When a kitchen and dining room are combined to create a single space, it can be hard to tell where the areas begin and end. Open concept designs can feel cold and uninviting, but they are easy to divide without adding permanent walls. All you need are the right furnishings and a few clever ideas to separate an open kitchen and dining room while adding valuable storage space and seating. Read on to find out how.
Add Double-Sided Freestanding Cabinetry
The kitchen and dining space in my two-story Cape Cod home were combined to create one very large rectangular-shaped room. It was far too simple, even with wall decor and stylish furnishings. The center of the space seemed empty and massive, but I found a way to separate the open kitchen and dining area while creating a cozier appearance.
I purchased a freestanding cabinet plan, and my dad created four large cabinets using top-quality oak. He stained and varnished the wood to match the kitchen cabinets, and the results were phenomenal. We placed the pairs of handmade cabinets back-to-back. Two faced the kitchen, and two faced the dining room. This was a great way to separate my open kitchen and dining area. The large freestanding cabinets provided extra space for storing everything from food to holiday table decor.
Install a Beautiful Stone Double-Sided Fireplace
My aunt’s home had a dining room that was open to the living room. They chose to separate the two spaces with a beautiful double-sided stone fireplace. What I remember most about the fireplace were layers of metallic flecks that embellished the stones. I do not know if they were natural or manmade, but they shone beautifully under natural and artificial light. The fireplace blower added warmth to both rooms. This stylish way to separate open spaces could also work to divide a kitchen and dining area. My aunt’s fireplace was absolutely beautiful, and I would consider something similar for a future home.
Define the Two Areas with Benches
Seating is a hot commodity in a dining room, and benches provide more room than single chairs. When trying to separate two open rooms, buy a dining table that includes bench seating and purchase an extra bench. Place two benches back-to-back to separate the open kitchen from the other space. With the help of a collapsible table, an extra bench can provide last-minute seating for guests.
Think beyond ordinary decor when seeking ways to separate an open kitchen and dining room. Another furnishing that can be used is a dry bar. Use it to visually separate the spaces. Besides creating two separate zones, furnishings used to divide an open space can be used for storage, seating and more.
Source: Personal and Professional Home Decorating and Design Experience