Ben & Erin Don't Want An Open-Plan Kitchen In This Cabin-Styled Cottage | Home Town

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While renovating the 'ketchup and mustard' house, Ben and Erin explain why they are against open-plan kitchens in old buildings.
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From Season 6 Episode 5
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[@triciajumonville7741]

It is SO hard to find a house without an open concept these days. And so many flippers buy wonderful old houses and gut them and turn them into open floor plan might as well be off the developers' factory line on the inside. So good to see someone actually thinking about what truly fits (and that not everyone loves open floor plans, far from it).

[@ope4r540]

I’ve come to learn, after living in two “open concept homes,” that you will sacrifice necessary wall space for pictures, buffets, consoles, knick knacks, and the crucial space for a proper dining room. I have a “dining space” and there is no cabinet to house party necessities. And my dining table is two steps from my sofa. Don’t be fooled by the feeling of spaciousness. A family home needs proper spaces to delineate room functions, and store their stuff.

[@wjb-wi6dt]

I'm in a small (1000 sqft) 1950s house, and I don't even know what you'd call the style. My previous home was closer to 1500 sqft with that open floor plan. I've discovered that I like the separate rooms a lot! I don't have to keep the kitchen spotless because it hides behind a wall. The old house felt big and airy - but the current house feels cozy rather than cramped. (It helps that there are a LOT of windows - not great when I had to replace them all, but wonderful natural light.)

[@ralphstephan353]

My hat is off to whoever decided to focus as much on the relationships of the cast and crew (and home buyers) as with the transitions of the buildings.

[@jeanlarson8505]

I love Erin and Ben. The way they talk to each other, look at each other, and talk to the crew and homeowners is so sweet. I could watch this show all days and enjoy their accents (I’m from Massachusetts) and all the beautiful work they do. It’s like sitting on a porch swing in the warm summer❤

[@dafdfasdfdfasfdfadfd]

Me too! I love them.

[@jandroniol]

The envy I have of this boy right now is measured on a cosmic scale.

[@susanharrah3462]

I have a 1940s house left the walls and the cabinets. The sink still has the original cast iron sink. Will not take out walls

[@sarahwestling9438]

I’ll just say it….I miss sheet vinyl flooring. It’s so easy to take care of and can look so good.

[@VioletJoy]

I would take that any day over the white tile and grout I have in my kitchen and bathrooms. It is a pain to clean.

[@Holidaygal]

Totally agree I will not be surprised if the trend will turn around and we will again start seeing separation of the kitchens from living room.

[@victorialine5984]

I home so. I am tired of seeing a barn like space where the kitchen is on view from the street door. Walls, people, walls.

[@socketyellow3]

@@victorialine5984 yeah, for big houses tho. I don’t think a closed concept works on small houses like my sister’s. But big houses have the space

[@victorialine5984]

@@socketyellow3: 'I don’t think a closed concept works on small houses ...' That's how we used to build houses and it worked until somebody came along and decided that the whole ground floor should be on show from the street door. What was the thinking?

[@socketyellow3]

@@victorialine5984 I mean small houses tend to lose valuable room when closing it off. It is better for homes that can close 6 inches to a wall and not notice it. Like my sister’s house wouldn’t be able fit her furniture if you cut 6 inches off it.

[@victorialine5984]

I don't know what you mean, but we are never going to agree.

[@Fitzwillyfl]

Okay…. Mayo on corn dogs is awesome!!!! Just say’n! Erin’s instincts are right on every time and I love her PSA about open concept spaces in historic homes. I can’t tell you how many houses I’ve had to install period appropriate walls and openings when previous owners blew them out.

[@SMElder-od5cl]

I love little old cottages!

[@ginam.8378]

Oh! I have a new favourite! LOL This place is so beautiful and unique. Erin has definitely won me over with the idea that not everything has to be open concept. I actually prefer a living room that is a bit separate and cozy. Kitchen and dining, yep, nice to have open. Most of all she uses the space so well. I see lots of open concept where a lot of the space is useless.

[@collinsje5]

I hate open concept on a practical level. I live with a real cook who makes 50 megaton messes when we entertain. Mind you, the results are more than worth it, but I don't want my messy kitchen visible from the dining/living room when I have guests. My kitchen is a separate room, so I can leave the mess until the next morning without guilt, because it is essentially invisible. Also, even though my range hood is vented to the outside, the separate kitchen helps to prevent cooking smells/smoke from permeating my upholstered living room furniture and collecting on artwork.

[@wjb-wi6dt]

I also like the separation because I don't have to worry about the aesthetics of the kitchen matching other rooms. I wanted a functional kitchen, not a showroom!

[@Shaggy_Solo]

Lucky boy to have the house that feels like a cabin on the mountain. Great job, Ben & Erin!

[@erinf8275]

I have never liked open concept. I love rooms with different functions.

[@nancymoore6771]

Totally agree Erin… open concert is not always the way to go

[@kristadavis2825]

I love the connections to his grandparents!

[@susanmark2000]

What a lucky young man! I love the home and yard. Perfect!

[@VioletJoy]

Both the front and back yards are beautiful. Pretty setting.

[@Mo-mr8vv]

These two are amazing. That table Ben made is just amazing and the Island!

[@michaelflinn7784]

I love this little spot. 🎉.. feel so happy for him

[@marciabenson9371]

Ben, it may be “corny” but I love your sense of humor.

[@kristadavis2825]

We are a few days shy on closing on our one and only home and it is stuck in 1973 when it was built. I love the closed concept. Being able to hide the kitchen is perfect for this homesteading, homeschool mom. I love the wood floors and have no clue why it was popular in the 70s to cover them. I however don’t love the wood paneling and am hoping I can find hidden walls like y’all did, but am not too hopeful with it being a brick exterior. Hubby and I are looking to do most of the renovations ourselves, so this will be a challenge.

[@debbiecreter2005]

As always, Erin and Ben, a beautifully perfect job!!! Love everything about this home!!!

[@mistertee5000]

He's so genuinely happy! Good for him!

[@ankiking]

It would be such a dream having these two design a house. I can’t think of any other designer(s) where I love absolutely everything they do!

[@vetasitaropoulos8782]

Greetings from London, via Brisbane, Australia. I grew up on a property in Brisbane that had been a poultry farm founded by my great grandparents, and I remember finding rolls of the EXACT same orange floral vinyl wall covering that was revealed in the kitchen demo in one of the various sheds on our farm (the sheds were treasure troves for anything and everything that three generations couldn't bear to throw away - heaven for me). Crazy to think that this decorated walls in Laurel, Mississippi, and Brisbane, Australia. I ended up using them to make 'vintage' greeting cards!

[@VioletJoy]

The unique character and charm of this house totally fits the unique character and charm of this young man. 🤎 I just love his reactions. Ben and Erin created an updated cabin look. What a cool home in a beautiful setting. 10/10

[@debrap947]

I'm jealous. Congrats to this young man.

[@shawnalajame7888]

I totally agree about the "cased opening" thing!

[@angelbulldog4934]

We all have our preferences, but I would never try to make an older, charming house into an open floor modern nightmare. I like to stay true to the style of the house itself. Give me a 20s-40s cottage every time. So much architectural detail and beauty.

[@dawnd.5290]

It's so warm and homey 🏡

[@b_uppy]

The 'game/dining' table was poorly designed. The crossbars prevent one from getting one's legs under the table. The wood looks super, though not to my taste. What luck to find something that with that nice of boards.

[@nancywebb5774]

My favorite one yet!! Love the camp feeling!!

[@obelus5985]

I love them. Full stop.

[@heidi.a.thomson]

Would love to know the backstory. :) Love the reaction.

[@maryregan7928]

Great kitchen

[@claraelliott1334]

Erin and Ben;are the best! I love their style and so many WAYS, they take ugly homes and turn them into beautiful Homes.

[@shawnalajame7888]

One of my FAVORITE you've done!!!

[@likicanoe3305]

Love those walls...so lucky. Love the blue color paint.

[@maryannfelice148]

Now I want a couple of corn dogs. Mustard is mandatory!

[@adriana0476]

Finally! Simeone Who does Not want to have an open floor plan!!!! I can' y Believe,everybody wants to Cook all day long,invites 20 people to have dinner in their homes,and si,need That open space plan,in Every TV programme ,where a House is redecored

[@brentm7278]

What a nice kid.

[@bettyboop1524]

I hate "open concept". The more rooms the better is my opinion. If you're cooking why should the whole house stink from cooked food? My shotgun house was built in 1900 and every room has a purpose, it has that cozy vibe.

[@caroledunne2667]

I have a small home, and no matter what I do the smell of cooking, reaches every room!

[@josephwylupek4538]

That is awesome!

[@tinamccann8968]

What a great remodel!

[@carolluther1625]

I love it!

[@MsGrandunion]

The red and yellow was too much, but why replace everything with bland and boring pale grays? And the cupboards were cool and beautifully made, they could have been repainted, no need for demolition.

[@debbebunch9973]

I WANT THAT HOUSE!! 🏠 😊

[@nancymoore6771]

I do not care for open concept… love cozy in its own space feelinf

[@jennifertoliver9546]

I told my kids that their palate changes every 7 days, so they had to taste every 7 days, they eat everything now! Escargot, Ceasar Salad, garlic, curry,.........

[@gisaguimaraes7173]

Perfeito! 👏👏👏

[@ANGIEB52]

Been asking myself this same question, how about removing a cased opening on a early 1900’s home 🤔🧐

[@ThreeRunHomer]

Great house.

[@katechurcher4830]

Is that a privacy thing, having the book spines turned inward?

[@susieqrash4668]

We ALL EAT MAYONAISE ON OUR CORNDOGS IN TEXAS

[@gailmartens9837]

No matter.what the home ..looks like now.. GREAT DESIGN 'ERS ..AND CHANGE IN STRUCTURE...AND ROOMS...CAN ..TURN INTO..INCREDIBLEY..BEAUTIFUL......HOMES...NEVER UNDER..ESTIMATE...THIS 'COUPLE..AND ...ALL THAT..HAS ..IMPROVED...DAILY..WITH ...COUPLES .LIKE THIS!😊

[@L.Spencer]

Where does one buy sheet vinyl nowadays? We need to redo the floors in the apartment, but just want to cover over the current vinyl, or is it linoleum?, that's been there for at least 40 years.

[@b_uppy]

Many places still carry it.

[@ivaneiarocatelli6296]

🌟💐🌟 Espetacular 🌟💐🌟🇧🇷

[@joshwilburn-dudley3560]

I held Ben in such high respect UNTIL the mayo comment 😅

[@jantsjerijpma628]

I liked the old floor in de kitchen. Looked really interesting.

[@bonniegould3319]

Can u pls and captions for the hard of hearing

[@anna-taniatransylove5762]

I love the inside but the color on the outside of the house matches the roof...there is no contrast

[@nancyz1728]

Did he lose a laundry?

[@jeanetteshawredden5643]

I'm sure it was relocated elsewhere in the house.

[@kathleenmichelet6493]

Demo does not have to be ugly, that's just added drama

[@msknucb1762]

I like the house but it looks like a style an older person would want.

[@victorialine5984]

Definitely. Erin seldom departs from her down home signature style.

[@jacqueline6926]

He is happy with it, thats what matters

[@VioletJoy]

Yet this young man just fell in love with it.

[@BakoYoussouf-vd2mw]

Bonjour comment sa va moi je suis en côte d'Ivoire je ve les vé meblé fauteuil

[@gailmartens9837]

Take down a wall.or change...the ...kitchen..IN rearranging...how the kitchen..appliances...were.....raise the ceiling........improve .space...IN the bathroom...... So much...this couple has done .as so many..are Doing....The 'Gaines"...the Couple in Arkansas... The couple in Florida.....There are do many...ways..TO change....Even the oldest...home! And bring..it back..TO the year2023

[@user-kl9wn5od4h]

I hate it. He's too young to live like a 90 year old

[@oltedders]

Trim color is too dark for the wood walls. Kitchen vinyl floor is perfectly awful. Black hinges and fixtures in bathroom are dreadful...what a jarring look for a smal space. Stupidly adapting fad features into a total makeover is setting yourself up to fast track a dated interior. Other than some really bad looking trends the rest turned out pretty damn nice!