Lowered ceiling areas create nice spaces within spaces. Partial walls do this as well. Frank Lloyd Wright was a master at this effect. Try searching on "nooks" and look at some Frank Lloyd Wright houses, plenty of books will be in your library if not on here, you can google. Search on "space within a space" and "multi-purpose rooms." Multi-purpose rooms often have great ways in which a large space is broken down.

Since your house is being framed, it should not be too late to add some interest to a large open space for not a lot of cost. Good luck.

Hi ibushiv, you could place furniture or dividers that are below the eye level to create a visual barrier between the rooms but still able to see through the entire space. Sometimes having the furniture placed in certain spot with area rug is enough to define the function of that area. The last thing you want is to have bulky, large partitions in a nice vaulted room like that.

I wouldn't divide the room at all, but what I would do is to create more architectural interest.
One idea would that works well with high ceilings is to add some crown molding or large rough hewn beams perhaps. A cheap way to bring a high ceiling down and make the room feel more cozy is by painting it a different color than the walls.
The two photos I uploaded may not be the same style as you're going after but both have high ceilings in a beautiful blue/green/gray color. In the second photo, they also used two story drapes and a wall of wainscotting and built-ins along with lots of crown molding.

For your kitchen area, you could utilize a large hanging pot rack over an island to create the illusion of a divided space, plus I'd hang a large chandelier over the eat in area as well. It's nice to have the kitchen open to the family room because that's where everyone gathers for entertaining.

A large armoire or built ins can be created for a computer, homework, bill paying station, or you could make a very large island that comes out into the space more than the footprint you show here. It depends on how many people are living with you and how much sit down counter space you want.


Maybe you should focus more on creating balance in the space rather than trying to divide it? Hanging large artwork halfway up the wall instead of at eye level can also help as will creating a focal point.

Try placing one sofa so it backs the entry way with a sofa table behind it for keys, etc. then another sofa at a right angle to it. If you don't want an additional living/family room, consider making the kitchen bigger or use it as a dining area that doubles as office, home work space so it gets more use.