How you can separate open floor plan spaces

Creative ideas for dividing an open space

Hi everyone! Today I want to share with you how we separated our open floor plan living space. I have always loved the look of open airy floor plans with its kitchen, dining room and living room all flowing into each other. Our living room and dining room was already open to each other so it was matter of taking down two walls. So, to accomplish this layout we decided to take out the partition wall from kitchen and dining room to make the entire floor an open layout.

First of all, we made sure the walls were not structural. Also, if you wish to have an open layout concept, you would have to check with your local municipalities before you alter any structural walls. After all, you wouldn’t want to compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. Once that was cleared, it was demo time!

Even though, there were a lot of benefits to buying our house such as the location and the size, the house needed tremendous amount of work. But, we were excited and ready for the challenge.

Over the years our first floor living area has seen few different variations. It has morphed into a completely different space from where we started 11 years ago.

Creating an open concept layout

Here is where we started…

After remodel…

Meanwhile, after living with the open concept for a few years, we realized the consequences of an open floor plan. It was difficult to define the areas, the rooms fell into each other. However, we needed some separation without creating walls and having total division. Been there, done that!

We contemplated few different ways to achieve the separate open space without actually closing off the space. I looked for inspirations everywhere and here are some great ideas I found.

Few room dividing ideas for open space contenders …

Floor plan without the room divider

Few years after the renovations came Hurricane Sandy. The first floor of our house was destroyed. We had to do it all again… Fun! This time around we added a modern fireplace in the living room, new flooring and walls.

After considering all our options, we decided to put up columns between the living room and dining room.

This added beautiful architectural element to the space and created a stately feature in this room.

The columns we put in made an huge impact. It seamlessly helped to define the space without closing off the rooms.

I am thrilled at the way they transformed the space. What do you think?

As I mentioned our house required a lot of TLC. You can see few of the projects we have done so far here and here.

Have a safe and happy weekend everyone!