Having to re-decorate our open plan downstairs, I can understand what your saying. Until I got all the furniture and the heavy curtains put back I had an echo to the room.
So, a lot of it depends on your soft furnishings and their ability to absorb sound. It also depends on foot wear, some with hard heels and soles are noisier.
Not sure if the laminate flooring underlay would also make a difference, we have a good quality one which does well in reducing noise and keeping warmth in.