18 Open-Floor House Plans Built for Entertaining

By Zoe Denenberg
September 12, 2019
Credit: Rachael Levasseur/Mouve Media SE
Open floor house plans are in style, and we don’t see them going anywhere any time soon. Among its many virtues, the open floor plan instantly makes a home feel bright, airy, and large. Traditional closed-plan designs often waste precious square feet by separating the house off with hallways and doors—an open plan minimizes these transitional spaces, instead opting for a layout that flows right through from room to room. This design allows for an enlarged living space where guests in the kitchen, living room, dining room, and even the sun room can all engage in conversation. While there are certainly virtues held by the closed-floor-plan house (hello, privacy!), an open concept design can transform even the quaintest cottages into an ideal entertaining space. It leaves your home feeling warm, bustling, and bright—and the large shared spaces are endlessly versatile and flexible. If you’re dreaming of an open-concept home, you’ll swoon over this collection of some of our favorite open house plans. Send out the invites. With these open-floor plans, you’ll be hosting the holidays this year.
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American Farmhouse, Plan #1996

Credit: Cindy Cox

An inviting American Farmhouse with a sweeping kitchen island, a dining area that stretches right into a living room with a charming fireplace, and a wrap-around front porch. What more could we ask for?

4 bedrooms and 4 baths

2,718 square feet

See Plan: American Farmhouse

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Hawthorn Cottage, Plan #2004

Credit: Southern Living House Plans; Photo: Lake and Land Studio, LLC

The only feature that rivals the long great room and kitchen? The double-doors that open onto the matching screen porch.

2 bedroom and 2 bath
1,611 square feet
See Plan: Hawthorn Cottage

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Gilliam, Plan #1936

Credit: Southern Living House Plans

Bring the outdoors in with a great room that flows right into a built-in screened porch. Another favorite feature? The versatile flex room built into this charming cottage.

4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths
3,208 square feet
See Plan: Gilliam

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Banning Court, Plan #1254

Credit: Southern Living

The Banning Court House Plan is easy, breezy, and made for afternoon entertaining. The open living room, dining room, and kitchen make for easy hosting, and the charming library provides a welcome space for private retreat.

2 bedrooms and 2 baths

1,286 square feet

See Plan: Banning Court

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Crane Island River House, Plan #2010

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

The focal point of this plan is the central living room, which connects the open concept kitchen and two porches. But the real selling point? The secluded, spacious master suite.

4 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths

4,540 square feet

See Plan: Crane Island River House

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Whiteside Farm, Plan #1979

Credit: Southern Living House Plans

The central family room spills into the open kitchen in this farmhouse charmer. We’re already imagining many cocktail hours hosted on home’s the two porches.

4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths
3,610 square feet
See Plan: Whiteside Farm

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Dogwood Place, Plan #1975

Credit: Brandon Ingram

If you’re looking for an open floor plan with a degree of privacy, this plan if for you. The central spaces are open and inviting, but the master suite and library enjoy a bit of seclusion, as do the upstairs bedrooms.

4 bedrooms and 4 baths

2,992 square feet

See Plan: Dogwood Place

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Evergreen Cottage, Plan #2003

Credit: Lake & Land Studio

Darling, you’re evergreen. This stylish cottage has everything you need—including a sprawling, open first floor—and nothing that you don’t.

3 bedrooms and 3 baths

1,921 square feet

See Plan: Evergreen Cottage

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Tennessee Farmhouse, Plan #2001

Credit: Donovan DeFerraro

There’s just enough space for a cozy breakfast nook in this classic, yet modern house plan. The second-floor bonus room and flexible daylight basement leave lots of room for customization.

4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths

4,423 square feet

See Plan: Tennessee Farmhouse

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Aiken Street, Plan #1807

Credit: Southern Living

This one-of-a-kind home can be yours, too. Its charming dimensions still allow for lots of space for guests—from the open kitchen and great room to the covered front porch.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,233 square feet
See Plan: Aiken Street

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Elberton Way, Plan #1561

Credit: Southern Living

The expansive family room can be portioned off any way you may choose, leaving room for a breakfast or dining space. Inclement weather? Don’t worry: both porches are covered, allowing for outdoor entertaining in any season.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
3,469 square feet
See Plan: Elberton Way

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Farmhouse Revival, Plan #1821

Credit: Designed by Historical Concepts

This house plan has topped our list of favorite open-plan designs for its modern-meets-rustic charm. Furnish the kitchen island with barstools to watch all the kitchen cooking action over the holidays.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,511 square feet
See Plan: Farmhouse Revival

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Lowcountry Cottage, Plan #1121

Credit: Designed by Moser Design Group

This cottage may clock in at just over 2,000 square-feet, but it’s built for holiday entertaining. The open living area and kitchen provide lots of room for your guests, and the screened porch opens up new hosting possibilities.

Square Footage: 2,148
3 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths

See Plan: Lowcountry Cottage

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Stone Creek, Plan #1746

Credit: Designed by Mitch Ginn

The back porch is built into the central living space of the home, allowing for lots of natural light in the breakfast nook.

Square Footage: 2,639
4 or 5 Bedrooms and 4 baths

See Plan: Stone Creek

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Cottage of the Year, Plan #593

Credit: Southern Living

The Cottage of the Year is surely a winner. While the common area is completely open, an independent vestibule and screen porch connect two wings with living suites. And yes, there’s a guest cottage with its own porch. Need we say more?

4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,718 square feet
See Plan: Cottage of the Year

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The Langston, Plan #273

Credit: Designed by Frank Betz Associates

If you’re not instantly charmed by the stone exterior, just wait until you step inside. The foyer spills into a central living room, which flows into all the primary hubs of the house. It’s open-concept with a few walls added to maximize kitchen cabinet space (a welcome home for all of Grandma’s casserole dishes).


3 bedrooms and 4 baths

1,910 square feet

See Plan: The Langston

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Orange Grove, Plan #1848

Credit: Southern Living

This design somehow squeezes in three bedrooms, a media room, a dining room, and an outdoor room, all onto one floor. It maintains the feel of an open-plan home by minimizing wasted hallway space, but still creates private spaces by strategically placing each and every room.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,440 square feet
See Plan: Orange Grove

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Wildmere Cottage, Plan #1110

Credit: Southern Living

This straightforward cottage proves just what you can do with smaller dimensions. The kitchen, dining, and living rooms flow seamlessly into each other, yet the master suite is slightly set off to offer a degree of privacy.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,345 square feet
See Plan: Wildmere Cottage

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By Zoe Denenberg