I think this is a really neat idea as well. We have it in our plan to separate part of our kitchen from a clean-up area. I have also not seen many examples of this, but here is one I've clipped in my file....from Hutker Architects.

The only place I've seen the hardware is www.barndoorhardware.com You could have a builder make doors that suit your style.

Here is the hutker example....

Thanks, mythreesonsnc, for the image and link. I'd be interested to see how your plan turns out!

jeff2718,

The Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Cary, NC has absolutely beautiful "barndoors" in their Governors Room. Although the term "barndoors" is very misleading in this case. I can email you the pics I took, if you like (I haven't figured out how to post pics on GW yet). Their doors are very formal with leaded glass in the upper half and solid panelled wood on the bottom half. I even took pics of the track they are on in hopes of being able to find them.

Then I went to a local building supply company and they were showing me just their regular interior doors and I noticed that all those doors were mounted on the same type of track on the ceiling allowing each individual door to slide out to be shown then slide it back in place when done!
Basically with this type of track its just a pocket door track mounted to the ceiling on the exterior side of the finished wall (vs. between the sheetrock) There are rollers mounted to the top of the door that fit in the track. Then you simply mount your trim in front of the track so it's hidden from view and voila, you've got a formal, unobstrusive sliding door that's beautiful whether open or closed.

Johnson makes them (the kind you hide with trim, not the "rustic" hardware that is meant to be seen).

Someone on Home Decorating forum had them (exposed track) installed a while ago - you might want to search or give a yell over there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Johnson Hardware sliding door