It’s no surprise that open floor plans are the layout of choice for today’s buyers. What explains their immense popularity? Many reasons: open layouts make small homes feel larger, create excellent sightlines, and promote a modern sense of relaxation and casual living. Buyers with children can keep an eye on the little ones while cooking, while those who love entertaining will appreciate the ease of interacting with guests while putting last-minute touches on dinner. Although the degree of openness can vary, these homes generally feature kitchens that flows right into the main living areas (frequently an island provides a bit of definition). They may also display open dining rooms and easy access to outdoor living.