Top Tips for Open Plan Living

Modern homes are increasingly being designed with open plan living in mind, where all family and work activities are catered for. This shift towards open plan design, reflects our own shift in lifestyle over the last decade; most notably, the kitchen has become a social hub for entertaining and we are more prevalently working from home. Therefore, the key to open plan living is its capacity to serve multiple functions at various times of the day.

Whilst creating an open plan living space can feel daunting, it is an exciting opportunity to make the space ‘work’ for you and the needs of every family member. Through carefully considered zoning and harmonious interiors, one can enjoy the perfect combination of elegant cohesion, comfort and multifunctional practicality.

Laser-cut screens are the perfect way to create a cosy feel in a large open plan layout without creating absolute separation. Screens also introduce a moment to combine practicality with an eye-catching artistic interior, like the sculptured fretwork screens used in this North London project. 

Invisible boundaries can also be created through thoughtfully positioned sofas, credenzas, coffee tables and large floor lamps, which should be selected with not only functionality but stunning visual effect in mind.

Lighting design to zone your space

Zoning an open plan living space also offers an opportunity to change the mood of an area when required, particularly from day to night. Bright task lighting can help you feel productive and focused during the day, whilst the softer glow of dimmed lighting in the evening is welcomed to help you unwind and feel more relaxed as the night draws in. Lighting should be controllable and ideally pre-programmed for different lighting settings, to transform the function and feel of a defined space at the touch of a button. The striking glass pendant lighting used in our Surrey Hills project transforms the bespoke banquet bench from an informal brunch space during the day, to an intimate dinner setting in the evening.

Architectural features such as lit coffered ceilings also help create distinct zones by framing the space and adding an additional layer of lighting that can be dimmed to achieve the perfect ambience.

A successful lighting scheme should consider an equal balance of both aesthetic charm and functionality. Cable management such as concealing floor sockets under sofas enables lamps to be positioned in areas which invite a softer glow and ambience. Lighting can be led by mood and function, rather than dictated by wall sockets leading to unsightly trailing wires. 

Harmonising materials and flow

The core of open plan living is the integration of kitchen, dining and entertaining. Everyday living should flow with ease throughout the thoughtfully designed open space; flow is not only about how you move through the space, but how key elements work in harmony across the multifunctional area as a whole.

Finishes are an essential factor to consider, particularly when ensuring the kitchen is cohesive with the rest of the living space; it is important to consider hard surfaces such as worktops, cabinetry and floors as luxury unifying elements that can seamlessly connect the space. Carefully considered colour palettes should also be used cohesively throughout, rather than abrupt and contrasting between different areas. 

Once the finishes of the design scheme are complete, soften the space by introducing textures and fabrics; for example, breakfast stations can be integrated into oversized kitchen islands. This relaxed, space-saving arrangement serves to introduce softness alongside the hard surfaces of the kitchen, through the use of cosy seating and cushions. Bar stools, wall coverings and rugs can also be used to add texture in abundance and reduce the echo and chill of kitchen spaces.