During our travels we got to have lunch in an actual Parisian home.  The home was built in 1870 and current owners had renovated it.  I really liked what they did with the wall between the kitchen and dining room – they installed a series of windows (to make 1 large window).  This served many purposes – structural support, an “open” feel, and still allowed for a “wall” that could be utilized on either side.  I think it’s a brilliant solution.