Open plan kitchen dining living: Open plan kitchen ideas: 29 ways to create the ideal space
26 tricks to enhance single spaces |
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Open-plan kitchen ideas are all about space – space to cook, space to entertain and space for the whole family to gather, to chat and to just be. Merging the kitchen with a dining room and sitting area to create one big (or small), multi-function space offers so many plus points; not least, it means that the cook can be part of the action when entertaining.
With this most generous of kitchen layouts, families can also gather in one space on a daily basis and multi task if necessary, with parents prepare an evening meal and while children play or do schoolwork.
‘Large, shared spaces are perfect for families and are less formal than separate rooms with designated functions,’ says Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore. ‘The space needs to be large enough to encompass all activities comfortably and practically, with room for ample storage. Some families may need to ensure that there are other quiet areas in the house or separate spaces for noisier activities.’
‘People have become generally less formal, and so are more willing to share cooking, dining and relaxing areas,’ says Tim Higham of Higham Furniture. ‘When throwing a party or entertaining friends, it is seen as sociable to cook and entertain at the same time. Families also want to share the space so that they can multi-task while preparing food.’
And in summer, an open plan space really comes into its own. The majority of open plan kitchen ideas include large amounts of glass to let in the light and have easy access to the backyard, which vastly expands living and entertaining space.
Open plan kitchen ideas
If you are looking for kitchen ideas that maximize space, going open plan can really work. This might mean knocking down walls or building an addition to achieve your goals but the pay off will be well worth it.
1. Create a broken plan layout
(Image credit: Martin Moore)
A ‘broken plan’ kitchen is another design approach to a the open-plan living concept – and is a great option if one large space seems too overwhelming and exposed.
Broken plan living room ideas hinge around creating distinct zones within an open-plan layout using subtle divisions such as glass screens, bookcases, changes to floor levels or half-walls. This way, you can maintain the cohesion and sense of space in an open-plan living kitchen but with definite separations between different zones. It also allows different areas to be screened off or separated if necessary.
In this home, the whole of the ground floor was opened up to create an expansive new kitchen/living space, with the designer Pam Baker of Martin Moore suggesting an L-shaped kitchen layout so every area of the room could be maximized.
‘The main kitchen is cleverly separated from the formal dining/living area using a tall Crittall-style glass screen,’ explains Baker. ‘The idea was to delineate the space, while retaining the full visual impact of the kitchen. It also divides the cooking and social zones within the room, allowing the family to come together, without being in each other’s way.’
2. Embrace a spectacular view
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
Kitchens are unapologetically today’s heart of the home, a central hub not just for cooking, preparing food and eating but also a place to socialize, relax and catch up on work. If this is the one area of the house where you are likely to spend most time, it makes sense then, to position an open-plan kitchen living space in a prime location within your home. This could mean maximizing space by knocking rooms together to create a pleasing flow or siting your open-plan kitchen where everyone can enjoy a spectacular view.
With floor-to-ceiling windows along one side to make the most of the beautiful lake view, this charming kitchen in the idyllic Warwickshire countryside, features mainly base cabinets to place the focus on the traditional pitched roof, enhancing the relaxed and uncluttered living area.
3. Go for a galley layout
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Open-plan kitchens are flexible and offer the option of playing around with the layout. Basic galley kitchen ideas can work really effectively, maximizing an exterior wall for sink, units and appliances with an island unit opposite.
This creates a highly efficient layout with everything to hand. In this kitchen, the multifunctional island creates a subtle division between the hardworking preparation zone and dining area; it also incorporates breakfast bar seating for more informal gatherings.
4. Use color and curves to zone
(Image credit: Sheraton Interiors/Photographer: Marcus Pee)
An open-plan kitchen living/diner works better with defined areas or zones for cooking, seating, eating and relaxing. This will help with the flow of the room and increase efficiency and comfort for everyone.
Zoning can be achieved through various design tricks including the use of different but complementary materials and a clever use of color.
Here the curvaceous island ‘cooking’ unit has been zoned in the palest marshmallow pink and paired with a mid-green storage bank – all tied together with a terrazzo countertop. The sweeping curves are offset with a simple, square dining table for eating and catching up with family and friends.
5. Pull together a vintage look
(Image credit: deVOL)
Open-plan kitchens with a vintage mood might seem an easy design option: simply throw together a few treasured antiques in the same room and the look is complete. However, it takes a trained eye to make vintage kitchen ideas look organic and effortless, and this classic yet quirky kitchen, belonging to Helen Parker, deVOL’s creative director, is a masterclass in how to get the look just right – and where to start.
‘I had the glorious task of finding and mixing deVOL furniture and accessories with vintage pieces, in the hope I could accomplish a mix of styles in a cohesive and evocative way,’ she says. ‘My starting point was a still life painting of a fish I bought before the kitchen was started, it gave me a color palette and made it much easier to navigate the minefield of options and colors.
‘
The result is a glorious mix of muted pink, teal, wood and marble. A faded chequered marble floor and Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster paint on the walls, provide an easy-on-the-eye backdrop for classic deVOL painted cabinets, teal lace tiles and a vintage, shabby blue sofa.
‘Getting a big table and some seating is so important if you’re creating a bar-come-restaurant, so Thonet chairs were essential,’ adds Parker. ‘Finally, a faded squishy sofa in a powdery, shabby blue and my room was done.’
6. Make a compact space work
(Image credit: IDF Studio/Photographer: Eric Rorer)
You don’t need masses of space for an open-plan kitchen to work – in fact making a few small tweaks can make a huge difference to the functionality of a smaller space. This square-ish open-plan room includes a compact U-shaped kitchen, a slim island unit and a separate dining table.
‘We swapped the locations of the stove and kitchen sink, which had a major impact on the space and how it functioned for our clients,’ says Marcy Duque interior designer at IDF Studio based in the San Francisco Bay area.
‘The sink now faces the living room which made the space feel truly open. Rather than facing the back wall, it shifted the perspective to the living room while making it possible to enjoy family/guests in that space while cleaning and prepping in the kitchen.’
The stainless steel refrigerator was updated to a panel-ready option, offering a more streamlined, elegant solution in an open floor plan which is visible from the living and dining spaces.
7. Go unfitted with open shelving
(Image credit: British Standard by Plain English)
It is important to create kitchens that are interesting to look at and desirable to live in if you want single-space living. While kitchens are first and foremost functional zones kitted out with gadgets and appliances for cooking and storing food, they also need to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing – especially if they are to form part of a larger, sociable space.
Using rows of open kitchen shelving rather than fitted wall cabinets is a simple design strategy to create an ‘unkitcheny’ look.
Line with a careful edit of vessels, artwork and treasured finds, sticking to the same palette of shades as the rest of the room so each zone flows effortlessly into the next.
‘When designing an open-plan kitchen, opting for a single color throughout is a great trick to create the illusion of more space,’ says Adrian Bergman, design manager at British Standard by Plain English. ‘The subtle tonal changes combining eggshell or gloss on the joinery and woodwork will add depth and interest.’
8. Use layered lighting to zone an open plan kitchen
(Image credit: Industville/@Bondgirlhk)
Well-considered kitchen lighting ideas can make or break an open-plan kitchen. Layering different types of lighting (task, ambient, spotlights) is key to defining zones and giving each area a clear purpose.
‘Hanging pendant lights above an island is a great way to create an eye-catching focal point. Not only are pendant lights attractive, they also provide added functionality for tasks,’ says Marketa Rypacek, managing director at Industville.
‘To create mood lighting in the kitchen, approach your lighting in a layered manner. This will create little pockets and pools of light giving a calming atmosphere. A decorative light hung above a dining table will provide ambient light and define the dining space giving it a more intimate feeling. If you have an architectural feature or piece of wall art in the kitchen, considering accenting it with subtle wall lights. Using warmer, lower-level lighting such as table lamps in a casual seating area will help create a cozy, relaxed feel.’
Dimmable lights are also a great way of creating different zones, allowing you to adjust the brightness to create different atmospheres in different spaces throughout the day.
9. Utilize lofty architecture
(Image credit: Higham Furniture)
Extra-large, open-plan kitchens might be viewed as simpler to design with so much available square footage at a designer’s fingertips. However, grand spaces need as much attention to detail as compact rooms, unless a kitchen is in danger of becoming disjointed, with no flow or cohesion.
‘This magnificent kitchen-living space was originally a stable, part of which had been used as a garage and entertainment room,’ says Tim Higham of Higham Furniture. ‘It’s now been transformed into a spacious kitchen and is linked back to the main Georgian coach house. The soaring ceiling height means that it feels immensely spacious, so everything is on a grand scale, with dramatic lighting, two islands and original, exposed oak beams.’
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
It’s likely that an island is going to be the social hub of your kitchen when guests come over, so there’s every reason to make it stand out.
A kitchen island idea that’s cropping up more and more is making the feature contrast to the rest of the room, usually with color. Giving the island a twist to the rest of your color scheme will draw attention to it and make it a unique feature within your open plan space.
11. Let there be light
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Most of us spend a lot of time in our kitchens – so, when we are eating with our family or hosting guests, it’s important the space is as light and bright as possible.
It’s a good idea to design your open plan kitchen to let in lots of natural light – it’s also more economical, as you won’t have to spend money lighting the space with electricity.
Crittall-style windows and doors are a popular choice at the moment, as their floor to ceiling style adds a real sense of drama. These full-height sliding doors also help to make the space look and feel even bigger, by making it seem like the room stretches out to the garden.
12. Incorporate original features
(Image credit: Tom Howley )
If you’re blessed with original features, then be sure to include them in your open plan kitchen design.
Wooden beams, exposed bricks and original fireplaces are all incredible elements that will give the space its own unique feel, and offer a subtle nod to a house’s history.
These old-school features look particularly great if you’re opting for more traditional kitchen ideas within your open plan space – and sit nicely next to butler or Belfast sinks, ornate faucets and range ovens.
13. Take a vertical adventure
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Take your open plan kitchen to the next level, quite literally, by venturing up to another storey. This room features a tall, dramatic dining space that stretches up to the top of the house.
14. Go sky high
(Image credit: Future/Alex Sarginson)
A skylight is a simple open plan kitchen idea that can really make all the difference. Not only will it usher in more natural light, but it’ll also make the room feel bigger and more spacious.
This kitchen features two skylights, one above the kitchen area and one in the dining space – which creates a spotlight effect over the key entertaining spots.
15. Add more seating with an L-shaped breakfast bar
(Image credit: Future/Richard Powers)
Perhaps you’ve considered L-shaped layouts, but have you thought about how it might work for an island?
Creating a breakfast bar in an L-shape offers more seating on either side and gives the kitchen its own zone within an open plan space, by semi-sectioning it off.
It also works well if you have bar features built into your kitchen, as you can play bartender and serve drinks to your seated guests.
The breakfast bar idea pictured also features a stylish kitchen island lighting idea in the form of incredible rattan lights.
16. Get the layout right first time
(Image credit: Future / Veronica Rodriguez)
The rise of open plan kitchen ideas has had a huge impact on kitchen furniture design. What used to be a simple choice of base cabinets and wall units has exploded into hundreds of permutations.
Paradoxically, layout seems to have got simpler. The old stalwarts of galley kitchens, double galley, L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens were designed to get the maximum storage into the room and to cut down on the distance travelled to get from sink to fridge to hob – the work triangle.
These days we are used to seeing huge banks of kitchen storage, with a parallel island not only defining the zone of the kitchen but, essentially, creating a double galley and maintaining that kitchen triangle, as shown above.
17. Use furnishings to create balance
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
The very nature of open plan kitchen furniture – kitchen cabinetry, table and chairs, and couch – denotes the use of an area, but each area needs to feel comfortable, have its own identity and be an integrated part of the whole. It can be a tricky balancing act to pull off.
Good kitchen lighting, as seen here, will let you move the focus from zone to zone. Build up layers of light, including separate pendants in the living/dining area, and make it all fully dimmable so you can change the mood on demand.
Also – don’t stint on soft furnishings and window treatments, such as kitchen curtain ideas, matching drapes or blinds to an accent color in the kitchen or dining area.
18. Extend into a side return
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
One of the most popular kitchen addition ideas is the side return, which steals little-used alley space from the side of a house.
These are rarely more than a few feet wide, but the resulting kitchen will be bright and airy. It’s a great way to gain space in small kitchen layouts without encroaching on the backyard, especially in cities where outdoor space is at a premium.
19. Make space for entertaining
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Designing kitchens for entertaining has never been more important. This spacious kitchen is part of a larger living area that was made by extending and combining the ground floor rooms at the back of house.
A huge pivot door and windows offer views of the backyard, while light streams in through the skylight above. Don’t get too matchy-matchy with the furniture in open plan kitchen ideas, but make sure the overall look is cohesive.
20. Create zones but also a sense of unity
(Image credit: Future / David Cleveland)
An open plan kitchen and living space depends on a combination of form and function. Before you plan your layout, think about exactly how you may use the space and how to define specific zones.
Clever use of lighting, kitchen color ideas, where you position your cooking appliances and introducing a central island are all factors that will help you distinguish cooking and dining zones in a social kitchen.
Complete the look with splashes of color, as they lead the eye around the room and make this space flow, creating a sense of unity.
(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)
Opt for an island that can function as a showpiece as well as a multi-functional space, with a breakfast bar, high-performance induction hob and integrated appliances. If there isn’t room for an island, a peninsular will often create an area where people can gather round.
‘Noise can also be an issue when family members are cooking and relaxing in the same room, so make sound-dampening choices such as wooden worktops and soft-close drawers, and choose appliances for their quiet operation. Ideally the washing machine should be in a separate utility space – with a door,’ says Nick Clayton of Clayton Cabinets.
22. Pare back materials in small open plan kitchen ideas
(Image credit: Future / Catherine Gratwicke)
Not all open plan kitchens are huge, but even small spaces can shine. This compact open plan kitchen benefits from a neat layout with all mod cons close to hand.
Classic cabinetry painted in a dark shade is a sophisticated choice, especially when teamed with a beautiful wooden floor. The parquet running throughout gives this room the air of a Parisian apartment, and shows that small can indeed be beautiful.
If you’re working with limited space, the right small kitchen ideas can help to turn a compact kitchen into a smart, organized area.
23. Create a pleasing backdrop for diners
(Image credit: Future / Adrian Briscoe)
If you love to entertain, a kitchen-dining room is a practical solution, allowing you to be part of the action with your guests, not shut away in a cramped kitchen. Design your space accordingly.
Clever kitchen cabinet ideas can conceal most of the working elements of a kitchen, like the super-sleek units here that provide a smart and uncluttered backdrop to a modern rustic dining area.
24. Be influenced by your home’s architecture
(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)
Modern warehouse spaces and loft apartments are ideal candidates for open plan kitchen ideas. Follow the lead of existing finishes, such as exposed-brick walls or vast utilitarian windows, choosing an oversized island in proportion to the space.
Blocky designs and work-like materials, such as stainless steel, can be softened with muted colors and touches of wood to create sensitive modern kitchens that can hold their own in the space and feel inviting.
25. Choose curves to improve circulation
(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)
An important consideration in open plan kitchen ideas is flow.
Curves are great at subtly directing traffic, keeping children away from danger spots and stopping guests from getting under your feet. The curved end of this Shaker-style unit ensures there are no sharp corners to knock into.
Heating a large space can also be costly.
The best solution is to install underfloor heating for all-round ambient warmth.
26. Provide a place for guests to perch
(Image credit: Future / Richard Gadsby )
Think about where people will sit while you cook and where you would like to eat once the food is served.
‘When considering short stay seating, such as breakfast bars, situate it away from the area where you will be working so that no one gets in the way, but close enough that conversation can flow easily,’ says Stephanie Dedes, design and marketing manager of Charles Yorke.
Is an open plan kitchen a good idea?
An open plan kitchen is often considered a good idea, especially in a modern home.
One of the big surprises can be just how little space you need to add to gain enough useable room for a dining area in your existing kitchen – sometimes a mere matter of feet is all you need to fit a compact solution such as banquette or bench-style seating.
How do you make an open plan kitchen?
It is a lot easier than you think to make an open plan kitchen in your home.
An expensive extension is not the only option for gaining space. A first step should always be to see if there is more potential in the space you already have – for instance, a little-used dining room, part of a hallway, a garage. It’s worth calling in the professionals at this early stage, as a trained eye will see solutions you simply won’t, and will have the experience and know-how to get the very best from the space.
A hard-working space will need the right framework in place – again something that needs addressing at the start of the project and where a good designer can help.
‘An interior designer is different from an interior decorator who chooses colors and cushions,’ says designer John Osborn. ‘A good designer should understand the technical aspects of drainage, electrics, water supply and waste, pipework, plumbing, cables and lighting circuits – all the structural elements required to realise the best design.
‘An electrician will put sockets and switches wherever is easiest, not necessarily where they look most attractive, while an interior designer will create something that works functionally and aesthetically.
’ This is especially challenging in open plan kitchen ideas where a range of services are required.
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Does an open plan kitchen add value?
In a nutshell, yes. One of the most popular home transformation projects to add value to a house is knocking through between an existing kitchen, dining and living room to create an open plan kitchen space.
Improving the spatial flow or maximising the views to the garden can add value if done right, but do take structural advice before you start. An architect or builder can offer suggestions for improving an open plan kitchen layout, or design useful kitchen storage ideas.
With so many owners reconfiguring space for the sole purpose of creating an open plan kitchen, many kitchen designers are very experienced at seeing the bigger picture and often have good contacts with local builders. ‘Your kitchen designer may also know of an architect who has undertaken a similar project,’ suggests says Katy Paul, designer at Richard Baker Furniture.
Open-plan kitchen ideas – spacious designs for the heart of your home
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An open kitchen-dining-living space offers great versatility for the way we live today. But coming up with practical open-plan kitchen ideas isn’t always easy.
It takes skill to design a space that integrates easily with the living area, especially in apartments and smaller homes. Clever zoning, sound control and a cohesive decorating approach are all key factors.
Open-plan living has become part of our everyday lives. From a home office within a living room to spacious kitchen layouts that double as a dining room, these spaces should be well-designed and able to utilise the best of the overall room in their function.
Clever decorating and styling will keep each area looking separate but seamless. Sound complicated? Well, fear not, as we have compiled our favourite kitchen ideas for making the most of your open-plan space.
Open-plan kitchen ideas
1. Create a chill-out zone
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Clever placement of furniture is an easy way of breaking up a big area. Using corner seating or modular units to create a cosy snug area within a larger space is a great room divider idea, as the back of the sofa breaks up the two areas.
A change of flooring will help create a visual break, too. So bring in a large rug to act as an anchor point in a seating area.
2. Enjoy quiet time
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tom Meadows)
Carefully considering kitchen appliance layouts is important, as no-one wants to be shouting over the hum of a spin cycle. In open-plan kitchens opt for low-noise appliances when it comes to choosing a washing machine, dishwasher or extractor fan.
Or if space allows, tuck in a separate small utility room or purpose-built cupboard so appliances are away and out of sight.
‘Also look for quiet appliances,’ says Ideal Home’s Amy Cutmore. ‘The way washing machines are designed today, with space-age insulation and inverter motors, means they no longer sound like a jet plane taking off in your kitchen. That said, some are quieter than others. A maximum spin noise level of around 70dB will insure peace in your open-plan set up.’
3. Section off an area
(Image credit: Future PLC/James Merrell)
Noise can be an issue if there are lots of family members sharing the same space at the same time. A separate area, such as a snug or TV room, is a good idea and can be shut off when quiet time is needed.
Glazed walls, sliding panels or slatted screens offer greater flexibility so spaces can be closed off or opened up as required.
4. Create break-away spaces
(Image credit: Future PLC/Alexander James)
While open-plan spaces are great for family time, it can be a challenge if you want to escape for some peace and quiet.
‘Open-plan looks great in magazines and TV shows, but you are all in one space, with noise, cooking smells and everything else going on,’ says property expert Kunle Barker.
‘The key is to design a space that has the ability to be transformed into different areas by some kind of barrier, such as sliding pocket doors or barn doors.’
5. Arrange furniture strategically
(Image credit: Future Publishing Plc/ Colin Poole)
‘We love open-plan for the sense of space,’ says property expert Kunle Barker, ‘but when you lose a wall, you technically lose space to put things on or against.
‘You end up with the interior walls fighting for bookshelves, TVs, sofas and radiators. So breaking things up, moving furniture away from the walls and using it to divide the space helps to settle things down.’
6. Choose co-ordinating colours
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Give open-plan spaces a sense of flow and unity by keeping to a similar colour palette throughout.
Create ‘break out’ areas with a painted panel, feature wallpaper idea or statement rug, but use a colour or material that will link the areas.
‘I always try to repeat elements across an open-plan space to “sew” the interior together,’ says interior designer Clare Pascoe of Pascoe Interiors.
7. Use lighting to highlight different areas
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Mereweather)
A good lighting scheme is key in an open-plan space and can help create different zones. Think a combination of kitchen lighting ideas for prep and entertaining, and perhaps a separate relaxation space with dimmable lighting.
‘Lighting needs to be flexible,’ says property expert Kunle Barker. ‘It’s not just about fitting 20 spotlights and that’s it. We talk of colour and dressing a room, but this can be massively affected by lighting. You need as many possibilities – spots, pendants, table lamps, floor lamps – so you can change the mood easily.’
8. Position a kitchen island in a prime spot
(Image credit: Ikea)
A freestanding kitchen island idea is a great way or breaking up a large space and creating a divide between different areas.
Position an island so that it steers traffic away from kitchen hotspots, such as the hob and oven, and towards seating areas instead.
9. Create a room divider to calm a busy space
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Open-plan kitchen layouts create more space, boost light levels and are great for family time. But with everyone sharing the same space they can sometimes feel a little chaotic.
Re-work an open-plan space by bringing in a room divider, whether it’s a purpose-built partition or a free-standing shelf unit, so you can create a subtle divide between two areas.
10. Tie an L-shaped space together with metallic flourishes
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
The owners had the reception room knocked through to the kitchen to create an open-plan, L-shaped kitchen. The layout has filled the space with light and offers lots more storage and worktop space. To make sure the kitchen doesn’t feel stranded round the corner, add flourishes of colour to tie the two spaces together.
Here, the owners have used rose gold to pick out all the metal work in the space, including the light fittings and breakfast bar stools.
11. Define the space with different flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon)
The flooring that is the most functional in the kitchen might not be the best fit for the eating space in an open-plan kitchen. Here, the two spaces have been kept distinct by opting for an easy-to-clean vinyl kitchen flooring idea, with rustic wood under the dining table.
But make sure the two flooring materials and patterns compliment each other. The pale patterned vinyl in the U-shaped kitchen contrasts beautifully with the neutral wood flooring in the dining area.
12. Make it functional and family-friendly
(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung)
There are many advantages to having an open-plan kitchen. The most obvious is that you’ll be able to socialise more easily with family and friends while cooking.
It also enables you to keep an eye on children during homework time or while they are playing in the garden.
This open-plan design incorporates dining, living and entertaining zones.
13. Think about your layout
(Image credit: Future PLC/Alistair Nicholls)
Think about where guests will sit while you cook and where you would like to eat. Short-stay seating, such as breakfast bars, need to be situated away from the work zone so no one gets in the way, but close enough so conversation flows easily.
Or take inspiration from shabby chic decorating ideas with a large, rustic farmhouse dining table, like this one accessorised with colourful pads.
Skylights running right along the highest point of the roof of this kitchen extension flood this open-plan kitchen and dining space with light. Hang artwork and fabulous pendant lights to lead the eye around the space – cream kitchen ideas like this one are the perfect backdrop for colourful accessories.
14.
Join up the working triangle
(Image credit: TBC)
With no walls to obstruct light or views, open-plan spaces usually have a great sense of flow. But large rooms demand just as much care in the planning as small spaces. The working part of the kitchen in particular needs to function ergonomically.
Where possible, adhere to the classic working triangle between sink, fridge and hob to cut down on footwork. Use an island to help shorten these distances where necessary.
15. Choose a simple colour palette
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachel Smith)
Hi-gloss units work perfectly in this modern open-plan, monochrome scheme. White kitchens are great in open-plan spaces, as you can then introduce brighter colours as a thread. Well, it’s easier than trying to find units to match your sofa, or vice versa!
When it comes to style, built-in stainless-steel appliances have a professional look, while fully integrated models are concealed behind matching cabinet doors for a streamlined effect.
Keep worktops clear and hide clutter away with clever storage solutions.
16. Opt for an industrial element
(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung)
Modern warehouse spaces and loft apartments are ideal candidates for an open-plan kitchen. When thinking about how to plan a kitchen, follow the lead of existing finishes such as exposed-brick walls or vast utilitarian windows, choosing an oversized island in proportion to the space.
Blocky designs and work-like materials such as stainless steel can be softened with muted colours and touches of wood to create a sensitive design that can hold its own in the space and feel inviting.
17. Encourage a sociable lifestyle
(Image credit: Future PLC/Adrian Briscoe)
If you love to entertain, a kitchen-dining room is a practical solution, allowing you to be part of the action with your guests, not shut away in a cramped kitchen. Design your space accordingly. Here, super-sleek units conceal most of the working elements of the kitchen, providing a smart and uncluttered backdrop to a modern rustic dining area.
18. Incorporate colour
(Image credit: Future PLC/Barbara Egan)
Open-plan kitchens look super-sleek and also offer an extremely practical way to live. As the space is used for a variety of tasks, from cooking and dining to relaxing, working and entertaining, it creates an all-inclusive environment that’s perfect for today’s modern family. Accent colours are used to define individual zones and pull the scheme together.
19. Keep it sweet and simple
(Image credit: Future PLC/Catherine Gratwicke)
Not all open-plan kitchens are huge, but even small spaces can shine. This small kitchen benefits from a neat layout with all mod cons close to hand.
Classic cabinetry painted in a dark shade is a sophisticated choice, especially when teamed with a beautiful wood floor. The parquet running throughout gives this room the air of a Parisian apartment, and shows that compact can indeed be beautiful.
20. Blow the budget
(Image credit: TBC)
An important consideration in open-plan space is flow.
Curves are great at subtly directing traffic, keeping children away from danger spots and stopping guests from getting under your feet.
The curved end of the Shaker-style unit also ensures there are no sharp corners to knock into. Heating a large space can also be costly. The best solution is to install underfloor heating for all-round ambient warmth.
21. Break down walls
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Knocking down walls to produce one larger, open-plan area is an ideal way to transform a cramped, dark room. Just think of all the extra light and space you could potentially gain. Use glass screens or sliding doors to separate the cooking area from the living space and consider bar stools for a relaxed eating area.
As with any structural changes to your home, always contact your local planning office. Certain changes will be allowed under permitted development but others will require planning permission.
22. Create curves
(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung)
An important consideration in any open-plan kitchen idea is flow.
Curves are great at subtly directing traffic, keeping children away from danger spots and stopping guests from getting under your feet.
The curved end of the Shaker-style unit also ensures there are no sharp corners to knock into. Heating a large space can also be costly. The best solution is to install underfloor heating for all-round ambient warmth.
Is an open-plan kitchen a good idea?
‘Whether an open-plan kitchen is a good idea or not will depend on several factors,’ says Ideal Home’s Amy Cutmore.
‘Making a room open plan can be costly, particularly if supporting walls need to be replaced with RSJs or an extension added to give you the right space.
‘Open plan might also be the wrong choice if you are used to using your main living or dining space as a home office. Having people traipse through the kitchen to grab a snack while you’re presenting in a key meeting is hardly convenient.’
‘However, if you’re looking to entertain, an open-plan space will give you more capacity and flexibility.
Added to that, you can create a space that naturally leads out to the garden.’
‘According to the Flexible Living Report 2020 by John Lewis & Partners, people with open-plan homes are increasingly looking to create zones to segregate work from play. So you may prefer a ‘broken plan’ layout, to a full open plan one.’
Additional words by Jennifer Morgan and Jennifer Ebert
Special features | Visaverde
Apartment – Paraiso II – Playa Paraiso Adeje
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1 of 10
329. 000.00 €Reference: 810
Paraiso II 90 007 2
2
Garden
Footage
:
58
m2
Terrace
:
32
m2
Ground floor
Beautiful and well maintained ground floor apartment with a large terrace of 32 m2, located in a residential complex in Playa Paraiso with 3 swimming pools and beautiful gardens. The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with shower and separate toilet. Open plan kitchen, living-dining room with direct access to the terrace. Sold with a parking space and a storage room.
Open kitchen
Furnished
With parking space in the building
Garage
:
16
m2
Storage room
Sun
:
12:00
–
17:00
Communal swimming pool
Building with elevator
Air conditioning
HOA payments
:
68.00 €
/
month 9000 7 Pending
Grecotel Plaza Spa Apartments 4* (Greece/Crete district/Crete island) /Rethymnon) | Rooms and tours at the hotel.
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Grecotel Plaza Spa Apartments 4*
Greece
Crete district
Crete about.
Rethymno
Aparthotel, Beachfront, Across the Road
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Grecotel Plaza Spa Apartments 4*
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Description
Rooms
Contacts
STUDIO
1 number
See prices
Description of the room
With a view of the hotel or pool, Rooms are located on the first or second floor,
Internal area 31-42m².
Sleeping places – 3.
Comfortable 1-level rooms or 2-level maisonettes are made in traditional Greek style, decorated with fabrics in pastel colors, natural wood and bamboo furniture. Comfortable living is ensured by the presence of a fully equipped kitchen.
1-level: Open plan studios include a master bedroom combined with a living room, dining area and kitchenette. Additional sofa for a third person.
2-level: On the ground floor there is a dining and living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. The spacious living room has an extra sofa that can be used for a child, ideal for families traveling with children. A wooden staircase leads to the loft-style second floor, where the master bedroom for adults is located, furnished in crisp white and decorated in cream and pastel colors. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
* FEATURES
• Satellite TV, Stereo Hi-Fi, CD/DVD • Direct dial telephone • Individual air conditioning/heating • Safe • Ironing board, iron, hair dryer • Fully equipped kitchen: crockery, kitchen utensils, electric kettle, coffee machine, dishwasher , refrigerator with freezer, microwave oven, oven, mixer, toaster
1-BEDROOM APARTMENT
1 number
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Description of the room
With a view of the hotel or pool, Rooms are located on the first or second floor, Internal area 46 m².
Beds – 4.
These magnificent suites overlook the pools or the hotel’s patio and offer modern comfort combined with rustic charm. All rooms feature an equipped kitchen, wooden furnishings and are decorated in pastel colours.
Master bedroom with king size bed, wrought iron tables and wardrobes. The suites have a luxurious bathroom and a separate living room that can be used as a sitting area or as an extra bedroom. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
* FEATURES
• Satellite TV, Stereo Hi-Fi, CD/DVD • Direct dial telephone • Individual air conditioning/heating • Safe • Ironing board, iron, hair dryer
• Fully equipped kitchen: crockery, kitchen utensils, electric kettle, coffee machine, dishwasher, refrigerator with freezer,
microwave, oven, mixer, toaster
1-BEDROOM MAISONETTE
1 number
See prices
Description of the room
With a view of the hotel, Rooms are located on the second floor,
Internal area 63 m². Beds – 4.
Comfortable and spacious maisonettes are ideal for families with children and offer accommodation on two levels. High ceilings, wooden furniture, wrought-iron tables and pastel-colored fabrics create a light atmosphere.
Lower floor: The cozy open plan living room has a sofa or twin beds and can be used as a second bedroom. The living room is equipped with a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower and WC.
Top floor: The open plan bedroom has a king size bed, seating area and ensuite bathroom. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
* FEATURES
• Satellite TV, Stereo Hi-Fi, CD/DVD • Direct dial telephone • Individual air conditioning/heating • Safe • Ironing board, iron, hair dryer • Fully equipped kitchen: crockery, kitchen utensils, electric kettle, coffee machine, dishwasher , refrigerator with freezer, microwave, oven, mixer, toaster.
2-BEDROOM APARTMENT – MAISONETTE
1 number
View prices
Description of the room
With a view of the hotel, Rooms are located on the first or second floor, Internal area from 62-97 m².