The popular trend in home design these days is to have an “open floor plan”. Most buyers coming to Lake Oconee insist on buying a home with an

High Island Hides Mess
open floor plan. This year we struggled to market a listing with a very traditional floor plan, were disappointed as many buyers were insisting on a more open plan, especially for the kitchen. Then, as I was perusing the real estate articles on the internet, I came across an article about why a buyer “chose to have her kitchen walls”! I was surprised that there are some people out there who were not in line with the popular trend of open floor plans.
The reasons for preferring a traditional kitchen with walls included:
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hiding a messy kitchen
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keeping cooking smells somewhat corralled
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having more kitchen wall space for cabinets and appliances
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being able to decorate the kitchen in a separate style
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preventing kitchen noises from disturbing others
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allowing privacy for the cook
I then realized that I had some of the same complaints in our own newer home

Sliding Barn Doors Can Hide Kitchen
which has an open plan! As much as the open floor plan made our down-sized home seem larger, I had always worried about guests seeing a messy kitchen if they unexpectedly stopped by. The kitchen has minimal storage and counter space, and I was often disturbed by my husband’s noisily cleaning the kitchen or using our loud ice maker!
Still, most Lake Oconee buyers will select a home with an open floor plan these days. However, there is a happy medium for those who may want traits of both styles! A partially open floor plan can be achieved by having a pass through counter higher than usual to screen kitchen mess. Privacy in the kitchen can be had by adding large sliding doors, such as barn doors, to close off the kitchen at will. Or, one can make unattractive food prep areas less visible by creating a butler’s pantry when the kitchen is built.

Butler’s Pantry for Work Area
So, have your open floor plan as you wish, or take an existing plan and make it work better. Personalize your own home to fit your needs.
By the way, our traditional listing with the closed kitchen is now under contract!
Come to Lake Oconee and we will find the kitchen of your dreams! Call Suzie 706-347-1115 or Jim 706-453-6253.
RE/MAX Lake Oconee
Home Search: Look@LakeOconee.com