Open concept kitchens have been a popular aspect of open floor plans for decades. Open kitchens do not have walls to separate prep, cooking and dining spaces, which can have some key advantages for some homeowners. However, an open concept kitchen might not be right for everyone. Here are some of the major pros and cons to consider:
Maximizes Space - Open concept kitchens are excellent for homes with low square footage. An open layout makes more efficient use of space than traditional kitchens with multiple walls.
More Light - With an open concept kitchen, there aren’t any extra walls obstructing the flow of light. You can take advantage of natural light from nearby windows and use artificial light more efficiently. All of that extra light makes cooking, food prep and other kitchen tasks easier and safer.
Supports Multitasking - When you have an open concept kitchen, you can take part in conversation and activities outside of the kitchen. Even while cooking, you can be part of conversations and do other things like enjoy your favorite media. Open concept kitchens make multitasking much easier than in a traditional, closed-off kitchen.
Noise & Smell Can Travel - Sometimes, kitchen activity is noisy. With an open kitchen, that noise can travel elsewhere and cause disruptions. Cooking breakfast in the morning while people are sleeping, for example, becomes more difficult when you have to be extra careful about not making noise. Smell is also a major factor. Especially fragrant foods can permeate the entire house with no walls to contain them.
Reduced Cabinet Space - Open concept kitchens have less room for cabinets. Built-in cabinets are only under counters and against walls and with fewer walls, there is less storage space to work with. While there are ways to mitigate this, such as with a kitchen island or free-standing shelving, lack of cabinet space is a definite downside of open concept kitchens.
These are just a few of the factors to consider when deciding about an open kitchen. Weigh the options to determine whether this open concept layout is right for you.
Hi! We are David and Evelyn - The Hickox Team!
With a shared passion for helping people find where you truly belong—whether it’s a dream home or a strategic commercial space—we’ve combined our experience, heart, and hustle to better serve you, as our client across the Chattahoochee Valley.
David brings sharp negotiation skills and market insight, and I bring creative strategy, relationship-driven service, and a love for both Residential and Commercial real estate. Together, we bring a perfect blend of strategy, service, and savvy, to elevate every step of your Real Estate journey.
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Meet David
"When I think of dedication and drive in Real Estate, I think of David Hickox. Not only is David my professional partner, he’s also my fiancé — which means I get a front-row seat to the determination and care he puts into every property detail and client interaction."
-Evelyn Forston
I’m David Hickox—a dedicated real estate advisor serving the Chattahoochee Valley with a focus on results, relationships, and real value. My approach is grounded in strategy, honesty, and a deep respect for the goals and dreams of every client I work with.
I bring sharp market insight, strong negotiation skills, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset to every transaction. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or expanding your portfolio, I’m here to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful.
As co-lead of The Hickox Team with my fiancé Evelyn—an incredible Realtor and partner in every sense—we combine our strengths to deliver a real estate experience that’s both heart-led and results-driven. Together, we bring creativity, clarity, and commitment to the table every step of the way.
Outside of real estate, I enjoy staying active, watching the Braves and SEC football, working out, spending time with family and my sweet fiancé, Evelyn.
Let’s connect—I’d be honored to help you take the next step with confidence.
Call me at 912-596-4261
Meet Evelyn
Hi, I’m Evelyn Forston —a people-oriented, house-obsessed, dog-loving soul!💛🏡🐾
I'm a Realtor, Advisor and Associate Broker serving both Residential and Commercial Real Estate clients across Georgia and Alabama. I believe Real Estate is more than closings and contracts—it’s about connection, service, and walking with people through some of life’s biggest milestones.
I don't just sell properties—I shepherd people through meaningful life transitions with my professional partner, who is also my fiancé- David Hickox.
Whether I’m helping a family buy their first home, assisting an investor with a new commercial venture, or supporting someone in a major life transition, I treat every client with care, strategy, and heart. My experience spans residential and commercial sales, multi-family, single-family, and property management—which means I can offer smart advice, creative solutions, and real results.
I grew up in the Chattahoochee Valley and proudly graduated from both Brookstone School and Columbus State University. I love this community deeply and it shows in how I live and serve. I’m a 2022 East Alabama Leadership graduate, a 2025 “star” for the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Columbus, a member of the East Alabama Board of Realtors, and I serve as the 2025 Entertainment Committee Chair for the Columbus Board of Realtors.
I live, work, and thrive in the Columbus, GA / Phenix City, AL area with my fiancé and real estate partner, David Hickox and my two pups, Cupcake and Aubs. We love helping people turn dreams into keys and investments into income.
Call me at 205-901-6756
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