The open concept floor plan has dominated home design for decades. Kitchens flowing into living rooms, dining areas without boundaries, expansive sightlines- these layouts were touted as modern and desirable. In practice, they fail. Today, homeowners in Los Angeles are calling the WARREN to restore walls and redefine their homes through thoughtful luxury renovation.

Open layouts may seem contemporary, but too often they result in spaces that feel unfinished, uncomfortable, and generic.

Image from our Chapel Cove Project

The Problem with “No Walls”

Open floor plans create fundamental design and living challenges:

• Furniture has nowhere to land. Sofas, art, and cabinetry require walls to feel anchored; without them, rooms feel adrift.
• Spaces lack definition. Dining rooms, offices, and living areas merge into one another, reducing functionality and undermining the home’s character.
• Comfort and intimacy disappear. Vast, echoing rooms do not foster the sense of enclosure and warmth that makes a home feel inviting.

Rather than enhancing living, full openness often diminishes it. Homes become large, neutral canvases that are difficult to inhabit meaningfully

The Wisdom of Balance

Openness works selectively. A kitchen that flows into a family room encourages connection and casual interaction. But connecting a dining room directly to an entryway—or removing boundaries between every adjacent space—erases rhythm, intimacy, and the sense of luxury.

True design is about balance. Walls define purpose, create privacy, and allow each room to serve its intended function. Openings are strategic; walls are deliberate. Together, they shape a home that feels considered, purposeful, and timeless.

Avoiding Sameness

Another consequence of fully open layouts is enforced uniformity. When one space bleeds into the next, finishes and color palettes must remain neutral, resulting in monotony. Walls allow a home to shift in tone and atmosphere: a moody library, a bright and airy kitchen, a serene bedroom. Defined rooms create contrast, interest, and depth. They elevate a home beyond the predictable and generic, giving each space its own character.

The Value of Walls

Reintroducing walls restores what open floor plans remove: personalizing interiors through furnishings, finishes, and art.

• Intimacy. Defined spaces feel secure, purposeful, and welcoming
• Anchored design. Walls provide a foundation for art, furniture, and millwork.
• Variety. Each room can establish its own character while contributing to the home’s overall harmony.

A Smarter Approach to Modern Living

In Los Angeles, where many so-called “luxury” homes are builder-grade or quick flips, they are often void of walls and lacking any point of view. Definition of space and architectural detail bring function, comfort, and character to a home.

At the WARREN, we design with discernment, knowing where openness enhances life and where enclosure creates comfort. We create balance.

Open concept had its moment… it’s time to restore rhythm, intimacy, and sophistication to modern living.

If you’re seeking professional design help or would like a consultation for tailored tips, feel free to reach out to us at studio@downthewarren.com — we’d love to hear about your project!