Knocking down walls: living with one big space

Funny you mention the cords - I swear, no matter how many cable organizers I buy, there’s always a tangle somewhere in my open layouts. I’ve flipped a few properties with big open spaces and noticed buyers either love the “lived-in” vibe or get totally overwhelmed by the lack of hiding spots. Have you found any tricks for keeping things functional without feeling like you’re constantly tidying up? Sometimes I wonder if people eventually just get used to seeing their stuff out in the open, or if it keeps bugging them over time...

Honestly, I think most people just end up living with a bit of clutter in open spaces. You can only hide so much when there aren’t walls or closets everywhere. I’ve tried those cord covers that stick to the underside of furniture - works okay, but not perfect. One thing that’s helped is using big baskets or benches with storage. It’s not a magic fix, but at least stuff has a “home” instead of floating around. Some buyers don’t mind the lived-in look at all, but the neat freaks definitely struggle more over time...

You can only hide so much when there aren’t walls or closets everywhere.

That’s been my experience too. After opening up our main floor, I realized how much I’d relied on walls for tucking things away. One trick I’ve found is using reclaimed wood shelving - open, but it forces you to keep only what you actually use or love. It’s not perfect, but it keeps the clutter from piling up. I do think baskets help, but sometimes they just become a dumping ground if you’re not careful. The “lived-in” look is fine by me, but I get why it drives some folks nuts.

I do think baskets help, but sometimes they just become a dumping ground if you’re not careful.

Totally get this. I swear baskets are like black holes for random stuff - one minute it’s “organized,” next minute you’re digging through three years’ worth of mail and a rogue sock. I tried going “minimal” with open shelving too, but my kids treat every surface like a display for their latest art project. At this point, I just call it “creative chaos” and hope guests appreciate the eco-friendly vibe... or at least don’t trip over a Lego.

I feel this on a spiritual level. Baskets are supposed to be the answer, but somehow I end up with “organized” piles in every corner. At least your kids’ art is more inspiring than my stack of takeout menus and mystery cords… creative chaos is way more fun anyway.