What should I decide first in an open concept remodel?

An open concept remodel is a single decision with a long tail. The wall comes out and the two rooms become one — but the beam has to go somewhere, the flooring has to reconcile, the lighting has to work as one plan, and the noise has nowhere left to stop.

What goes wrong most often?

The wall removed and the two lighting schemes left in place, so the ceiling shows exactly where the wall was. Flooring changed direction at the old wall line.

Will it work in a small open concept?

Opening up a small house does not always help. Two 11ft rooms can work better than one 22ft room with no walls to place anything against — a wide cased opening often gets the light and sightlines without losing the wall.

Can I see it on my own open concept before starting?

Yes — photograph the space and run it through the Studio. It is generated imagery, so compare the render against your photo rather than treating it as a plan.

Open Concept Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

The failures that show up again and again, and what causes each one. Removing one wall, and dealing with everything that wall was doing.

BeforeAfter

1
Mistake 1
The wall removed and the two lighting schemes left in place, so the ceiling shows exactly where the wall was.
2
Mistake 2
Flooring changed direction at the old wall line.
3
Mistake 3
No acoustic treatment, so the whole ground floor now hears the extractor.
4
Mistake 4
Zones undefined, leaving furniture floating with nothing to sit against.

Questions

What should I decide first in an open concept remodel?: An open concept remodel is a single decision with a long tail. The wall comes out and the two rooms become one — but the beam has to go somewhere, the flooring has to reconcile, the lighting has to work as one plan, and the noise has nowhere left to stop.
What goes wrong most often?: The wall removed and the two lighting schemes left in place, so the ceiling shows exactly where the wall was. Flooring changed direction at the old wall line.
Will it work in a small open concept?: Opening up a small house does not always help. Two 11ft rooms can work better than one 22ft room with no walls to place anything against — a wide cased opening often gets the light and sightlines without losing the wall.
Can I see it on my own open concept before starting?: Yes — photograph the space and run it through the Studio. It is generated imagery, so compare the render against your photo rather than treating it as a plan.

Open Concept Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1

Mistake 2

Mistake 3

Mistake 4

Questions