Dear James: We are empty-nesters and plan to combine rooms for a more open floor plan. Box beams would look nice for some separation. What are some tips for adding box beams to the ceiling? —Nick K. Dear Nick: Most modern homes have more open floor plan layouts instead of many smaller distinct rooms. It does provide a more open and spacious feel to even a smaller house. And it allows for more multiple use of the living space. Better lighting, heating, and cooling are also advantages of an open floor plan. Open floor plans are very popular now and can provide substantially more living space than many smaller rooms. It also is easier to heat and cool an open floor plan with more even temperatures throughout the house. Many older houses had just one return air intake grille, and it was difficult to balance out the air flow. Box …