BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Totally with you on the need for real, usable rooms. I get why open concept is trendy, but honestly, it’s not always practical—especially if you care about energy efficiency or sound control. Smaller, well-insulated rooms are easier to heat and cool, and you actually get some peace and quiet. I’d take a cozy, functional bedroom over a giant hallway any day. Plus, doors are underrated... sometimes you just need to shut out the world (or your kids).
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
You nailed it about doors being underrated. I’ve seen so many new builds go all-in on open concept, and then the owners end up scrambling for ways to add privacy later. There’s something to be said for a house that actually lets you close off a space and just... breathe. Sure, open layouts look great in magazines, but real life is messy and loud. Give me a solid wall and a door any day—especially if I’m trying to get work done or just escape the chaos for a bit.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
I get where you’re coming from. Open concept looks sleek, but after living in a house with barely any doors, I started missing the option to just shut out the noise. That said, I do like how open layouts can make a small space feel bigger. Maybe there’s a middle ground—like sliding doors or pocket doors? Curious if anyone’s tried those and actually found them useful long-term, or if they end up being more hassle than they’re worth.
SLIDING DOORS VS. OPEN CONCEPT—ANYONE REGRET IT?
Pocket doors are a bit of a mixed bag in my experience. They’re great for saving space and giving you that option to close things off, but the hardware can be finicky over time, especially if you go cheap on installation. I’ve seen them stick or come off track after a few years. Sliding barn doors look cool but don’t block sound much. If I had to start over, I’d probably do a combo—some open areas, but with solid doors where privacy actually matters, like bedrooms or offices. Open concept is nice until you’re trying to take a call and someone’s blending a smoothie...
SLIDING DOORS VS. OPEN CONCEPT—ANYONE REGRET IT?
I get the hesitation with pocket doors, but honestly, if you invest in high-end hardware and a good installer, they can be pretty seamless—literally and figuratively. I did a reno a few years back and splurged on soft-close pocket doors for my study and primary bath. Zero issues so far. The trick is making sure the wall cavity is deep enough and not cutting corners on the frame. I will say, though, I hear you on the open concept noise:
That’s painfully real. Sometimes I wish I’d gone for more glass partitions—keeps things airy but you can still shut out the chaos when you need to.Open concept is nice until you’re trying to take a call and someone’s blending a smoothie...
