The Do's and Don'ts of Planning an Open Plan Kitchen

Deepblue Direct March 29, 2022

Welcome to the open plan kitchen, a massive trend for 2022 and beyond! This will quickly become one of your favourite spaces in your home - it's light and spacious, and it's a great place to cook and eat. We love that this kitchen is so versatile - it can be used for cooking, dining, and even working. And the best part? There are plenty of storage solutions built into each corner, so I can keep all my kitchen essentials close at hand.

If you're thinking about creating an open plan kitchen in your home, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The layout: An open plan kitchen usually has a dining area and a living space attached. This means that you'll need to think about how the kitchen layout will work with the other areas in your home. You'll want a practical kitchen that can also serve as a dining area or a workspace.

2. The storage: One of the best things about an open plan kitchen is the abundance of storage options. From cupboards to shelves to drawers, you'll be able to keep all your kitchen essentials close at hand.

3. The flooring: When choosing the flooring for your open plan kitchen, you'll want to consider both style and function. A hardworking kitchen needs a durable floor that can withstand spills and stains. But you also want a floor that looks good and fits with the overall style of your home.

4. The walls: Open plan kitchens often have walls that are partially or completely open to the rest of the house. This means that you'll need to think about how the kitchen walls will work with the other areas in your home. You may want to consider using glass doors or white walls to create a light and airy space.

5. The lighting: An open plan kitchen needs good lighting, both for function and for style. You'll want to consider both natural and artificial lighting when planning your kitchen.

With these things in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and functional open plan kitchen.

 

What is so great about open plan kitchens?

Some of the best things about an open plan kitchen are that it creates a spacious feel, it brings the whole family together, and it is great for entertaining guests. There are no walls separating the cooking area from family/entertaining space and this allows you to move around freely while cooking or talking to guests. The open layout also allows for natural light and ventilation to flow throughout the space making it brighter and airier. Another great thing about an open plan kitchen is that it can be easily customised to your specific needs and style preferences. You can add an island, breakfast nook, or other built-ins to create a functional and stylish space that meets your family’s needs.

If you have young children, an open plan kitchen is a great way to keep an eye on them while you are cooking or entertaining guests. And if you love entertaining, an open plan kitchen is perfect for hosting dinner parties or holiday gatherings. The open layout allows you to move about freely and interact with your guests while you are preparing food.

 

What are the disadvantages of an open plan kitchen?

Although there are many advantages to an open plan kitchen, there are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to design one in your home. Ironically, the things that make an open plan kitchen great can also be it's biggest downfall too! Kitchen and living space become one, which is great for keeping an eye on the kids but if you want to cook in peace, good luck! The same goes for privacy- if you have guests over, they can see right into the kitchen so it does create a greater need to keep on top of kitchen mess. You also need to think carefully about storage to ensure the space doesn't feel cluttered and have a knock on effect to the feel of family and entertaining spaces.

At the outset an open plan kitchen can be a big investment if you need to knock down walls to create the space, but it can also add value to your home so it is worth considering if you are planning to sell in the future.

 

How do you design an open plan kitchen?

When designing an open plan kitchen, there are a few key things to keep in mind. You'll want to choose a layout that best suits your needs and makes the most of the space you have. You'll also need to consider the style and materials you want to use, as well as how much storage you'll need. And, of course, you'll want to make sure the kitchen is well-lit and has plenty of ventilation.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning an open plan kitchen:

Layout: The layout of your kitchen is important for both function and aesthetic. You'll want to choose a layout that makes the most of the space you have and that best suits your needs. For example, if you entertain often, you may want to include a dining area in your kitchen. If you have a large family, you may want to include a breakfast nook or an island. And if you love to cook, you'll want to make sure the layout of your kitchen allows you to move around easily and that all of your essentials are within reach.

Style: The style of your open plan kitchen should reflect the overall style of your home. If you have a contemporary home, you'll want to choose a kitchen with clean lines and a minimalistic look. If you have a more traditional home, you may want to choose a kitchen with more ornate details and classic materials.

Materials: When it comes to materials, you'll want to choose something that is durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel is a popular choice for open plan kitchens as it is both stylish and low maintenance. Other popular choices include stone, concrete, and glass.

Storage: Storage is important in any kitchen, but it is especially important in an open plan kitchen. You'll want to make sure there is enough storage for all of your pots, pans, and other cooking essentials. You may also want to include a pantry or an island for extra storage.

Lighting: Good lighting is essential in any kitchen, but it is especially important in an open plan kitchen. You'll want to make sure there is plenty of natural light as well as adequate task lighting.

Ventilation: Good ventilation is a must in any kitchen, but it is especially important in an open plan kitchen. You'll want to make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated to avoid any cooking odours from lingering in the space.

 

Open plan kitchen ideas: our design tips!

1. Include a breakfast nook: A breakfast nook is a great addition to any open plan kitchen. It provides a place for the family to gather in the morning and it can double as a dining area when needed.
2. Add an island: A kitchen island is a great way to add extra storage and prep space to your kitchen. It can also be used as a dining table or a workstation.
3. Use glass doors: Glass doors are a great way to open up the space and let in natural light. They also create a sleek and modern look.
4. Opt for white walls: White walls help to brighten up the space and make it feel more open.
5. Choose contemporary fixtures: Contemporary fixtures will help to give your kitchen a modern look.
6. Install a skylight: A skylight is a great way to add natural light to your kitchen. It will also help to ventilate the space.
7. Use open shelving: Open shelving is a great way to show off your dishes and glassware. It also helps to keep the space feeling open and airy.
8. Hang pendant lights: Pendant lights are a great way to add style to your kitchen. They also help to illuminate the space.
9. Add a backsplash: A backsplash is a great way to add colour and texture to your kitchen. It also helps to protect your walls from splashes and stains.
10. Install under cabinet lighting: Under cabinet lighting is a great way to add extra light to your kitchen. It's also a great way to highlight your backsplash or countertops.

 

Open plan kitchens can work in small spaces too!

When planning an open plan kitchen in a small space, you'll want to make sure the layout is as efficient as possible. You'll want to choose a layout that maximises the use of space and includes plenty of storage. You may also want to consider using a galley layout. This will help to make the space feel more open.

 

How do you zone Spaces in an open plan kitchen?

When it comes to zoning an open plan kitchen, there are a few things to keep in mind. You'll want to make sure the cooking space is separate from the dining space, and that there is enough storage for both. You'll also want to make sure there is plenty of natural light in both spaces. If you have a larger kitchen, you may want to consider an L-shaped or U-shaped layout. This will provide more counter space and storage.