Inspiring Open Plan Kitchen Ideas for Your Project
Open plan living is popular with homeowners who are looking to create a spacious, modern, flowing environment. Merging a kitchen with a dining room or living area creates one practical and cohesive space.
As a luxury bespoke kitchen designer and installer, we understand the challenges and opportunities of designing a kitchen for an open plan home.
In this article, we’ll explore some open plan kitchen layout ideas to help you achieve the stylish, functional and harmonious space you aspire to…
Zoning Open Plan Living Spaces
One of the key challenges of open plan living is getting the perfect balance between separation while maintaining visual cohesion.
With the practical functionality of a kitchen in mind, you should aim to maintain a sense of separation between that space and dining or living areas.
‘Zoning’ is a smart solution for modern open plan kitchen design. It is a useful way to create structure while preserving the openness and sense of space that make these layouts appealing.
Zoning involves using design elements to define different areas within the open plan layout. For example:
- A kitchen island or peninsula can act as a natural divider between the cooking space and living or dining areas (see below for more benefits)
- Changes in flooring – e.g. from hardwood and rugs to tile – can differentiate the kitchen from the rest of the living space
- The addition of considered and intentional lighting solutions can help to delineate different areas while also adding a touch of luxury to the space
- A well-considered colour palette will ensure your room is visually cohesive while avoiding the safety of sticking to a monochromatic theme. While neutrals like soft greys, cream and white are popular choices, we encourage our clients to be bold and deliberate with their use of colour. From pops of neon or pastel to dark or dramatic hues, like forest green and charcoal, colour adds depth and character to an open plan space
Images: Lundazi – a zoned open plan kitchen, dining and living space
A Multi-Functional Kitchen Island
Another of our preferred open plan kitchen layout ideas is incorporating an island or peninsula unit. As well as creating a natural division, this key feature provides additional work space and storage. An island also becomes a social hub, ideal for entertaining guests or spending time with friends and family.
To maximise functionality, we can incorporate a range of design features into your kitchen island depending on your lifestyle and preferences, such as:
- A built-in hob to allow the cook to engage with family or guests while preparing meals
- Integrated seating to transform the island into a casual dining spot
- Concealed storage to ensure the kitchen stays clutter-free
We combine form with function, for a kitchen island that serves as a focal point for cooking and socialising.
Image: our dark and dramatic Kano kitchen
Cohesive Cabinetry
Looking for open plan kitchen-living room ideas, for a seamless transition?
Extending your custom-made cabinetry beyond the kitchen and into the living area provides a storage solution that effortlessly unifies the zones within your open plan room.
Built-in storage units offer extra storage and enhance your décor. They create a fluid connection between spaces while maintaining a clutter-free room.
Whether you’re looking for library-style shelving for books, somewhere to display cherished possessions, a media centre or maybe a bar feature, we can create living space cabinetry that aligns with your kitchen units.
By using the same materials, colours and finishes in the cabinetry throughout your open plan area, we can create a seamless look that is practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Images: Lagos – a striking dark green and oak-themed kitchen and living space
Flowing From Indoor to Outdoor Spaces
Where your home’s architecture allows, you may opt for your open plan kitchen to extend beyond the interior.
Creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces can be achieved if your layout includes large windows or bi-fold doors leading to a patio or garden.
We love to work with spaces that are bathed in natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows or glass doors create a connection between the kitchen and outdoor spaces – this is perfect for alfresco dining in the warmer months.
If you’re going for this effect, we recommend using materials, such as stone and natural wood, to echo your garden’s design. This ensures a harmonious indoor-outdoor experience and maximises your open-plan concept to make your home feel even more expansive.
Image: Lome – white plywood and birch kitchen
Looking for Bespoke Open Plan Kitchen Ideas?
Designing a modern bespoke kitchen for an open plan living space requires careful consideration.
By incorporating zones, including a kitchen island and nurturing a seamless transition between the kitchen and other living areas, you can create a sleek and cohesive space that works perfectly for your lifestyle.
Here at Wood Works Brighton, we have a wealth of experience in designing luxury kitchens. We specialise in creating kitchens tailored to the unique needs of our clients, from Shaker and mid-century modern to minimalist and Japandi aesthetics.
Contact us today and our expert team will work with you to design the perfect kitchen for your open plan space. Click here to book your initial free design consultation.
