25 Open-Floor House Plans Built For Entertaining

The open layout immediately upon walking through the front door into the foyer provides a warm welcome, but it’s the gracious rear screened in living area that is the true gem of this family home.

• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 3,800 square feet

In this inviting American Farmhouse with a sweeping kitchen island, a dining area stretches right into a living room with a charming fireplace. What more could we want? How about a wrap-around porch.

• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 2,718 square feet

What’s the only feature that rivals an extended great room and kitchen? A set of double doors opened onto the matching screen porch. Enjoy the main living space, with the bedrooms tucked away to the side for privacy.

• 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
• 1,611 square feet

The Banning Court house plan is easy, breezy, and made for afternoon entertaining. The open living room, dining room, and kitchen make for relaxed hosting, and the charming library provides a welcome space for a private retreat.

• 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
• 1,286 square feet

The focal point of this plan is the central living room, which connects the open-concept kitchen and two porches. But the real selling point of our 2019 Idea House is the secluded, spacious primary suite.

• 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths
• 4,541 square feet

The central family room spills into the open kitchen in this farmhouse charmer. We already imagine many cocktail hours hosted on this home’s two porches.

• 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
• 3,610 square feet

This plan is for you if you’re looking for an open floor plan with a degree of privacy. The central spaces are open and inviting, but the primary suite and library enjoy a bit of seclusion, as do the upstairs bedrooms.

• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 2,992 square feet

With five access points to the porch from the entertaining spaces, there is no shortage of seamless flow. The living room and kitchen anchor the center of the plan with a dining room nook and study flanking each side.

• 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 2,622 square feet

This stylish cottage has everything you need—including a sprawling, open first floor. The deep front porch, set back from the inviting entry, extends to the kitchen, dining room, or expansive screened porch outside. Three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths complete this comfortable cottage.

• 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• 2,992 square feet

This classic yet modern house plan has just enough space for a cozy breakfast nook. The second-floor bonus room and flexible daylight basement leave much room for customization.

• 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
• 4,423 square feet

This one-of-a-kind home can be yours, too. Its charming dimensions still allow for lots of space for guests—from the open kitchen and great room to the covered front porch. Take a tour of this home after a recent renovation by Birmingham designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas.

• 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
• 2,233 square feet

It’s impossible not to love this sprawling farmhouse that was designed for our 2023 Idea House. While the primary living space of the main floor is open-concept, there are still plenty of nooks and cozy spots to curl up.

• 4 bedrooms, 5 baths
• 5,620 square feet

This home is practically built for hosting—and with multi-generational living in mind. The foyer flows straight into the living room and kitchen which seamlessly connect to a spacious porch thanks to sliding doors and bifold windows.

• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 3,755 square feet

Portion off the expansive family room of this English-style cottage in any way that fits your family’s preferences. Try leaving room for a breakfast or dining space. Inclement weather? Don’t worry: Both porches are covered, allowing for outdoor entertaining in any season.

• 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 3,469 square feet

This coastal-inspired house plan is made for large families—or just those who love to host overnight guests. The hub of the home and covered porch offer ample space for entertaining, while the second floor and attached garage provide plenty of bedrooms for piling in family and friends.

• 5 bedrooms, 6 baths
• 5,212 square feet

This house plan has topped our favorite open-plan designs for its modern-meets-rustic charm. Furnish the kitchen island with barstools to watch all the kitchen cooking action over the holidays.

• 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
• 3,511 square feet

This cottage may clock in at just over 2,000 square feet, but its design is ideal for holiday entertaining. The open living area and kitchen provide lots of room for your guests, and the screened porch opens up new hosting possibilities.

• 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• 2,148 square feet

Bring the outdoors in with a great room that flows right into a built-in screened porch. Another favorite feature? This charming cottage has a built-in versatile flex room off the front entry.

• 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
• 3,208 square feet

The back porch is built into the home’s central living space, allowing for lots of natural light in the breakfast nook. Cedar shake shingles top the Cape Cod-style home, with additional bonus space to meet your family’s preferences.

• 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
• 2,639 square feet

The Cottage of the Year is undoubtedly a winner. While the common area is open, an independent vestibule and screen porch connects two wings with living suites. And yes, there’s a guest cottage with its own porch. Need we say more?

• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 2,718 square feet

This straightforward cottage proves just what you can do with smaller dimensions. The kitchen, dining, and living rooms flow seamlessly into each other, yet the master suite offers a degree of privacy by being slightly set off to the side. 

• 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 2,345 square feet

This true Southern estate has a walkout basement and can accommodate up to six bedrooms and five full and two half baths. The open concept kitchen, dining room, and family area also provide generous space for entertaining.

• 5 bedrooms, 7 baths
• 6,643 square feet

While a kitchen, eating area, and family room all flow into one family-friendly space, this plan also boasts a separate dining room for those holiday dinners. You’ll also appreciate the large, screened outdoor living room with fireplace and grill. Prefer a bungalow or farmhouse aesthetic? Check out the Summertime Bungalow and Summertime Farmhouse as well.

• 3 bedrooms, 4 baths
• 3,120 square feet

Designed exclusively for Southern Living, the Tideland Haven is all about maximizing light. We also love how the open-concept kitchen/living room has three sets of French doors opening onto the wraparound porch.

• 2 bedrooms, 3 baths
• 2,418 square feet

This gracious brick home was inspired by houses from the 1920s, but the interior uses an open floor plan for modern and convenient living. Parkview also has tucked away spaces that give it a rambling, historic feel.

• 3 bedrooms, 5 baths
• 3,559 square feet