Why Designers Are Ditching Traditional Layouts for "Broken Floor Plans"

We all know the open-concept layout—those airy spaces with minimal walls that blur the lines between rooms. And then there’s its more divisive counterpart: the closed-concept floor plan, where walls clearly define each area. But what if neither type of floor plan fully suits your lifestyle?

Enter the "broken-concept" layout, a clever middle ground that offers the best of both worlds—openness with just enough separation to keep things cozy and functional. Don’t let the name fool you; it's not as grim as it sounds. A broken-concept space allows for easy flow between areas, such as the kitchen and living room, but without the challenges that often come with traditional open-concept designs (think: lack of privacy or visual clutter).

So what does a broken-concept layout actually look like? Think smart design details—partial walls, built-ins, level changes, or furniture placement—that subtly define each space without the need for doors. Ahead, five design pros break down how to nail the broken-concept vibe.

Create a Tunnel

We'll admit: This isn't always an easy option in some homes, but if you're prioritizing joy and creativity in your space, anything is possible. In Boston, Evolve Residential's Josh Linder incorporated a tunnel into one of his projects to create a show-stopping moment.

"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 even a stage for displaying a few of the client's treasures," Linder says. This proves that opting for an unconventional floor plan can be a lot more fun—and it can pay off big time.

"As a designer, I adore broken plan layouts, as they allow for an opportunity for each space to have a distinctive point of view," Linder adds. "Each space receives its own color, wallpaper, and color palette, which results in more opportunities for me to 'play' creatively."

Enlist Archways

If a tunnel doesn't feel possible, you can always opt for a more classic approach by incorporating an arched threshold in a pre-existing wall. That's what designer Jeff Aird did in a Paris apartment he thoughtfully reworked to feel open—but not too much.

"The partial walls and archways give you good acoustic separation and defined functionality. But you maintain that sense of spaciousness and connection," he says. You want to be able to see into the next room, but only a glimpse; not the whole thing, as you would in an open-concept floor plan.

"The key is using soft architectural elements rather than hard barriers. Archways, partial walls, columns, or even thoughtfully placed floor lamps or furnishings can define spaces without closing them off," Aird adds. The goal in a broken-concept space is teasing the nearest space, or "creating intrigue," as the designer says. "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."

Utilize Glass

Glass is often a designer or architect’s secret weapon—especially when used as a quasi-wall. It separates rooms without taking up any visual space. In a New York City project, David Piscuskas, founding principal of 1100 Architect, used panes of glass to delineate two rooms in a downtown loft.

"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 says. "Now, however, we are finding clients looking for the best of both worlds: areas for different uses but the overall feeling of openness. To create distinct areas without relying on walls or other fully closed partitions, we find innovative approaches to interior configurations, material palettes, lighting, and furniture."

Add Steps

A traditional sunken living room is a design trend that took off in the 1970s and, in our opinion, should come back. Luckily, interior designer Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau is doing her part to make that happen. Not only does a sunken living room give you the option to create a totally separate space, but it lets you do so without the advent of walls and doors.

"The natural change in elevation creates a sense of separation between the dining area and the living area. 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," Vroom explains.

Color-Code

Of course, if the spaces you're trying to delineate are a bit too small for any real architectural work to happen, might we suggest color-coding the two areas you'd like to separate? If you're looking for a masterclass on how to do such a thing, look no further than an entryway and a foyer designed by Susannah Holmberg.

"There was no delineated entry for this house, and the clients and the project’s design style really called for one," she admits. "It felt important to create an entry that set the stage for the rest of the design. To that end, we used wallpaper and paint on the ceiling to demarcate the space—even if there weren't walls and doors. That way, they got that showstopper, first impression moment."