Dividing up space in the most useful (and aesthetically pleasing) way possible is one of the biggest challenges of any renovation or redesign, so whenever we come across an inspiring idea, it goes into the "bloggable" file. This one didn't even make it into the file — instead, it made it straight onto the blog.

According to the feature in the July/August issue of Chicago Home + Garden on the River North condo owned by graphic designers Liz and Brock Haldeman, this one simple space-dividing structure solves many design issues. Such as:

• It houses the unit's heating and cooling system
• It divides the dining room from the bedroom
• It provides banquette seating for the dining table
• It allowed for the opening up of a previously closed off space (the dining area was once an enclosed den)
• It contains a strip of concealed lighting above the banquette, providing an additional "glow" to the space
• It adds a huge amount of natural warmth and visual interest with the horizontally striped bamboo panels

All in all, a super successful solution!

Check out the full feature on the Sig Froelich designed project (which started out as a pied-a-terre and became the primary residence for the family) at: Chicago Home + Garden

Image: Bob Coscarelli/Chicago Home + Garden