How can I define an area in a warehouse studio? Separating the bedroom especially need inspiration and ideas!?

Question

I've just moved into a rather funky warehouse type shared apartment- not uber ritzy or anything- and it's got a really good artsy vibe. However- I'm a little frazzled as to how I can separate my living and bedroom areas without causing too much damage OR costing far too much money.

Firstly- there is ZERO natural light in my area- as it's partly underground. The fluro's work well to illuminate the place but it's really draining. Lamps are obvious- any more creative ideas?

Second- there are exposed beams/rafters for the ceiling. Fine for most of the place- but I feel a little put off when trying to go to sleep. How can I go about covering/ disguising this? It's just bad Feng Shui!

Lastly- there are no solid walls either- they are half cut out or benches or recesced alcove things. How can I make an illusion of a more solid wall without breaking the bank to build one!

Floor Plan:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/claire1983/album/576460762321021730#page1

Answer 1

Well I couldn't bring up your photos, but I do have some ideas. Hopefully I can describe them so you can understand! I'm hoping my instructions can be visual is what I mean.

For walls......
You can try to find old clothes racks, the metal ones with wheels on them, and cover with inexpensive cloth. Makes great dividers. Or.....you can get 1x4's, dowls (little round sticks), and small hinges, drill holes to put the dowls in horizontally to the vertical 1x4's, and then hang a cheap piece of fabric, sarong, on it weaving it in and out of the dowels. I hope that made sense! It would come out looking like those expensive room dividers. You can also do this with PVC pipes. For the exposed beams/rafters that you don't want to look at, you can build a make-shift like canopy out of PVC pipes and material. Go on some internet sites like diynetwork.com or hgtv.com. You can do a search for things like this. Also, another great site where this lady has fantastic cheap ideas.....www.couragetocreate.com. I can't wait to try her painted linoleum idea!! Good luck. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I say go with fabrics also. Could you simply install hooks into the beams/rafters and, using curtain clips, drape fabrics to cover those areas you are uncomfortable with?

Such a style of curtain could be used as room dividers, also, and swagged back with a tie or tassel when you want it open.

Hang lights from your rafters for illumination. You could use uplights, also, sitting on the floor in corners or areas around furniture to highlight separate areas.

Area rugs can define area, and can be hand made with fabric dropcloths painted with acrylic paints and then sealed with a sealer. (obviously).

Answer 3

One step further on the fabric idea, how about a white silk parachute from an army surplus store? Fabric panels can also be hung to create the faux solid walls. Maybe cheap Christmas lights can be stapled on the ceiling first before the fabric/parachute is applied, making for a unique lighting/ceiling effect.

Answer 4

Without a lengthy diatribe,,, THINK Fabric in all your examples.

Draped, tacked over exposed rafters, layered, define separations with it and color. Lighting in specific areas of use should be incandescent, and many applications will work,,,IE: areas of reading, watching TV, cooking, eating.

Rev. Steven

Answer 5

Separate rooms by hinging old doors together (like a screen). Paint them, cover with fabric, paper or photos. You can sometimes find used and damaged doors from your local hardware/building supply stores.