly what a home needs.
Defined layouts create intimacy, focus, and purpose. It is possible to close a door, reduce the sound, and have a total involvement in what you are doing. It is particularly useful in a post-pandemic environment, where remote learning and working have encouraged families to develop greater areas of privacy.
Why defined spaces work:
Acoustic control: Less sound travels between rooms.
Distinct functions: A dining room feels like a dining room, not a pass-through.
Cozy character: Especially suited to older homes with architectural charm.
We saw this in a Belvedere home we designed. The property had rich, historic details
we didn’t want to erase it. Instead of opening everything, we enhanced the flow between existing rooms while preserving their individual character. The result? A house that felt warm, layered, and true to its history.
Design platforms like Houzz have noted a growing interest in re-introducing separation through creative solutions, proof that defined spaces aren’t going anywhere.
Explore how L+P Interiors redefines defined spaces →
Hybrids + Flexibility: The New Layout
Increasingly, our clients aren’t choosing strictly open or closed—they’re asking for both.
Hybrids employ soft separation between spaces, glass, sliding panels, cabinetry dividers, so that spaces feel joined but can remain personal. A transition between rooms can be marked by materials and/or ceiling treatment or even a change in flooring.
The open living-dining-kitchen core we maintained in our Sausalito home project had a new custom-built in-wall unit that offered storage and display, as well as a visual separation. The result felt open but functional, with distinct “zones” that worked for the family’s daily life.
Let L+P help uncover what hybrid layout makes sense for your home →
L+P Interiors’ Approach to Floor Plan Planning
For us, layout decisions aren’t just technical—they’re deeply personal. Here’s how we approach it:
Story first: We start by understanding how you live, what you value, and the mood you want in your home.
Architecture next: We study your home’s bones—its history, style, and setting.
Lifestyle fit: Entertaining, working, relaxing—your layout should support it all.
Collaboration: We work with architects, contractors, and you from concept to completion to make sure every detail feels right.
Our clients tell us they feel heard, understood, and—most importantly—at home in their redesigned spaces.
Reach out to discuss how you live—and how your layout can reflect it →
Beyond Square Footage: Making Every Layout Feel Personal
You don’t need thousands of square feet to have a great layout. Whether it’s an 800-square-foot apartment or an 8,000-square-foot estate, we see layout as a storytelling tool.
Even furnishing-only projects benefit from smart space planning. A sofa placement can define a “room” in an open plan. A bookshelf can become a subtle divider in a studio apartment.
The point is—every home deserves a layout that reflects the people in it.
Your Next Steps
Whether you are a convert of the open-concept lifestyle or strictly on team cozy corners, the fact of the matter is: great design isn’t partisan. You are selected by it. The correct layout is the one that suits your life, your home, and your dreams.
Explore our project gallery for inspiration, or contact us to start designing a home that feels exactly right.
Quick Guide: Is Open Concept or Defined Better for You?
FAQs
1. Why are more builders saying no to open-concept homes in the Bay Area?
A: Many Bay Area builders are moving away from open-concept designs due to rising demand for privacy, noise control, and energy efficiency. Defined spaces help create dedicated zones for remote work, hobbies, and family activities—needs that grew significantly during and after the pandemic.
2. What are the main cons of open-concept homes?
A: The biggest drawbacks include higher noise levels, less privacy, and limited wall space for storage or decor. Heating and cooling can also be less efficient in large, open areas, which may lead to higher utility bills in Bay Area climates.
3. Why is open-plan living no longer as popular?
A: While open-plan living was trendy for years, many homeowners now prefer flexible layouts with semi-enclosed or fully defined spaces. This shift is driven by lifestyle changes, such as working from home, homeschooling, and the need for quiet, functional rooms.
4. Does an open-concept design increase home value in the Bay Area?
A: Open-concept layouts can still boost appeal for buyers who love airy, connected spaces. However, in the Bay Area, value depends on how well the design balances openness with functionality—homes that offer a mix of both often perform best in the market.
5. How do I choose between open concept and defined spaces for my home?
A: Consider your lifestyle, noise tolerance, and daily routines. If you need multi-use rooms and love a connected feel, open concept may work best. If privacy, focus, and energy efficiency are priorities, defined spaces could be the better choice.
6. Can I add walls to an open floor plan without ruining the design?
A: Yes—partial walls, glass partitions, sliding panels, or strategically placed shelving can define spaces without sacrificing natural light or flow. This approach is popular in Bay Area remodels where homeowners want flexibility.
