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Dividers for Modern Living
How to Create Some Private Zones Within Your Open-Plan Design
Houzz Contributor. I am an interior designer with a passion for modern clean spaces and timeless vintage decor which makes for a unique eye. I work in Los Angeles but offer e-design services nationally. Visit my website and my blog at http://www.veneerdesigns.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an interior designer with a passion for modern... More »
Open floor plans are becoming more common as older homes are renovated and new homes are designed. Families love to be together in one big open space while doing different tasks. But privacy — or at least semi-privacy — is still desired at certain times. These room dividers illustrate how you can create a little separation without hurting the original open plan.
| The simplest element you can have constructed is a partial-height wall. It creates a physical wall separation between spaces but doesn't cut off sight lines. Each side of the wall can be used to anchor furniture placement. You can easily communicate the height and width of the partial height wall to your contractor without hiring a designer or needing a permit. |
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Shelves can provide the floor-to-ceiling separation and storage, while still connecting spaces via openings in the back. This beautifully made example creates an entry vestibule separate from the living area of the home.
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Here we see the best of both worlds: A partial-height wall provides a base for shelves to carve out space for a cute retro-style eat-in booth.
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| Horizontal wood slats are being used on both exterior and interior applications, and I can't get enough of the rustic, natural and modern touch they provide. Here they create a simple semi-transparent wall that is elegant and playful. |
| An artistic flourish to the wood-slat wall is accomplished by changing up the distance between the slats in each component of the wall. The divider wall becomes a point of interest in the room beyond its functional capabilities of division and extra storage (notice the drawers). |
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by chotinan55
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| If you are sick of horizontal wood slats but like the transparency the spacing creates, there are always vertical wood slats for a more conservative look. Here they separate different areas of an upscale public restroom. |
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A sliding panel can create division and privacy when needed, and return the space to its open plan the rest of the time. We can see two examples here: a sliding screen with both wood and decorative glass elements to block the stairs, and a pocket door for the room beyond.
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In smaller homes lacking plentiful windows, a large frosted glass sliding screen is a great alternative to solid walls. It creates the division between rooms but allows the available light to infiltrate the darker corners.
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A non-sliding frosted glass panel provides division, semi-privacy, and the flow of natural light throughout the bathroom areas.
Here's another example of a glass panel in a bathroom to separate zones, but this one is textured instead of frosted for a different feel.
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| Here's a clever division for a large bathroom: A plumbed partial-height wall allows the installation of vanities and mirrors on both sides, freeing up perimeter walls for windows or other plumbing fixtures.
More: 10 Great Ways to Use Room Screens Designing With Wood Slats Material Choices: Translucent Glass Doors |
Comments
sharivars timely post for me. We are working on a renovation, and I am trying to convince my husband and architect that I do not want the laundry "room" to be a room, but rather, connected via a half wall to the family room. The washer and dryer would be hidden in cabinetry on the back wall, and a counter/desk area would serve as the half wall parallel to this and separating the space from the family room. This would allow me to sit at the counter and fold laundry (or do other projects on the desk) while watching TV with the family or gazing out the windows watching the kids play in the back yard. I think it sounds much better than being shut up in a little closet, but it seems such an unconventional connection of space that I am getting resistance. Anyone else have an opinion or experience with this sort of connection?
23 months ago · Like
swanmaid Sharivars, sounds like a great idea to me, although the noise (from the washing machine/dryer) and moisture might be an issue. However, if an open plan kitchen can work for people, why not an open plan laundry room?
23 months ago · Like
mlrk I like that idea. Part of what makes chores so unpleasant is their forced isolation from the rest of your family and the household goings-on. Just plan your space well and hide the ugly behind carefully placed cabinets and doors. Do it!
23 months ago · Like
monstermom Maybe you can close off the laundry area with a pocket door. Then you will be able to close off the machine noise while operating and can open up the area while folding. You will not have a door in the way because it can slide into the wall. You could also make the pocket door some type of frosted glass so that it will create an interest point and will allow light into the laundry area in the event you find yourself folding while guests are in the house.
23 months ago · Like
kathycolo I think that sounds like a great idea, except that I would be concerned about noise from the washer and dryer in the general living space.
23 months ago · Like
CAROLE MEYER Beautiful ideas on how to divide a space! Carole www.carolemeyerart.com
23 months ago · Like
Faisal Raja Thanks for add this Dividing Ideas.....
23 months ago · Like
thalls Could you tell me where I could get those bar stools? they're fantastic.
22 months ago · Like
Natalie Myers Thalls: is this the bar stool you mean?
Scooper Bar Stool
Scooper Bar Stool22 months ago · Like
Crestview Doors We make some beautiful space dividers that we call Redi-Screens. All of our designs are inspired by vintage patterns, and can make them customized to any installation needs. I've attached a picture of one of our latest designs - the "Notre Dame". It's a part of our recently released, Quatrefoil Collection. Thought you guys would enjoy these - take a peek! 
5 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 1, 2011.
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