Open floor plans have been the dominant trend in recent years, both in new construction and renovations. They make smaller spaces seem larger and create great gathering spaces.
Families with children have made them very popular… playtime, homework, meal preparation can all be happening at the same time and parents can keep a watchful eye on their children.
The open concept has become essential for some families with young children… it isn’t uncommon for these families to reject houses with less open floor plans because they can’t keep an eye on their children.
While this ‘helicopter’ parenting style makes sense, especially for very young children, some parents are finding the backlash of too much togetherness can have its toll on a person’s sanity. It used to be that parents would tell their children to go outside and play or go downstairs… to a room which was far from luxurious but made a great place to devise a make-believe store or create puppet shows.
Now the pendulum is starting to swing back as parents are beginning to look for more separation… perhaps a designated room where kids can go and play on their own… and a personal space where mom can get away in a renovated attic or basement… maybe add a sliding barn door to an open room or corner for more privacy.
“Man-caves” have been around for a long time… perhaps the age of the “mom-cave” is upon us, a place for mom to get away for peace of mind. After all, everyone knows… if mama isn’t happy, nobody’s happy!
