Open Plan Kitchen Ideas & Design Tips

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Authored by: Terry Brown

Open plan kitchens create bright, spacious environments, perfect for hosting friends and family. An open plan layout works wonderfully with modern kitchen designs and traditional kitchens. Their versatility makes them a popular choice, offering endless design possibilities to suit every home.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of open plan kitchens and share our expert design ideas to help you bring your vision to life. If you’d like to see our open plan kitchen designs in person, visit one of our local showrooms for inspiration.


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What is an Open Plan Kitchen? 

An open plan kitchen seamlessly connects to the living or dining area, removing walls to create a flowing, multifunctional space. Designed to maximise natural light, open plan kitchens promote a bright, airy feel while enhancing social interaction. Whether you're cooking, entertaining, or spending time with family, this layout keeps everyone connected.

Since gaining popularity in the 1950s and becoming a staple in home design by the 1990s, open plan kitchens remain a sought-after choice for homeowners who value a bright, spacious, and sociable living environment.

The Benefits of an Open Plan Kitchen

  • Brighter, more spacious feel – With fewer walls to obstruct light, open plan kitchens create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Perfect for hosting – Cook and socialise at the same time, so no one feels left out of the conversation.
  • Seamless navigation – Fewer barriers make moving through the space easier, creating a smooth, functional layout.
  • Adds value to your home – Open plan designs are highly desirable and can increase the resale value of your home.
  • Warmer home – Heat from cooking circulates into the adjoining living or dining space, helping to keep the area cosy.
  • Versatile and adaptable – Whether you’re hosting dinner parties, working from home, or enjoying family time, an open plan kitchen adapts to your lifestyle.


Our Favourite Open Plan Kitchen Ideas

From colour choices to smart kitchen storage solutions, these ideas will help you make the most of your open plan kitchen.


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Layout Ideas for Open Plan Kitchens 

Open plan kitchens suit a variety of layouts, with U-shaped layouts and L-shaped designs making the most of the available space. They also provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate a kitchen island or peninsula, creating a welcoming space for dining and socialising. If you're working with a smaller kitchen space, an open plan can still work wonderfully with a galley-style layout, it’ll ensure functionality without overwhelming the room.

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Design Ideas for an Open Plan Space

For a modern aesthetic, an industrial-style kitchen enhances the open plan feel with clean lines and a contemporary edge, while classic shaker kitchen designs bring warmth and tradition to the space.

Some of our latest kitchen designs for 2025 are perfectly suited to open plan living. Senso in Premium Honed Olive offers a sleek, modern design in a fresh, natural hue, creating a bright and seamless flow throughout the space. For a more traditional feel, Chalet Lacquer in Honed Ivory brings the charm of a shaker kitchen to an open plan setting, making your kitchen feel warm, inviting, and truly the heart of the home.

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Open Plan Kitchen Colour Ideas 

When choosing a kitchen colour scheme, consider how it will flow into the connected living or dining areas. Light-reflecting tones enhance the airy feel of open plan kitchens, while bolder colours can create striking focal points.


  • Neutral shades – Soft hues like grey, white, and cream work beautifully in both contemporary and traditional designs, enhancing brightness and creating a timeless look.

  • Green kitchens – A green kitchen colour scheme brings a sense of calm and connection to nature, especially when paired with houseplants and wooden accents.

  • Black kitchens – For a bold, modern aesthetic, a black kitchen design adds depth and drama, working particularly well in a spacious open plan setting.

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Open Plan Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Maximising natural light is key to creating a bright and inviting space. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors can help flood the kitchen with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

For evening ambience, consider:


  • Pendant lighting over islands or dining areas to create a stylish focal point.
  • Recessed ceiling lights for even illumination across the space.
  • Under-cabinet lighting to highlight worktops and add warmth to the room.

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Open Plan Kitchen and Living Ideas

Blending your kitchen and living area seamlessly is essential for a cohesive open plan design.


  • Use a consistent colour palette and flooring to create flow between spaces.
  • Define separate areas with furniture placement, sofas, rugs, or a kitchen island to create subtle divisions without closing off the space.
  • Incorporate soft furnishings like cushions, curtains, and plants to make the living area feel distinct from the kitchen while maintaining harmony.

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Open Plan Kitchen Storage Ideas 

Clever storage solutions help maintain the streamlined feel of an open plan kitchen, preventing kitchen clutter becoming a permanent part of your space. 


  • Open shelving – Keeps everyday items accessible while creating a stylish display.
  • Integrated storage – Walk-in pantries, larder units, and smart pull-out drawers keep essentials organised and out of sight.
  • Kitchen islands – Provide extra storage while serving as a functional centrepiece.

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Open Plan Kitchen Island Ideas 

A kitchen island is a practical and stylish addition to an open plan layout, offering extra workspace, storage, and a casual dining area.


  • Define zones – Position your island to create a natural divide between the kitchen and living space.
  • Enhance functionality – Choose an island with built-in appliances, such as a sink or hob, to improve workflow.
  • Incorporate seating – Bar stools transform your island into a relaxed dining area, perfect for casual meals and socialising.

For smaller spaces, a kitchen peninsula offers similar benefits while taking up less room, making it a great alternative to a freestanding island.

Planning Permission for Open Plan Kitchens

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to create an open plan kitchen. However, you may require approval if:

  • Your home is a listed building.

  • You need to remove a load-bearing wall.

  • The layout could impact fire escape routes.

However, if you require an extension to create an open plan kitchen, then you will need planning permission. Before starting any structural changes check with your local council to ensure compliance.

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Is an Open Plan Diner a Good Idea?

An open plan kitchen diner creates a seamless flow between cooking and dining spaces, making mealtimes more sociable and convenient.

  • Easy serving – No walls or doors to navigate, allowing food to go straight from the kitchen to the table.
  • Great for entertaining – Keep conversations flowing while preparing meals.
  • Family-friendly – Allows parents to supervise children while cooking, encouraging shared family time.

An open plan kitchen diner also enhances the sense of space and light in your home, potentially increasing its value.

If an open plan kitchen sounds like the right fit for your home, visit one of our local showrooms or book an appointment with our experts. We’ll help you design an open plan kitchen that’s both stylish and functional, tailored to your lifestyle.


Next Steps... 
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