12 Jun The Return of Cozy Spaces: Why Homeowners Want More Defined Rooms Again

For the last few decades, open floor plans have been the trend. The open floor plan most of us are familiar with first came on the scene in new home construction in the late 1990s-early 2000s; what was once an easy, breezy, open aesthetic became mainstream. But, like any trend, homeowners are beginning to tire of the open plan and yearn for the return to cozy spaces and more defined rooms.

The “new cozy,” as this recent trend is called, embraces defined rooms that have function and purpose. These enclosed rooms are more intimate and distinct from one another. But, this isn’t your grandparents’ cozy. The new cozy is much more intentional than those floor plans.

What Caused the Shift?

The cozy trend started in the wake of the pandemic. When Quad Cities residents were housebound, and home became the office, classroom, gym, and entertainment venue, families began to crave a space in their home where they could unwind and relax, away from everyone else. The open floor plan provided none of that. The open nature of very few walls and rooms spilling into each other became a glaring flaw as Zoom calls competed with the everyday noise of a bustling family.

In an effort to gain some separation, homeowners began creating more private spaces by using bookcases, curtains, decorative screens, and the like. Essentially, these cordoned-off areas were makeshift room divisions that were common prior to the open floor plan trend.

The Acoustic Benefits of Cozy Spaces

Ambient noise in your home comes from many different sources, some out of your control. These noises can disrupt your life, robbing your focus and just plain getting on your nerves. Open floor plans tend to amplify sounds. Blending a smoothie for breakfast, someone watching TV, or the dishwasher doing its job are all noises that travel throughout the open floor plan without walls to dampen the noise. Cozy spaces and defined rooms help minimize and do away with much of that. Especially when there’s a door you can close. 

Defined Rooms Elevate a Home’s Character

When you have separate rooms, it’s much easier to define each space’s purpose. Your breakfast nook feels more defined than a breakfast bar. Your home office is much more functionally obvious than a living room. If all the day-to-day activities of your family happen in the same space, it robs your home of personality and a multi-textured aesthetic.

Today’s homeowners want homes with spaces defined by their use. A formal dining room should appear, well, formal. The same applies to your formal living room. You decorate these rooms in richer colors, upscale lighting, and furnish them according to their purpose. These rooms become intentional, meaningful, and full of character. 

How Today’s Cozy Spaces and Defined Rooms Differ

The mid-century modern aesthetic is still a popular design trend. But the mid-century floorplan doesn’t fit the idea of today’s cozy spaces. Homeowners want to keep the light flow and connection fostered by the open floor plan, but on more controlled terms. So what does that look like? Think of pocket doors to separate spaces for their intended use, but with windows that let in the light from the other room, transoms above interior doorways, and arched room entryways that define rooms, yet don’t completely interrupt the visual flow.

Those rooms once considered a waste of square footage, such as the mudroom, butler’s pantry, and formal living and dining rooms, are back. Many Quad Cities homeowners want large areas off the kitchen for meal prep, a place where you can entertain your guests, and a room for muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment, and maybe even a dog bathing area. 

Separate rooms offer a space for items that can clutter an open floor plan. A designated craft room, or play room, keeps craft supplies and toys contained. Finally, cozy spaces are much more energy efficient.

Intentional and Purposeful

Ultimately, homeowners draw comfort from knowing each room in their home has a purpose. Cozy spaces and defined rooms show a thoughtful and intentional approach to a home, rather than a wide-open space that’s left to sort itself out. Not everything in your home needs to be observed from your kitchen.

If you are interested in a custom-designed home or you’d like to make your open home a bit cozier by renovating, please contact Seiffert Home Design today.