Distinctive elements: Open concept; custom-built banquette that serves as dining table and island; open stairwell to basement; hand-painted banquette, island, and vanity. Applause! Applause!

Tour a home built in the '90s and you're bound to see an open floor plan. The layout started trending in the 1950s when families shifted toward a more informal approach to living.

The home at demonstrates how a modern open floor plan is entirely compatible with striking colonial architecture. Located at the end of a lightly traveled cul-de-sac, this home at 10 Saunders Hill ...