Architects and Designers Rethink Common Renovation Choices
AD PRO Directory members are steering clients away from default open plans, instead recommending thoughtful boundaries that create rhythm and intentional circulation. They also caution against automatically vaulting ceilings, noting that scale should match the home's character, and suggest decorative treatments over exposed rafters. The article highlights several other renovation moves that experts now question, offering alternatives based on current design thinking.
The article profiles six design professionals who are questioning once-standard renovation assumptions. San Francisco architect Anand Sheth emphasizes giving clients enough context to make confident decisions, even when redirecting them from initial preferences. Baltimore designer Pascale de Fouchier advocates for purposeful wall retention, noting that boundaries create architectural rhythm and intentional circulation rather than mere separation.
Several practitioners offer specific alternatives to popular choices. Kansas City duo Elizabeth Bennett and Mallory Robins suggest decorative ceiling treatments like coffers instead of exposing rafters, keeping scale appropriate to a home's age. Los Angeles architect Tim Barber modifies stair geometry for long-term accessibility, while Scottsdale designer Kaitlyn Wolfe champions hand-applied finishes that embrace natural variation over uniform surfaces.
This shift could influence how homeowners approach renovations, potentially affecting property values and long-term livability. As designers steer clients toward accessibility features and age-appropriate scale, older homeowners may benefit from homes better suited to aging in place. The emphasis on natural textures and thoughtful boundaries may also resonate with those seeking calmer, more intentional living spaces post-pandemic, though trend-driven homeowners might resist abandoning familiar open-plan aesthetics.