I often get asked the following question by my clients, ‘how do I cleverly separate one space from another, especially in open-plan layouts without entirely isolating them?
My solutions really excite them because they hear a variety of ways they least expect! Some, are easy to create, others, need designers and technicians, others are economical and some more costly. However, nothing is impossible.
Wooden partitions: I am sure this is the first divider that probably comes to mind. There are countless designs to choose from and capable carpenters to make them happen. Take ideas from squares to organic shapes, vertical or horizontal lines to combinations of wood with metal or bronze. Honestly, wooden partitions are the most classic that never go out of style, depending on the design that is. You can use them to separate your dining area from the living room and also to make shelves, corners or even have a bench attached. There are so many styles to get inspired from, even Japanese styles, see below, leaving some parts perforated for visibility and some others closed for privacy.
Metal partitions: either lazer-cut or not, pivot or straight, they provide a beautiful artistic look that is elegant and luxurious. These dividers are usually perforated but heavy as a material. They are the perfect solution if one doesn’t wish to totally ‘hide’ a space but wants to lightly separate it from another by delicately placing something there. Ironic how such a heavy material such as metal can provide us with such a light elegant solution, right?
Moving on to more of the usuals, glass and gypsum partitions are very easy to do if you have a good idea and a great technician. Glass usually works better in offices, and gypsum anywhere really. Gypsum can make nooks and shelves with hidden spots or led light which can make it more interesting as a structure while giving depth. Let’s not forget though, the beauty of marble aswell here, which provides us with more luxury.
And you know me, always in love with greenery. I never forget my green architecture. So tall plants and green walls are simply beautiful when one needs to divide two spaces. Literally the pots with the plants can divide something in just a day and then have them taken away again, if they are not in built-in structures.
Now something different that combines the aesthetic element with functionality and immediately gives us the smart divider we need, is a two-sided fireplace or a bookcase. No words needed here, the pictures speak for themselves.
And do you wish to vaguely divide your bedroom from the closet because you don’t have a walk-in-closet, something every woman wants? No worries! Think of adding a curtain. Economical and easy, that can hide any mess and dissorder you wouldn’t want to show.
Outdoor boundaries: many materials to choose from, this is certain. Just make sure they are sustainable in the different weather conditions. Either wood, metal or generally natural materials like reed, they all need the correct preparation and preservation. Take a look at these ideas of which some metal ones are lazer-cut. The light behind them makes them look theatrical and super.
I left two alternative ‘boundaries’ for last, which I thought are clever and awesome for public spaces mostly. First one I imagine it suitable for spas due to its flexibility, color tone, aesthetics and material.
Last but not least, do not judge me but how amazingly-chameleon-like is this for a public place like a museum, multi-functional or exhibition space?! A paper softblock mobile divider from ‘Molo design’. The paper used for softwall is a careful blend of new and recycled fibres that bond to form a sturdy matrix. It is then coated with a non-toxic fire retardant and structured in layers to create softwalls. Paper softwall and its textile sibling are 100% recyclable; both have been welcomed into Google Portico’s catalogue of healthy building materials. The wool felt pad to sit on, is made from natural lambswool and it is a perfect cushion for the benchwall. Hello to recycling and healthy building materials! And look how thin and small it becomes when wanting to put it away. Talk about flexibility and new alternative clever dividers…!
You can view more here: https://molodesign.com/collections/space-partitions/paper-softwall-folding-wall/
Nicole Ioannides x
Ni-interiors.com
