FT NEWS

“Open-plan layout” is a generic term used in interior design and architecture for any floorplan that makes use of large, open spaces and minimises the use of small, enclosed rooms. They are, for the most part, free of interior walls or partitions.

Open-plan layouts became popular in the 1970s and have remained so, but over the past year, as people have been isolated at home, all that openness is causing some to reconsider. It turns out those walls, partitions and other barriers are useful for minimising noise and giving a visual and physical sense of privacy.

Arrange the furniture
This is definitely the place to start when it comes to defining zones for your interior, and it probably won’t cost you a thing.

Turning the backs of chairs and sofas to the rest of a space is an immediate way to signal a separate area. Rearranging your furniture to carefully create cordoned off, intimate sections may be the most powerful tip for redefining an open-plan layout.

Adding surfaces behind furniture zones can also create a barrier. A console table behind a sofa, as shown here, is a nice way to add height and definition.

The more height you add to your console table in terms of accessories and items you place on the surface, the more of a visual barrier you’ll create. Consider tall vases, high stacks of books and table lamps.

Lay a rug
Another strong way to create a visually distinct area is through the placement of rugs. These also enhance your décor and add softness to the overall space. Rugs are also great for absorbing noise, which is helpful when multiple activities are happening in one room.

Be sure you select a rug that’s the appropriate size. You should at least be able to fit the main piece of furniture, such as a sofa, on it.

Introduce a folding screen
One low-commitment way to divide a space is with a decorative folding screen. These vertical barriers can also inject pattern and colour into a room, and they can easily be moved around to other areas of the home or taken out completely when you’re ready for a full open-plan scheme again.

Notice how the screen here creates an intimate seating area while adding colour and pattern. The striking light fixture carries weight and also helps to define this space. At night, the light will punctuate the zone even more.

Accent the ceiling
Sometimes the best ideas come from above. The inset ceiling in this living room is dressed in wallpaper and finished with multiple bulb lights. This feature stylishly characterises the sitting area.

For a more subtle but still effective approach, consider enhancing a ceiling with paint or moulding.

Employ a bookcase
I love the idea of using an open bookcase to separate areas, because it serves double duty: division and storage. Be cautious how you dress the shelves, though. I highly recommend you don’t stuff your bookcase to the gills; leave some open space to allow brightness to filter through and highlight the objects.

Also, choose a high-quality, sturdy unit. This is not a piece to skimp on, because you don’t want it to topple over. You should always anchor and secure any freestanding unit you’re using between spaces. Or copy the example shown here, where the bookcase is attached to the ceiling above and a half wall below, ensuring it stays firmly in place.

Hang curtains
Curtains can go far beyond just dressing your windows; they can make a plush room divider, too. It’s a look that will create softness and enhance a room’s ambiance. Because there’s no standard-size curtain and rod for a room application, going bespoke is probably the best route.

Install a decorative divider
A stylish fixed screen is an elegant way to break up a room. It can also add an arty feature to your space. Consider your surrounding design and architectural elements when selecting the pattern, colour and material. You want it to feel intentional, as if the divider was always part of the space, rather than an afterthought.

Incorporate plants
A large leafy tree can add a lively optical barrier. The ficus tree in this home helps separate a living area from a dining spot. Also, notice how the homeowners painted a single wall on the left a different colour than the other walls to signify a transition space.

Put up a glass partition
A glass partition helps to block noise while letting light pass between spaces. If you want to obscure the view to further separate rooms, consider etched or textured glass.

Build a wall
It might seem counterintuitive to put up a wall where one was previously taken down or to add one to a new-build home intended to be open, but sometimes you have to be honest about how you use your home and what your needs are.

You don’t have to add a full wall. Sometimes a half wall or partition wall that stops just short of the ceiling, like the orange one shown here, is enough. Plus, a simple, non-load-bearing wall made with two-by-fours and plasterboard is relatively easy to put up and take down.