For years, open-concept living was the dream — wide, connected spaces where kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas flowed together. It felt modern and airy, like something straight out of a design ...

Television makeovers have spent years teaching you that knocking down walls is the fastest route to a stylish, modern home. Yet once the dust settles, that same “open concept” move often leaves you ...

Rather than creating two separate rooms, Alexa Occhipinti divided her open-concept living and dining area with a pony wall.

Looking back now, the most open floorplans might have worked best in magazines, and there's an alternative layout that's much more relaxing.