Great idea, there is a Ikea just off the DC Beltway. Will swing on by, would like to see how sturdy they are.

How about investing in a bench and backrest that could be used with the kitchen table. It will be more expensive than IKEA shelving, but offer more of a delineation between the rooms and less busy looking than open shelves.

How about a pony wall/bookcase, display, bench or simply a low divider as in these pix?

chuntmd: I have Idea individual Expedit cubes as my nook seating in my kitchen. They are very sturdy. I've seen the single long ones used sideways as benches in other Ikea "hack" usage.

Thanks everyone, the pictures really get the ideas going. Glass door fronts on cabinets on both sides would be interesting but I need the depth of the cabinet not more more than the length of a bottle on wine ;)

How about upper kitchen cabinets as I think you can get them 12" deep. The standard 29" tall would be a little short but I could add a base or maybe they come in a tall size.

I think you could use the upper cabinets if that is your idea, but they might look unfinished. Usually they only a door on one side, the back is intended to go against the wall.

Look into what are called "Barrister bookcases". They are the closest to the types of glass fronted cabinets you find in Craftsman style homes and they would be good. You might have to put wallpaper or paint the back part as it won't be finished, but if it's a nice unit it will be.

Or, you could use Ikea Billy bookcases with glass doors, just the bottom not the entire bookcase with the top. Check out more of Ikea's bookcases they have multiple styles......... they also have kitchen cabinets. I think their various lines will be your best bet.

I just show a home improvement show where they removed the banister and put in a cool acrylic bamboo style panel, looked very pretty.

So many great ideas. I also found Aristokraft has Peninsula line with doors on both sides and 12" deep. Need to see what the $$$ will be. Will stop by Ikea this week as well.

I saw an HGTV segment on Property Brothers where they replaced a banister like this with tempered glass. It turned out great!

Metal spindles will be the best choice elegant and modern check my last project http://www.houzz.com/projects/346012/Arch-Project

Sorry that was my mistake how abut this picture

Artcon, if there is metal spindles in your pic they are invisible to me ;)

Could you incorporate a book case on one side facing the family room with a bench that would service the kitchen table, that way you don't have to allow extra room for that "wall" to clear the chairs. It could also be built so that it is stepped to include the different floor levels. I will try to sketch what I mean.

Can you post a photo of the space from further back showing more of the rooms on either side?

lkdrew, We are up at Deep Creek Lake (Western MD) for the weekend. The bench might work but it is on the short side of the rectangle. We are also thinking of swapping out the nook table as it's a worn hand-me-down. Need to find more online suppliers, I contacted thecabinetjoint.com but have not heard after 2 weekdays.

can't take picture of it to post. You have to have someone build it for you.

When you get home , post a couple other pix. I have some other ideas for you. Stopping at IKEA on your way home is a great idea too..

Metal spindles will be the best choice elegant and modern check my last project




Click on this link below and you will see another picture without spindles

http://hiretrade.ca/index.php/gallery-albums?view=browse&set=album&type=photo&pid=70&aid=8

Sorry that was my mistake how abut this picture

For more pictures check our portfolio. There we have some before and after pictures for arch project. http://www.houzz.com/projects/346012/Arch-Project

Sorry I did it again, I gave you wrong link