Open plan is not the answer: design professionals on the dos and don’ts of small space living

Design professionals warn that open-plan layouts are often unsuitable for small homes, advocating for more strategic and compartmentalized designs. Their insights come ahead of a free talk at the National Gallery of Victoria, where they will share practical advice for maximizing small living spaces.

Colin Chee, a Melbourne-based designer and founder of the YouTube channel Never Too Small, emphasizes that rushing into a fully furnished small space can be counterproductive. He recommends living in the space first to understand its needs before making costly modifications, often using budget-friendly, secondhand furniture and modular systems.

Tahj Rosmarin, another designer, advocates for avoiding traditional open-plan layouts in small homes. Instead, he suggests creating visual connections through tactical openings, such as a cafeteria-style window between kitchen and living areas, which can hide mess and improve spatial flow without costly renovations.

Claire Scorpo highlights the importance of using vertical space, such as elevating beds for storage or creating separate zones within small rooms. She also stresses that multifunctional furniture and thoughtful partitioning are key to maintaining privacy and functionality in limited square footage.

Why It Matters

This advice matters because many Australians live in small apartments due to housing shortages, and poorly designed spaces can impact comfort and mental well-being. Recognizing that open plans are not always suitable encourages smarter, more adaptable solutions that improve quality of life and optimize limited space.

Background

Since the 2010s, small apartments and micro-homes have become increasingly common in Australian cities, driven by housing affordability issues. Design trends often favored open-plan layouts, but recent experiences and expert opinions suggest that such configurations may not serve small spaces well. You can find more tips in this article on overland truck builds.

“Homes will never be perfect, and small spaces need time to understand their potential before making costly changes.”

— Colin Chee

“Creating tactical openings can connect spaces better without expensive renovations, and often improve the feel of small homes.”

— Tahj Rosmarin

“Open-plan living can be limiting; using vertical space and separate zones makes small homes more functional.”

— Claire Scorpo

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how widely these design principles will be adopted by homeowners or builders, or whether new regulations might influence small home layouts in the future.

What’s Next

The upcoming talk at the National Gallery of Victoria will showcase these design strategies in detail. Experts plan to release further guidance and case studies, and there may be increased emphasis on tailored small space solutions in future housing developments.

Key Questions

Why are open-plan layouts often unsuitable for small homes?

Open-plan layouts can make small spaces feel cluttered and lack privacy, reducing functionality. Experts recommend creating zones and using tactical openings to improve flow and usability.

What are some practical tips for maximizing small space?

Use vertical storage, elevate beds for hidden compartments, incorporate multifunctional furniture, and create visual connections through strategic openings.

Are these design strategies suitable for all small homes?

Most strategies are adaptable, but specific solutions should consider individual needs, mobility, and budget. For more insights, see this guide on overland truck builds.

Will open-plan layouts return to popularity for small homes?

Current expert opinion suggests that open plans are not always ideal for small spaces, and more nuanced, compartmentalized designs are preferred for better functionality.

Source: Guardian Life