Totally get where you’re coming from. We tried the open concept route, thinking it’d feel spacious and modern, but now I’d trade some of that openness for actual soundproofing. Solid doors and walls just make life easier when everyone’s home at once.
Building Base Structures—What If You Had To Start Over?
I hear you on the open concept trend. It looks great in magazines, but in practice, it’s not always the dream. I’ve seen a lot of folks regret tearing down those walls once they realize how much noise travels—especially with kids or if you’re working from home. There’s also the energy efficiency angle... more walls can actually help with heating and cooling zones, which is easy to overlook when you’re focused on aesthetics. I’m not saying closed-off spaces are perfect either, but there’s definitely a balance to be struck. Sometimes the old ways had their reasons.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
You nailed it about the noise. Open layouts can look stunning, but living in them is a whole different story—especially if you’ve got kids running around or you’re trying to take a Zoom call. I’ve worked with clients who ended up adding glass partitions or sliding doors just to get some peace. There’s definitely something to be said for cozy nooks and defined spaces... sometimes those “old-fashioned” floor plans make life a lot easier. It’s all about finding what actually works for your day-to-day, not just what looks good in photos.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
You’re right, those “old-fashioned” layouts get a bad rap, but honestly, they solve a lot of practical problems. I’ve seen so many people regret tearing down walls just for the sake of a trend. Open plans look great in magazines, but real life is messy and loud—especially with kids or if you work from home. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a bit of separation. Sometimes the best design is the one that actually fits your life, not just what’s popular right now.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Couldn’t agree more with your take. There’s this ongoing pressure to chase the latest trends, but honestly, I’ve seen so many people end up frustrated after opening everything up. The reality is, homes need to function for the people living in them—not just look good on social media. I’ve worked with families who ended up scrambling to add back partitions or sliding doors because they missed having quiet corners or a bit of privacy.
There’s nothing inherently “better” about open plans versus traditional layouts; it’s all about what works for your daily life. Sometimes those classic floor plans are just more practical, especially when you need to contain noise or want a space that feels cozy. Design should always support your lifestyle, not fight against it. Trends come and go, but comfort and functionality stick around.
