Inspiration and Advice

Open-plan Living

‘Open-plan living’ has been one of the most popular phrases in interior design over the last few years.  A multi-functional, social, light-filled space that can be enjoyed by the whole family is, understandably, something that many of our clients are looking for in their kitchens. 

Here are some tips about things to consider if you’re looking to convert to open plan:

• Adding a kitchen island to the kitchen design can really help the flow of an open plan room.  It gives you the option of adding appliances into it in order to maximise the efficiency of the space between the ‘working triangle’ of the most used appliances in the kitchen. 
• An island could also incorporate an informal seating area where the kids can get on with their homework, or you can sit and have a coffee.
• Think about the amount of storage you need.  Do you need wall cupboards?  If not, a low-level kitchen can look great and adds to the feeling of space. 
• Continuing the kitchen furniture into the living space binds the spaces together.  Many kitchen suppliers offer cabinets and storage options that will look great throughout your home.
• Consider quiet appliances, so they don’t disturb you when you’re in the living area.  There are some great options available.  Alternatively, move the noisier appliances to a utility room, if you have the space.
• Odours from cooking are a consideration, but there are a host of efficient extraction products that will solve this problem for you.  Our designers will be pleased to recommend a good option.
• Make the room cohesive by repeating colours used elsewhere.  For instance, the colour of furnishings in the living area could be repeated in elements of the kitchen cabinetry.
• Because your open plan kitchen will be a multi-purpose room, it’s important to keep things tidy and in order.  Integrated appliances are a must, and a large pantry cupboard or pull-out larder with lots of storage space would come in useful so that you can keep your worktops clutter-free.
• It’s important that this social space doesn’t become too chaotic, so think about ways to create subtle boundaries between the different areas in the kitchen.  Again, islands and peninsulars can be good for this, and so can lighting.

Alternatively, if you don’t have the space or budget to create a fully open-plan room, our experienced designers will be happy to discuss ways of making the space you do have for your new kitchen more light and airy, through cabinet layout and design, colour and lighting.