No one can deny the charm of an open floor plan. Its fluidity, ability to connect people, and spaciousness make it a favourite in modern homes.
However, since COVID-19 drew people back into the comfort of their abodes, there’s been a growing desire for privacy and more multifunctional use of space. Enter the broken-plan living space. This offers a midway point between an open-plan layout and traditional separated rooms. By cleverly creating zones through floor and wall finishes, partitioning, decor choices, and split levels, you can create a divided but wonderfully cohesive space in your home.
Flooring choices: Carpets, rugs, tiling, or wooden floors can help define sitting, dining, or workspaces within a room. Because they can be tucked or placed under furniture, they won’t take up any room but help separate zones within an open-plan space. While contrast is important, you can still keep flooring within a similar pattern or style to the rest of the room for a harmonious feel.
Wall paint: A different wall colour can help distinguish zones within a space, while also creating a stylish look. Besides being affordable, this segmentation is also space friendly as you won’t need any structural elements. Opt for a different shade of the same colour or a complementary colour to pull the room together.
Furniture placement: A large, open-plan space can also benefit from a strategic arrangement of furniture. For example, a sofa positioned with its back to the rest of the room can define a living area. For cohesiveness, ensure your furniture’s colours, materials, and textures are present within both zones to create a distinct but subtle shift in zones.
Room dividers: There are plenty of physical boundaries that can create a sense of separation without obstructing the flow of the room. Wooden or steel beam partitions can conjure up a rustic or industrial feel respectively. Open shelves divide rooms, while still letting light pass through. These can be filled with decor that complements the rest of the room. Sliding panels and pocket doors can also create privacy or an airy feel as required.
Ceiling treatments: Similar to flooring, manipulating the ceiling — through beams, colour, or different materials — can subtly divide a space. It also leaves the floor plan open and unaffected.
Curtains and screens: Curtains, whether heavy and dramatic, light and breezy, or sleek and modern, can be wonderful options to create divisions in a room. Similarly, screens come in a variety of options and can add texture and depth to a room. These options are budget friendly and also provide privacy and noise control.
Plant dividers: A line of indoor greenery, from low-lying succulents to tall indoor trees, can form a green dividing line between two spaces. This method not only separates the areas but also brings a sense of calm and cohesiveness by incorporating nature. Creeping plants can also hang from ceilings or potted plants can be added to shelves for a chic look.
Double-sided fireplace: This feature is a wonderful addition to section off a room and creates a captivating decor piece. Its warmth can be enjoyed from all sides and still allows light to pass through.
Levels: If the structural design of your home allows it, different floor levels can serve as room dividers. A raised platform for your dining or living area or a sunken seating area can clearly demarcate spaces while keeping the area open.
Common divided room questions
1. How do you separate living areas?
You have a variety of options to choose from, depending on what your budget, room structure, or housing/complex restrictions allow. These can include changes in flooring, using a different wall paint colour, or ceiling treatments. You can rearrange furniture or add room dividers to create zones. Curtains and screens are another good option to section off areas while plant dividers add both style and green appeal. For colder areas, double-sided fireplaces offer a functional partitioning choice. If you have time and money, creating different levels can also help you get the most out of an open-plan space.
2. What is a divider in interior design?
This is any type of architectural or decor feature that helps divide a room into separate zones or areas.
3. How do you split a living room into two rooms?
As mentioned above, you have plenty of options to choose from. Consider your budget, the size of your room, any restrictions from your complex or landlord (if applicable), and your family’s needs. Clever positioning of your furniture or investing in movable screens are good strategies that can create a division in most living room schemes.
Find a space ripe with potential
Achieving your ideal setup begins with finding the right property. With Seeff's property practitioners, you're entrusting your vision to a team renowned for their expertise and commitment to client satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a spacious open-plan home or a traditionally divided space, we’ll help meet your needs, and provide a comforting backdrop to your life's most precious moments.
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