Not sure what you mean by 1/2 walls in regards to the posts. Usually these would be boxed in and just drywalled.

Like what they did here. I like this because they really don't look like "poles" any longer and you could either put stools on one side of the counter with a recliner on the other side.

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Good idea! Pony walls can be useful too! Make one side a bookcase or pre-wire it to mount a flatscreen.

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We put french doors :)

I would make at least part of it a full wall. I do not want to watch laundry go around while I am having a cocktail or playing video games. I think you should draw the floor plan and where you plan to do each activity. Then decide about walls. Most laundry rooms have cabinets and it is nice when they can be mounted on a wall. Or is there no money for walls?