A growing number of homeowners with older properties are choosing to knock down walls in order to create open-plan kitchens and living areas, it has been observed.Ellen Goode, professor of interior design at Meredith College in the US, commented that in the 1970s and 80s, houses were built with a separate great room, separate small living room, separate small dining area and a kitchen walled off from the rest.Speaking to the Canadian Press (CP), she argued that back then, features like a formal dining room and breakfast nook were key selling points for a home.However, it was noted that in the modern day, homeowners increasingly want the flexibility that open-plan rooms offer and are knocking down walls as a result.Indeed, Paul J Zuch, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, observed that the kitchens status as a focal point for households has boosted the demand for open-plan layouts.Kids are doing homework ... mom wants to keep an eye on the kids when theyre on the internet, he told the CP.