But the closed-concept layout's return is one that interior designers are all too happy to see. We asked designers for their honest take on closed-concept layouts vs. open-concept ones. While closed-concept layouts give you the chance to close off certain areas and make bold choices, designers also said that open-concept layouts aren't going anywhere anytime soon. There's less noiseWithout walls to absorb sound, open-concept layouts can feel loud and echoey. Designers say closed-concept layouts aren't taking over completely—there's an evolving preference for flexible layouts that can incorporate both open and closed elements.