Life and Style

Trends in Home Floor Plans

March 11, 2025

While home design trends shift with the seasons, a home’s floor plan is far more enduring—shaping how we live, work, and connect for years to come. That’s why today’s floor plans are evolving more thoughtfully, balancing timeless functionality with modern lifestyles.

Interior view of Hickling at Midhurst Valley in Barrie ON

With households taking on new shapes and routines, flexibility is more important than ever. Homebuyers are prioritizing multi-use spaces, better flow, and moving towards informality, favoring layouts that feel more relaxed, connected, and ready to meet their needs.

Whether it’s a semi-open floor plan that balances privacy and togetherness, a prep kitchen that keeps the main kitchen clutter-free, or a dedicated wellness space, today’s homes are designed with both comfort and versatility in mind.

So, what’s shaping the way we live? Let’s explore the biggest floor plan trends redefining modern homes.

Dedicated Entertaining Spaces

Family game night in Purcell 24 at Creekstone in Calgary AB

Purcell 24, Front Garage Collection, Creekstone Community, Calgary, Alberta

As open-concept living dominates the latest floor plans, there’s been a growing appreciation for spaces designed specifically for hosting and fostering conversation—without the distraction of screens. These rooms are intentionally curated to encourage face-to-face interaction, whether it’s an elegant cocktail hour, a lively game night, or a relaxed evening by the fire.

Seating arrangements are designed for easy conversation, with groupings of chairs and sofas facing each other (and not a television). Bar carts, built-in beverage stations, and statement lighting enhance the atmosphere, while fireplaces and artwork add warmth and personality.

Semi-Open Floor Plans

Navy blue kitchen in the Rutgers floor plan by Brookfield Residential in Houston TX

Rutgers Floor Plan, Traditional Homes Collection, Elyson Community, Katy, Texas

Open-concept living has dominated modern home design for years. While open-concept floor plans aren’t going away anytime soon, their design is evolving. Homeowners still love the airy, connected feel of an open layout, but they’re seeking better definition between spaces without sacrificing flow.

Semi-open layouts are gaining popularity with their ability to balance connectivity and define spaces. They offer designated areas for different activities while preserving an overall sense of openness.

It's not a return to entirely compartmentalized spaces, rather allowing architectural details to create subtle divisions. Features like cased openings, partial walls, archways, ceiling treatments, and built-in shelving help define zones without closing them off. This approach allows for a more structured home layout while maintaining sightlines and natural light.

Semi-open floor plans work best when designed with movement in mind. Pathways throughout the home should remain intuitive and natural, preventing spaces from feeling cramped or disjointed. For example, the kitchen remains the heart of the home, but a strategically placed island or peninsula helps distinguish the cooking area from dining or living spaces.

Furniture placement and subtle dividers can be used to preserve the spaciousness of an open layout while designating areas for focused work or quiet relaxation. Sectional sofas, area rugs, and bookcases can be used to help visually separate and define different spaces.

Multifunctional Rooms

Home office and gym at Lily in Mariposa at Blossom Rock in Apache Junction AZ

Lily Floor Plan, Mariposa Collection, Blossom Rock Community, Apache Junction, Arizona

Your home needs to work just as hard as you do. As homeowners seek to make the most of every square foot, flex or multifunctional rooms have become more essential than ever. Modern floor plans prioritize adaptability, allowing spaces to shift as needs change—whether that’s a home office by day and a guest bedroom by night or a home gym that can double as a relaxing retreat for meditation.

The best flex rooms create and support multiple uses within one space to offer versatility without sacrificing comfort or style. Some popular examples include:

  • A playroom that can double as a guest bedroom – With the right furniture choices, such as a Murphy bed or a sleeper sofa, a child’s playroom can quickly transform into a welcoming space for overnight guests.
  • A gym that transitions into a home office – Foldable exercise equipment, built-in storage, and adaptable furniture can make it easy to switch between work and workout mode.
  • A dining area that doubles as a homework hub – Banquette seating with hidden storage or an expandable dining table can create a practical homework hub set up during the day that can be tucked away in time for dinner.

Multigenerational Suites

Multi Gen Suite in Ponderosa at Highland Ridge at Alamar in Avondale AZ

Ponderosa Floor Plan, Highland Ridge Collection, Alamar Community, Avondale, Arizona

A growing number of households are expanding beyond the typical nuclear family, increasing the popularity of multigenerational floor plans. Some floor plans feature multigenerational suites with a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and even a private entrance. Other layouts have first-floor bedrooms with private ensuites or basement suites that offer a private, self-contained space with a dedicated bedroom, bath, and kitchen.

As families seek more flexible living arrangements, a multi-gen layout is a smart solution for aging parents, adult children moving back home, or even long-term guests. It’s like having a home with a home, giving everyone their independence while keeping the family under one roof.

This increase in multigenerational living isn’t just about living arrangements; it’s about creating a supportive, enriching environment that benefits everyone involved. Want to learn more? Check out our blog, “Exploring the Benefits of Multi-Gen Living”.

Wet Rooms

Primary bath in Champlain at Kissing Tree by Brookfield Residential in San Marcos TX

Champlain Floor Plan, Traditional Collection, Kissing Tree Community, San Marcos, Texas

As health and wellness continue to shape modern home design, bathrooms are evolving beyond purely functional spaces into personal sanctuaries. Homeowners are prioritizing well-being, relaxation, and self-care. One of the most luxurious ways to achieve this is through a wet room—a sleek, spa-inspired bathroom layout that seamlessly combines a shower and freestanding tub within a fully waterproofed space, often behind a glass enclosure.

Many wet rooms eliminate traditional shower curbs, making them visually seamless and ideal for aging in place. Features such as multiple showerheads, rainfall showers, body sprays, and freestanding soaking tubs create a luxurious, immersive bathing experience.

The use of large-format tiles, natural stone, or textured finishes enhances the design of a bathroom by creating a striking focal point and elevating the overall look with a modern, minimalist style. The end result is a high-end aesthetic that is easy to clean and maintain.

Beyond the luxurious appeal, wet rooms offer plenty of practical benefits, making them a smart investment in any home floor plan. By eliminating bulky enclosures and dividers, wet rooms create an open, airy feel, making even smaller bathrooms appear more spacious.

Indoor-Outdoor Integration

Indoor Outdoor living in Clarkson at Kissing Tree in San Marcos TX

Clarkson Floor Plan, Traditional Collection, Kissing Tree Community, San Marcos, Texas

Modern home design embraces a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, transforming patios, decks, and gardens into true extensions of the home. No longer just an afterthought, these outdoor spaces are now considered essential elements of a well-balanced, functional floor plan, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and year-round usability (weather permitting).

New homes are being designed with large retractable glass doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, or covered patios that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. By incorporating expansive sliding or accordion-style doors, homeowners can open up their living areas to fresh air and natural light, creating a free-flowing transition between inside and out. This integration enhances the feeling of space, making homes feel larger, brighter, and more connected to nature.

Gone are the days of simple backyard patios. Today’s homebuyers are looking for outdoor spaces that are both functional and stylish. Whether it’s a rooftop deck or a covered lounge, these outdoor areas are designed to be just as inviting and well-appointed as their indoor counterparts. Popular features include:

  • Outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, refrigerators, and prep space for effortless entertaining.
  • Fire pits and fireplaces that provide warmth and ambiance for year-round use.
  • Comfortable, weather-resistant seating that mimics the coziness of indoor furniture.
  • Retractable screens and pergolas for shade and privacy, ensuring comfort in any season.

Prep Kitchens

Hickling kitchen and prep kitchen at Midhurst Valley in Barrie ON

Hickling Floor Plan, 44' Detached Collection, Midhurst Valley Community, Barrie, Ontario

Once reserved for luxury estates, prep kitchens are now making their way into homes of all sizes, working as a practical extension of the main kitchen. As open-concept floor plans continue to dominate, kitchens have evolved into social hubs. This shift has increased the demand for dedicated prep spaces that keep the main kitchen organized and uncluttered.

A prep kitchen is a separate, functional workspace designed for behind-the-scenes tasks like meal prep, cleanup, and extra storage. Often tucked away from view, these spaces allow the main kitchen to remain a welcoming, stylish place for connection while the prep kitchen takes care of the mess.

Larger Mud Rooms & Drop Zones

Palermo mudroom in Estate Collection at Rockland Park in Calgary AB

Palermo Floor Plan, Estate Collection, Rockland Park Community, Calgary, Alberta

As homeowners prioritize efficiency and better organization, mudrooms and drop zones have become essential in modern home floor plans. With open-concept layouts leaving little room to hide everyday clutter, these spaces provide a dedicated spot for shoes, coats, backpacks, and more, keeping the rest of the home neat and organized.

Today’s mudrooms are more than a pass-through space—they’re highly functional and stylish, with an emphasis on thoughtful storage solutions. Homeowners want a social media-worthy space with built-in benches, hooks, cubbies, and lockers to keep everything in its place.

Alder great room in Duplex at Starling in Calgary AB

Alder Floor Plan, Duplex Collection, Starling Community, Calgary, Alberta

Today’s home floor plans are evolving to meet the demands of modern living, focusing on flexibility, functionality, and connectivity. These home designs reflect a shift toward comfort, convenience, and a more relaxed way of living.

As lifestyles and households continue to change, floor plans will adapt—ensuring homes remain beautiful and truly livable for years to come.

Want to know more? Check out our blogs, “How to Read and Understand Floor Plans” and “Home Design Trends for 2025,” for even more information!

Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!

Ready to take the next step in your home buying journey?