Open vs. Closed Floor Plans: Which One’s Right for Your Remodel?

When planning a remodel, one of the biggest design decisions homeowners face is whether to go with an open floor plan or maintain more traditional, separated rooms. At M.T.McCaw Inc., we’ve helped clients all over Chicagoland navigate this exact choice—and the answer isn’t always one-size-fits-all.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each layout so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle, space, and long-term goals.

The Case for Open Floor Plans

Open layouts remove most interior walls between main living areas, creating one large, continuous space—often combining the kitchen, dining, and living room.

Pros:

• Great for entertaining: Hosts can cook, chat, and serve without being tucked away in the kitchen.

• Maximized natural light: Fewer walls allow sunlight to travel across the space.

• Creates a spacious feel: Open plans make homes feel larger and more connected.

• Family-friendly: Parents can supervise kids while cooking or working.

  
  

Potential Cons:

• Less privacy and quiet: Without walls, noise travels easily.

• Less wall space: Reduces room for art, furniture, or built-in storage.

• Harder to hide clutter: Open kitchens and living spaces mean everything is on display.

  
  

The Case for Closed Floor Plans

Closed layouts divide the home into distinct rooms, each with its own purpose and boundaries.

Pros:

• More privacy and sound control: Ideal for remote work, relaxing, or larger families.

• Defined function: Each room serves a clear purpose, helping with organization and focus.

• Design flexibility: You can decorate each room with its own aesthetic.

• Easier to manage clutter: Guests don’t see every corner of the home at once.

  
  

Potential Cons:

• May feel smaller or darker: Walls can block natural light and flow.

• Can feel less modern: Some buyers associate closed layouts with outdated design.

• Less communal space: May isolate people during social gatherings or family time.

  
  

What’s Trending in 2025? A Bit of Both.

Many of our clients are now choosing “semi-open floor plans”—a hybrid that offers openness with strategic boundaries. Think wide archways, partial walls, double-sided fireplaces, or glass dividers that maintain light and flow while adding a bit of separation.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

When deciding between an open or closed floor plan, consider how you actually live in your space:

• Do you love hosting large gatherings?

• Is working from home a regular part of your routine?

• Do you value privacy and quiet, or openness and visibility?

• How much storage and wall space do you need?

  
  

At M.T.McCaw Inc., we take the time to understand your goals and lifestyle before guiding you toward a design that fits both your vision and daily needs. Whether you're dreaming of wide-open living or cozy defined rooms, we’re here to bring it to life with precision and creativity.

Ready to reimagine your home’s layout? Contact M.T.McCaw Inc. today to schedule a consultation and start designing a space that works for the way you live.

7 Small Remodeling Upgrades That Make a Big Impact (Without a Big Budget)

When it comes to remodeling, you don’t always need to take on a major renovation to breathe new life into your home. Sometimes, the smallest upgrades can deliver the biggest transformation—enhancing style, function, and even resale value. At M.T.McCaw Inc., we specialize in both large-scale remodels and strategic, cost-effective updates that make a noticeable difference.

Here are 7 small remodeling upgrades we love recommending to our Chicagoland clients:

1. Swap Out Old Cabinet Hardware

One of the quickest ways to refresh a kitchen or bathroom is by replacing outdated knobs and pulls. Choose modern finishes like matte black, brushed brass, or oil-rubbed bronze to instantly elevate the room’s style without replacing cabinetry.

2. Update Light Fixtures

Lighting can make or break a space. Swapping in a new pendant over the kitchen island or a statement chandelier in the dining room can completely change the vibe. LED lighting options also improve energy efficiency and brightness.

3. Add a Tile Backsplash

Installing a new backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom is a low-cost, high-impact upgrade. Whether it’s classic subway tile or something bold and geometric, it adds color, texture, and a polished finish.

4. Paint or Refinish the Fireplace

A dated brick or stone fireplace can drag down an otherwise beautiful living room. A simple coat of heat-resistant paint or a modern mantle refresh can turn it into a striking focal point.

5. Upgrade Baseboards and Trim

Replacing thin or outdated trim with wider baseboards or crown molding adds a level of sophistication and architectural detail that elevates the entire space.

6. Repaint Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them

If your kitchen cabinets are structurally sound but feel outdated, painting them a fresh new color (like a modern white, warm gray, or moody navy) can give your kitchen a full makeover at a fraction of the cost.

7. Install Open Shelving

Open shelving in kitchens, bathrooms, or home offices can help open up tight spaces and show off decorative touches. It’s a trendy and functional upgrade that adds storage and style.

Big Impact Doesn’t Have to Mean Big Budget

Small upgrades can go a long way—especially when they're thoughtfully planned and professionally executed. At M.T.McCaw Inc., we help homeowners across Chicagoland turn outdated spaces into beautiful, functional areas that better fit their lifestyle—no massive demo required.

Thinking about refreshing your home without the high price tag of a full remodel? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s bring your vision to life—one upgrade at a time.

Your Remodel, Your Story: What Your Home Says About You

Every home tells a story. It’s not just in the paint colors, the countertops, or the flooring—it’s in the way a space functions, flows, and feels. When you remodel your home, you’re not just upgrading materials—you’re expressing something personal. You’re revealing your priorities, your style, and sometimes even your values.

At M.T. McCaw, we’ve worked with a wide variety of homeowners across the Chicagoland area, and what we’ve learned is this: no two remodels are ever the same. That’s because no two homeowners are the same. Your remodel should be a reflection of you.

Let’s take a look at what your home might be saying—and how thoughtful design can make sure it’s saying the right thing.

The Entertainer

If your kitchen island is more like a gathering hub, your dining room table is never empty, and your open floor plan was a must, then your remodel is all about connection. We see this often with clients who love hosting holidays, game nights, or neighborhood get-togethers. For entertainers, we often recommend built-in beverage centers, dual ovens, or smart lighting systems that set the perfect mood.

Your story: “Come in, stay a while.”

The Minimalist

Clean lines, subtle palettes, hidden storage—if you crave simplicity, you’re likely someone who values calm and clarity. Minimalist remodels are all about intentional design: nothing unnecessary, everything functional. These spaces don’t just look good, they feel good, because they give you room to breathe.

Your story: “Less, but better.”

The Family-First Planner

You’ve got backpacks by the door, a calendar on the fridge, and a space for everything. Whether it’s creating a homework station, a custom mudroom, or a multi-use basement for play and movie nights, your remodel is driven by real life. Family-focused designs are all about durability, flexibility, and making everyday routines easier.

Your story: “Let’s make it work for everyone.”

The Creative

From bold tile choices to gallery walls and unexpected pops of color, your home is your canvas. Creative homeowners love thinking outside the box. We’ve helped people turn attic spaces into reading nooks, unused corners into art studios, and laundry rooms into design statements. The goal is always the same: bring personality into every inch.

Your story: “This space is me.”

The Retreat Seeker

If your dream remodel includes a spa-like bathroom, a serene bedroom, or a quiet corner for your morning coffee, then you’re building a personal sanctuary. More and more clients are asking us for spaces that help them slow down, recharge, and find balance. Natural light, soft textures, and calming layouts help bring that vision to life.

Your story: “Peace starts at home.”

What’s Your Story?

A home remodel isn’t just a checklist of upgrades—it’s an opportunity to design a space that supports your lifestyle, reflects your personality, and feels unmistakably yours. Whether you see yourself in one of these types or a little bit of all of them, we’re here to help you shape a space that tells your story beautifully.

Ready to begin? Let’s talk about your vision.