Open-space design comes with challenges in separating the different uses in a living area. New demands in our homes have increased the desire for some separation. Just making small divisions can provide more privacy and create the illusion of more space. For example, if you have a breakfast nook at the end of a kitchen, and the kitchen overlooks the family room, adding light and airy curtain panels on each side of the breakfast nook entrance will create a cozy tea time (and iPad surfing) area.
Adding a sofa table or sideboard behind the couch will also separate the kitchen space from the family room. Conversely, an upholstered bench, even with two arms, opens up a space. Where the kitchen and living room meet, usually a sofa has its back to the kitchen. Instead of placing a couch, consider placing an upholstered bench, then placing two love seats perpendicular. The bench would serve as extra seating for the kitchen or living room. The room will also feel larger, as the bench with no back, allows our eyes to see through to the next room.
Area rugs divide rooms up also. An area rug should encompass the furniture that you would like to group. For instance, using the example above, you would measure from just outside the upholstered bench in and past the two loveseats. You should allow 24”-36” space for people to walk between furniture pieces. This would group the seating for a conversation area when you look from the kitchen.
Need a quiet space? One customer purchased an open-shelf bookcase to create her reading corner from the formal living area. She added a cozy, barrel-shaped velvet chair and a floor reading light to complete the look. Another customer purchased an armoire that is really a bar inside. It created a formal look in the room and doubled as an entertainment center when needed.
Does your breakfast nook also serve as the game night area? Room dividers are an informal way to separate an open area from another purpose. Think of some visitors playing Card Games in the Nook, while others are playing “Golf” in the Living Room. (This is when the armoire bar is at its finest hour).
If you live in an open floor plan, you chose to eliminate many barriers found in a traditional home. This should not limit your use of the space, instead it should invite your imagination toward shaping your uses within.