There are plenty of benefits to be had if you swap separate rooms for more casual living arrangements. But make these open ...

A great room concept was born of the open floor plan, combining living and family room functions. Placing the TV, if there is one, is a good starting point for a furniture layout.

The open concept, merging living, dining, entertaining and TV viewing areas into one social space, makes it necessary to use furniture to demarcate function zones.

The last 70 years of open concept construction and remodeling has left us with dysfunctional houses, homes that are less conducive to hospitality, less energy efficient, and more given to mess.

Open-floor plans are desirable for their open sightlines and brightness; however, it can be hard to designate each living space. Here's a no-demo solution.