Separating Space in Large Rooms

Divide your large room into various zones to be used for specific purposes. For example, a large living room should have a zone for entertainment and watching television, a zone for eating, a zone for playing games and a zone for quiet conversation and reading. A large bedroom might have a zone for sleeping, a zone for dressing and pampering and a zone for studying or sitting quietly. A large dining room can be separated into a buffet area, a zone for sitting and eating and a zone for lounging comfortably after the meal.

Put down large area rugs as “islands” to mark distinct areas, even if the room has wall to wall carpeting. Let a significant part of the floor or carpet under the area rugs show between the islands, to keep the spaces from blending into each other.

Center each zone around large focal points to ensure each area gets equal attention. For example, in a living room with several zones, use the television as the focal point around which to set up the main sofa, chairs, coffee tables and end tables. Use a book case or interesting work of art as the focal point for a conversational area. Use a window or wall hanging as the focal point for the dining area.

Use furniture to divide zones within a unified space. Separate a living area from a dining space by turning the back of the couch toward the table and placing a console table behind the couch to mimic a wall. Separate the quiet, conversation area from other zones with a freestanding book case, attached shelves or a china cabinet. For a more dramatic separation, hang curtains or fabric to partition zones or use decorative screens.

Give each zone its own intimate lighting. Use tall floor lamps, low table lamps, wall sconces and groups of overhead lighting to illuminate each section of the room according to its use.