However, all that space meant not much privacy. The boss could always stop by and it was impossible to get away from colleagues to work quietly.
As our lifestyles changed and adapted early in the 21st Century, the decline of open plan began. One notable change has been our relationship with television. What used to be the central focal point of a living space is now available on multiple screens and devices. With families and households watching different things at different times and on different devices, the need for privacy has grown.
In cities, the vogue is for minimalist furniture to maximise on space – and maintain calm and tranquillity in a hectic city life. However, minimalist decor in an open plan space can look a little sparse.
Perhaps what has had the most impact on our change of heart towards open plan spaces is the recent pandemic. We’ve all had to spend more time at home. And open spaces can be tricky to work in when you’ve got kids at home or multiple people taking Zoom calls through the day.
COVID-19 had made us appreciate our need for privacy – and is bringing back those cosy nooks and rooms to call our own.
