Jennifer Sheahan: How to turn one room into two 

Here are solutions if you seek extra space for an office, a reading nook, a children's playroom, or an extra sleeping area for guests 

The Sangiacomo freestanding bookshelf provides storage and effective room partitioning.

Open-plan living has had a very long day in the sun, and for good reason — it maximises light, creates a sense of space, and encourages social interaction. But sometimes life demands a little more separation. Maybe you’re working from home more often and need a private office. Perhaps you want a cosy reading nook, a playroom for the kids, or even an extra sleeping space for guests. 

Whatever the reason, turning one room into two can sometimes be the right answer to make the best use of your living space. Building an internal partition wall is the obvious way to do it, but not the only one. Here are a few creative, affordable, and even some DIY-friendly ways to carve out distinct zones without sacrificing light, flow, or style.