The "Art of Boundaries" with Wood Flooring

In modern, open-plan homes, how can you clearly and elegantly define different functional areas without building walls? Wood flooring is a master of this "art of boundaries." You don't need physical partitions; you can create visual zoning simply by varying the flooring itself. For example, in an open-plan living/dining area, you can signal a functional shift by changing the installation direction (e.g., horizontal in the living room, vertical in the dining area) or by using different installation patterns (e.g., herringbone in the living area, straight lay in the dining zone). You can even use planks from the same series but in slightly different shades to define a hallway from a room. This method of zoning is fluid and design-forward, maintaining spatial openness while giving each area a distinct sense of place—a technique often favored in high-end interior design.