Is open concept living right for you?

HALIFAX REAL ESTATE BLOG

13th Edition | Shawn's Take

Sunday November 8, 2026

Shawn Zupan

REALTOR®

902 880 2162

szupan@pressrealty.ca

Press Realty Inc

233 Bedford Highway

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Is an open-concept home right for you?

An open layout can be great when you’re cooking and want to stay part of the conversation in the living room. That same openness feels different when someone has the TV on and you’re trying to make a phone call. At a showing, I’d look at how the space handles both.

Check what happens when everyone’s home

Imagine somebody’s making dinner, somebody’s working, and somebody’s watching TV. Where does each person go? Check whether there’s a room with a door, enough wall space for furniture, and a spot for everyday clutter when the kitchen is in full view.

You might find that a partly open layout gives you the sightlines you like while leaving a quieter room for calls or homework. Try a few layouts in person so you can see which one fits your household.

Sources

Zupan Monthly edition, April 2025, "Shawn's Take: Open concept, closed minded"

Data from NSAR