Open space
or cosy nook?
We all ventured open-arms into open-plan
design, after a long period of living with
boxed-off rooms in our homes.
Open-plan
is today's answer to the ever-increasing
demand for more living space in smaller
homes. The open-plan trend addresses
the problem of soaring building costs,
reducing the need for more formal
structures and internal walls. There's also
the added bonus of less maintenance
and cleaning, but despite the benefits,
everyone needs a little private space to call
their own.
Li Edelkoort, an international trend
spotter, emphasised very clearly at the
2007 Design Indaba that we all need a
little bubble of space in our homes, where
we can just 'be'. The daily commute to
and from work, fetching and carrying
kids, and squeezing in that all-important
session at the gym, all add to the stresses
and strains of our pressurised modern
lives. We must find a space to relax in and
call our own.
It's often just as challenging
to find a 'me space' as it is to find some
'me time'. If you need a space for working
from home, or a little dressing corner, or
somewhere to dedicate to a hobby, you
don't necessarily need to erect walls.
Hobbies and work commitments change
often and so can the fixtures we use to
create spaces
Room divider options
Use bookcases as room dividers. Give it a fresh
look with a lick of paint and add all your favourite
books and memorabilia to give it character and to
add your personal stamp.
Fixed, flat or hinged 'walls' on castors can be made
from hollowcore doors, plywood, corrugated iron
roofing or covered canvas. Cover them with fabric
or paint in your desired colour scheme to suit each
season or whenever you tire of the look.
Fabric screens can also be hung from the ceiling to
divide a room or space.
Drapes are another soft and elegant option.
Dividers for children's rooms can be padded to
create a pinboard, or painted with chalkboard paint
for scribbles or memos.
Furniture and accessories can be used as dividers,
simply arrange the furniture into groups.
Click here for our gallery.
