It’s often referred to as ‘the heart of the home’ but let’s face it, when we talk of the kitchen in this way it’s not the traditional boxed off room we think of but the more luxurious lifestyle space where everyone gravitates after a long day.
The rise of the open-plan kitchen continues as it’s just so versatile. This is not only a space to cook in but where we do everything from grab breakfast to entertain, watch TV and work. It is a multi functional room that works for everyone.
And whatever you think of the concept there is no doubt, that the joining both the kitchen and dining/living area is now the norm, whether you’re living in a chic apartment or a farmhouse in the country. It suits the way we live today.
Are open-plan kitchens expensive?
The one main consideration is that open-plan kitchens are on show all the time and that means they need to look stylish. Be mindful that there’s no closing the door on messy cooking and noisy appliances. This is one reason this type of kitchen has the reputation for being costly however that doesn’t have to be the case. You need the space to flow from the cooking area to dining/living area but moving electrics and plumbing to achieve this will rack up more costs so planning is all important. Be inventive with zoning, consider sound control and take a cohesive decorating approach and you’ll achieve the open kitchen of your dreams.
Planning
First of all you need to decide what you want to include in your open-plan kitchen and make a checklist. This may include:
Wall units
Base units
Kitchen island
Open shelving
Kitchen sinks
Taps
Hot water tap
Kitchen larder
Peninsular unit
Breakfast bar
Ovens
Hob
Range cooker
Fridge freezer
Wine rack
Extractor fan
The next stage is to assess how much space you have and then work out which kitchen style will work for you.
What open-plan kitchen style is best for me?
The layout of your kitchen will depend upon how much space you have. Obviously, if you have an enormous blank canvas with an unlimited budget you can have any style your heart desires but there are design options that make effective use of whatever sq metres you may have.
Galley kitchens
This is a linear layout that is usually on one wall and is great for maximising the use of an exterior wall for the sink, base and wall units and appliances. You can base the kitchen island directly opposite which will then mark off the kitchen space from the rest of the room. This is the ideal place to incorporate a breakfast bar with kitchen seating also. It is a good option for smaller spaces, where you could perhaps position a kitchen table in lieu of a kitchen island.
L-shaped kitchens
The L-shaped kitchen is where the dining room or sitting room is arranged at right angles to the main kitchen, forming a flexible space which can accommodate a range of different activities. It’s a versatile design, equally well-adapted to small and large kitchens.
U-shaped kitchens
The U-shaped kitchen layout can be an effective means of zoning a large, open space. Positioned in a corner with one side of the U forming a peninsular unit, it creates a clear distinction between the kitchen and dining or living areas.
Be prepared to tell your designer or architect your ideas, but take their advice on combining the kitchen layout with the rest of the zones and on how the preparation and cooking spaces, storage and sink are positioned within the kitchen.
10 ways to give your open-plan kitchen the wow factor
1. Create zones
‘Broken plan living’ is the new open-plan living and is perfect for those who don’t want the minimal look. It’s still bright and spacious but it is all about creating distinct zones within an open-plan layout using different floor finishes, split-level flooring and partitions, such as half-walls, bookcases, glazed doors or screens. It’s useful for those who can’t cope with being tidy all the time as you can screen the kitchen away from the dining area.
2. Decide on your look
Make sure that the look of your kitchen not only works for the space you have but reflects your taste and the decor of the rest of the house. Any kitchen renovation will require investment so you may want to re-think bubblegum pink units, or mirrored flooring for example!
3. Stylish lighting
Planning wiring and sockets is a priority so decide where you want your lighting to be from the outset. Your wishlist may include architectural pendant lights over a kitchen island, a cluster of pendant lights over a dining table, downlighters over the worktops and dimmer lights in your main lounge area.
4. Use different flooring
Flooring that works in the kitchen might not be right for the eating space in an open-plan kitchen. You’ll want something that can cope with all eventualities in the kitchen. Flooring that won’t stain if something is spilled on it, that’s slip proof and definitely easy to clean but you may opt for something softer in the dining/living area such as a rustic wooden floor.
5. Create a focal point
The island unit is one place to draw the eye, or you may want to highlight the dining area with a statement pendant light. You can even divide the kitchen and living area with a fireplace dramatically placed in the centre of the room.
6. Create walkways
Obviously, you want everyone to be able to move between the different areas without having to navigate obstructions so keep floors and walkways clear and use narrow storage units to maximise space.
7. Choose a corner sofa
The L shaped sofa is a brilliant way to partition off an area in a larger open-plan space. It will also give you the opportunity to add colour and texture with cushions, a rug, coffee table and throws.
8. Divide with shelving
A simple shelving unit placed between the lounge and dining space is an easy way to zone a large multi use space, plus it’ll give you a place to display all your pretty tableware etc.
9. Opt for integrated white goods
You want to keep noise at a minimum so opt for integrated machines that can be hidden behind cupboard doors and buy the quietest possible models.
10. Make it child friendly
A big advantage of an open-plan living area is that you can watch over children, whether they’re playing or doing their homework so maybe you can include a playmat, study desk or even a games zone in your layout. If you want to know more about how to create the perfect open plan kitchen, then don’t hesitate to contact us at Kitchen and Bathroom Creations.
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