But in order to prevent that, as a general rule, zone your space. There are three effective ways:
1. Shelving partitions
2. Floor finishes
3. Ceiling structures
1. Shelving partitions
Partitions help to break up a larger room and create some visual order, even if you don't close off or totally separate the various spaces. Design a half-height one or one with open shelving or see-through backings. Make sure it is not just decorative, but functional as well, to make it work doubly hard!
2. Floor finishes
A change in floor finishes also helps to zone your space. It is a subtle way to indicate boundaries without breaking up the flow of the space.
You can use flooring with contrasting colours, different textures or even use different materials altogether.
3. Ceiling structures
This is like flooring, but upside down! But because it is overhead and you don't walk on it, you can get more creative and play with different materials and heights. Ceiling structures are also great for creating strong focal points and concealing electrical trunking and ducting.