You’ve probably heard about open concept homes. And if you’re a mobile home dweller (or you’re about to be), you might be wondering if this type of floor plan translates to the manufactured home lifestyle. Let’s take a look.
Why an open floor plan?
Of course, everyone has their own reasons for wanting an open concept mobile home. But if you’re still on the fence about whether this type of floor plan is right for you, here are some possible factors.
A perfect fit for socializing
If you like to host parties and other get-togethers, an open floor plan can give you the chance to spread your group out while maintaining a sense of togetherness. In other words, guests can seamlessly transition from the living room to the dining room to the kitchen. And they don’t really have to make as much of a specific choice about what area they’re going to station themselves in.
Conversations can take place in transitional areas, like the spot where the dining room and kitchen meet. That way, people can be near the food preparation area—let’s face it, that’s often where the hostess and/or host are—without being underfoot in the kitchen.
A perfect way to keep track of your growing family
It’s easy to see why young families would crave an open concept mobile home. Having an open floor plan enables them to keep the various member within eyeshot or earshot. Yet they don’t have to necessarily be in the same room all the time.
For instance, busy parents can carry on their activities around the house while keeping one eye open to supervise the toddler playing on the living room floor. If the home was partitioned into different areas with small doorways between them, this might not be as easy.
It’s a popular home floor plan
Yet another reason you might gravitate toward an open floor plan is its current popularity. You’ve probably seen homes recently that put this type of layout to work. So you may feel that you have plenty of ideas for how to carry it out effectively in your own home. Plus, with the open concept in high demand, there’s bound to be information available about how best to design, decorate, and style this type of home.
It may make your mobile home feel more spacious
Moving into a mobile home may provoke some folks to worry about whether they’ll have enough space. It’s easy to assume that mobile homes are necessarily small dwellings. But with some triple wides topping out at a whopping 2000+ feet, that’s not actually true.
However, if you have opted for a smaller mobile home, one way to attempt to offset your downsizing is through selecting an open floor plan. Then, do your best to design and introduce furniture in a way that highlights the space’s openness.
Can I create an open concept mobile home?
Brand-new mobile homes with open concepts are exciting, of course. But what about those homeowners who already have mobile homes that don’t quite fit the open concept pattern. Is there any way to convert your existing mobile home into an open concept mobile home?
Well, there may be a way to open things up more. Especially if you have contracting experience or are willing to hire someone else who does. But there is an important consideration before you make any structural changes to your mobile home. And that is loadbearing walls.
They’re the walls that actually hold up significant weight. And as such, they’re walls that you can’t get rid of with impunity. While some walls may be able to be removed, it is something you should deal very cautiously with. Actually, your best bet is to get professional assistance.
Even if you can perform any construction or demolition work yourself, we still recommend that you consult with a qualified professional before removing walls. The situation may also call for a building permit. So ensure that you contact your local government office to check. Additionally, you may want to talk to your home’s manufacturer so you have a good understanding of your home’s construction and which walls are loadbearing.
Welcome to these open concept interiors
There’s nothing like seeing things in the real world. So here are few open concept interiors for inspiration. This open concept area offers modernity with an exotic twist. However, don’t think that open concept homes must adopt a modern interior aesthetic. Actually, that’s not required at all. Instead, your home can have the best of both worlds—traditional or rustic decor and an open floor plan. Like this home’s warm, rustic look.
Designing and decorating an open concept area
Here are some tips to get you started crafting a beautiful open concept area. Plus we’ll take a look at some open concept mobile homes in various styles. Their interiors may get you inspired about your own home’s potential.
Furniture to the rescue
If you need to make distinctions between the various areas of your open space, let furniture do some of the work for you. For example, by setting up a few couches, tables, and maybe a chest in your living area, it will be pretty clear where the living room is. In other words, you don’t need a wall. You just need to place your furniture in the appropriate spots.
Your furniture can also help you give shape to the space. By choosing carefully which way you orient your seating, you may be making conversation and mingling more or less easy. For instance, let’s say you anticipate wanting to keep most of your chatting outside the kitchen area. Well, setting up your couch with it’s back to that kitchen space could help. On the other hand, if you want to facilitate visiting between the dining area, living room, and kitchen, set up your couches and chairs to make that easy to accomplish.
Plan to coordinate color and style
Remember that your open concept area won’t have the benefit of walls to compartmentalize your space. Thus, you’ll want to think about the appearance of the entire area as a whole at the same time you plan the design of each area. If an observer will be able to take the space in “at a glance,” then you’ll want to think about blending the decor between areas.
Now, this isn’t to say that there can’t be some differentiation. There likely can be. However, you do want to have enough continuity among the areas that the overall appearance is cohesive. Try to create a visually “put together” approach by seeing each area as one part of a bigger picture.
Think carefully about flooring
Your flooring can help you promote a seamless integration among your main living areas. It can also help you create clear distinctions between the areas if desired. Thus, choosing flooring wisely should help you craft the look you prefer.
Depending on your preferences, you might elect to maintain the same flooring throughout. For instance, you could use hardwood or laminate to stretch across the entire space.
Or, if you want to make it clear that your open space does have a distinction between dining room and living room, you can accomplish that with flooring. Simply choose carpet for the living room and laminate for the dining room. This creates a visual break on the floor, so the two areas can remain distinct even if their color palettes and furniture types promote pleasant uniformity.
Another option is to take a route somewhat between seamless uniformity and clear distinction. And that is to maintain the same flooring throughout but to use rugs in those areas that you want to set apart. As an example, the kitchen, living room, and dining area could all have hardwood floors. But the dining room could have an area rug all its own, adding character and a break from the uniformity.
Take a look at how this Surry open concept home leverages an area rug to highlight the dining table.
Can I buy an open concept mobile home?
Whether you can remodel your existing mobile home or not, you can certainly buy a mobile home with an open floor plan. In fact, we’re about to introduce you to some of these homes below. And the great news is that you’ll find some variety of styles available to you when it comes to purchasing options.
Open area, farmhouse vibe
Here’s a Clayton home that sports a farmhouse look alongside a semi-open floor plan for its three main rooms. Check out the shiplap walls and the spacious living room and kitchen. With this mind of modern farmhouse, white-and-wood look, it’s easy to see why it’s named Carolina “Southern Belle.”
It’s a great demonstration of the opportunity you have to select a mobile home that reflects your taste in design and decor. Check out the two colors of cabinets in the kitchen—some white, some wood-looking. And take a look at the wooden shelving over white shiplap walls. Plus, those recessed ceilings sport a wooden appearance too. Augmented with white beams, they add even more country style.
Open floor plan plus windows galore
Some of us just can’t seem to get enough window. Give us all the natural light possible, and we’re really happy creatures. Here’s a mobile home that combines an open floor plan with plenty of windows—both windows to the outdoors and to the indoors.
Take a look at The Churchill by Clayton homes.
Midcentury modern meets rustic
Here’s a mobile home pairing of farmhouse style with a midcentury modern aesthetic. Check out the seamless blending of living room, dining room, and kitchen. The Teagan offers space to work, chat, and relax. All in the same general area.
Take it away with white
If midcentury modern isn’t your thing and you’re not a huge fan of the farmhouse look either, you can always take your mobile home in a totally different direction. With all of its white and its simple floors, it’s easy to imagine The Kingsbrook offering you a neutral backdrop for your own design endeavors. Plus, its open floor plan means space to welcome guests or just to relax with your own family.
Your open concept, your size
And who says that open concept homes have to be expansive. Maybe you want an open living area, but you really don’t need much square footage. If you think you’re out of options, think again. Because there’s a Champion Home Builders model for you.
Here’s the Heron, which weighs in at a whopping (okay, not so whopping) 499 square feet. Want to be able to see the kitchen and dining area from the living room couch? You got it. It’s small size, big charm with this little mobile home. You can even take a 3D tour at the link above.
Design with the end in mind
As you begin your home selection or remodeling journey, take a moment to identify just what it is you’re looking for in a home. For some, visual appeal will be paramount. For others, functionality might be most important factor.
Some people may judge a home by how easily they feel “cozy” and “at home” in it. Through all your decision-making, keep in mind that you want your new mobile home to be a welcoming space. And that doesn’t just apply to your guests. It applies to you and your family also. Try at the outset to make decisions that will help you craft a space that supports people spending time together.
Well-planned space
If you need some inspiration for crafting a relaxing and restful space, check out our Rest & Relaxation series. Take a look at how to make A Family Room That’s All About Quality Time. Or read up on how to Make Your Dining Room A Place To Mingle.
About EZ Homes Design Team
