While an open floor plan works wonders in making spaces feel larger and creating a sense of togetherness, they can occasionally prove a little too open, especially in homes with young children. If mom or dad is trying to watch TV while the kids are enjoying noisy playtime, or if an adults-only dinner party ends up feeling like a daycare center, your wide open main living area can be a bit of a detriment.

I recently had a client express just this concern.

The open floor plan living area in the home consists of a kitchen and adjacent dining area, with a formal living room to one side of the dining area and kid-friendly play space to the other. An oversized opening leads from the dining area to the playroom. With no real separation between the two spaces, entertaining was problematic.

To rectify the situation, I suggested adding custom-made, sliding barn doors.

The solid woods doors were hand fabricated in a Cape Cod woodworking studio and then installed on a wrought-iron sliding rail system. The homeowners leave them open much of the time, but now have the option of sliding them closed when hosting friends for dinner.

Classic "barn door" detailing gives them a touch of vintage appeal, while the rail system adds an urban industrial vibe. The overall look is perfect for the transitional style of the home's interior design. Their solid wood construction works as a sufficient noise buffer and, whether the doors are open or closed, they take up just an inch or so of floor space.

Problem solved!