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Top Design Tips from an Architect: Ways to separate areas in an Open Floor Plan

Tania Udaondo Bernau

Updated: Oct 3, 2023

An open-plan layout is a term used in interior design and architecture to describe any floor plan that makes use of large, open spaces and minimizes the use of small, enclosed rooms. These spaces are, for the most part, free of interior walls or partitions.


Open floor plans became popular in the 1970s, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, people have started to reconsider the benefits of having walls, partitions, and other barriers. It turns out that these elements are useful for minimizing noise and increasing privacy.


If you’re looking for ways to create separation in your open floor plan while maintaining its open feel, here are a few ideas:


Tip #1 - Furniture Arrangement


Rearranging your furniture can help create distinct zones within an open floor plan. For example, you can turn the backs of chairs and sofas to the rest of a space to signal a separate area. You can also group furniture together to give structure to a space.


Picture #1: Project finished while our founder was a project architect at EMR Architecture.


Tip #2 - Rug Areas




Picture #2: Project finished while our founder was a project architect at EMR Architecture.



Tip #3 - Partial Walls



Picture #3: Picture from our Notting Hill project: A touch of green


Tip #4 - Colour changes



Picture #4: Project finished while our founder was a project architect at EMR Architecture.


Tip #5 - Shelves


An open bookcase can serve as a dual-purpose unit for separating areas and storage. However, it’s important to be mindful of how you style the shelves. I highly recommend avoiding overstuffing the bookcase, as it can make the space feel cluttered and cramped. Instead, leave some open space to allow light to filter through and highlight the objects on display.



Tip #6 - Decorative dividers or glass panels.


A fixed screen divider is an elegant way to break up a room and add an artistic feature to your space. When selecting the pattern, color, and material for a fixed screen, consider your surrounding design and architectural elements. You want it to feel intentional, as if the divider was always part of the space rather than an afterthought.


Picture #5: Project finished while our founder was a project architect at EMR Architecture.


Another option is to create a full glass wall with doors. This keeps the feel of the open plan intact but allows you to shut the doors and listen to music or take a phone call without disturbing, or being disturbed by, activities in the adjacent room.



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