I've heard about this issue before. If I remember correctly it depends on how you feel about the space. Does it feel like there are separate rooms or does it feel like it is all one room? Treat it according to how you perceive the energy in the area. In my house the living room, dining area and kitchen are L shaped with the dining area open to the other 2 areas. No wall. But, I've always felt there was imaginary lines between the 3 areas. So for me it is 3 separate rooms.
Shawn does that sound right to you??
