This was just a way for home builders to save money by building fewer walls.
They convinced homebuyers and influencers that is trendy, that living in a house that feels like a Walmart supercenter was the thing to do.
I really don’t think many homebuyers asked for a toilet next to their living room.


That part I could understand. But I’ll never get the US thinking of “why yes, I want to stand smack in the middle of my living room when I come through the entry”.
I like foyers but HATE formal front rooms. Such a waste of space
Alex, what is a hallway?
I do agreee with this. Our front door is by the kitchen & I don’t like that but understand the design, there are big windows and French doors in back, so you are looking at a nice view.
When we eventually get the resources to redo the kitchen, going to give up a few feet of space to put an entry, little bench, buffer zone and direct the eye to the lounge area in front, away from the kitchen. Not a literal anteroom, don’t like that (feels like entering through the garage, sort of unfriendly) but better flow.