I get the appeal of layering rugs and tossing in plants—I've done the same in a few of my own projects. But honestly, I’ve found that soft stuff only goes so far, especially with those “boomy” high ceilings. You mentioned:
It’s all about mixing up surfaces—hard, soft, tall, low. The more variety, the better.
Here’s where I’ll push back a bit: sometimes, less is more. In my last reno, I swapped out a bunch of soft furnishings for reclaimed wood slats on one accent wall. Not only did it add warmth, but the uneven surface actually helped scatter sound in a way that felt natural, not muffled. I guess I just like letting the space breathe a little, rather than packing it with stuff. Anyone else tried something similar?
Title: Knocking Down Walls: Living With One Big Space
I get where you're coming from—too many textiles can start to feel cluttered, especially in those big, echoey rooms. But I’d argue that hard surfaces alone can sometimes make things feel a bit cold, even with wood slats. I’ve had luck mixing in just a couple of large-scale soft pieces—like an oversized felt pendant or a single, thick wool rug—without overdoing it. Keeps the space from getting too stark, but still feels open. Guess it’s all about finding that balance, right?
I totally get what you mean about the coldness—when we opened up the main floor in our old place, it went from cozy (maybe too cozy) to this big, echoey hall. I was excited at first, but honestly, it felt a bit like a waiting room. Tried adding a couple of vintage rugs and some heavy curtains, but then it started to look like my grandma’s parlor. Ended up just keeping one big rug and a few cushions, and that seemed to do the trick. Still feels open, but not so much like you’re in a gymnasium.
Funny thing is, I kind of miss having nooks sometimes. There’s nowhere to hide clutter now... or myself when I need a break. Anyone else find that?
Funny thing is, I kind of miss having nooks sometimes. There’s nowhere to hide clutter now... or myself when I need a break.
Totally with you on this. Open concept looks great in photos, but in real life, it’s like—where do you put the random stuff? I used to stash baskets in corners or behind doors, but now everything’s out in the open. I’ve actually started using tall plants and a big bookshelf to break things up a bit. It gives me a little privacy and makes the space feel less like an airport lounge. Still, sometimes I miss just having a spot to disappear to with a book and not be on display.
I hear you—open concept is great until you need to hide a pile of laundry or escape from the chaos. I’ve tried using a folding screen to carve out a “fake nook” for myself. Not perfect, but it beats hiding in the bathroom with a snack.