Breaking the walls: the rise of the ‘broken-concept’ home

Forget the sterile open-plan – a new approach to home design is gaining serious traction. The ‘broken-concept’ layout is offering homeowners a way to achieve the airy, connected feel they crave, while retaining a crucial sense of privacy and defined spaces.

Reclaiming the room: a fresh take on floor plans

For years, the battle between open and closed floor plans has defined modern home design. But many buyers find neither truly satisfying. The ‘broken-concept’ layout – a hybrid that blends the best of both worlds – is emerging as a compelling solution, offering a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to spatial organization.

It’s not about demolishing walls entirely, but rather strategically employing design elements to subtly delineate zones. Think half-walls, integrated built-ins, changes in floor level, and carefully positioned furniture. The result? A home that feels open and inviting, yet retains a sense of distinct purpose and personal sanctuary.

Expert tips for mastering the look

Interior designers are championing this trend, recognizing its potential to create truly bespoke spaces. ‘As a designer, I adore broken plan layouts, as they allow for an opportunity for each space to have a distinctive point of view,’ explains Sean Litchfield of Evolve Residential. ‘Each space receives its own color, wallpaper, and color palette, which results in more opportunities for me to ‘play’ creatively.’

Unexpected design moments

Josh Linder, from Evolve Residential, recently incorporated a dramatic ‘tunnel’ entrance into a Boston project, illustrating the potential for unexpected architectural flourishes. ‘Because this tunnel serves as a secondary entrance to the dining area, we saw an opportunity to create a dramatic architectural moment of interest and a stage for displaying a few of the client’s treasures,’ he says. ‘Opting for an unconventional floor plan can be a lot more fun – and it can pay off big time.’

Strategic details: the designer’s toolkit

Jeff Aird of Jeff Aird Design suggests a more classic approach: ‘The partial walls and archways give you good acoustic separation and defined functionality. But you maintain that sense of spaciousness and connection.’ He advocates for utilizing soft architectural elements – archways, strategically placed columns, or even thoughtfully positioned lighting – to create defined spaces without resorting to rigid barriers.

Creating intrigue

The core concept is ‘teasing the nearest space,’ as designer Susannah Holmberg puts it. ‘But when you settle into any particular zone, it should feel contained and purposeful—like you’re in your own private nook within the larger home.’ Elliot Fuerniss highlights how color-coding, as seen in an entryway designed by Holmberg, can effectively demarcate areas without the need for physical barriers.

A touch of light

Nikolas Koenig of 1100 Architect emphasizes the value of strategically utilizing glass. ‘All too often, interior environments have been understood as either-or propositions—either open or closed, modern or traditional, warm or cool—but there is so much to explore in between any of those dualities,’ he states. ‘Now, we are finding clients looking for the best of both worlds: areas for different uses but the overall feeling of openness.’

Retro revival

And don’t count out the return of sunken living rooms, as championed by Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau. ‘The natural change in elevation creates a sense of separation between the dining area and the living area,’ she explains. ‘By stepping down into the living space, you feel an immediate shift—it creates a cozy, tucked-in atmosphere that contrasts with the openness of the adjacent rooms.’

The bottom line

Ultimately, the broken-concept layout offers a sophisticated and adaptable solution for homeowners seeking a balance between openness and privacy. It’s a design trend poised to reshape our homes, one thoughtfully placed element at a time.