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Open plan kitchen ideas: 29 ways to create the ideal space

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If you are designing an open plan kitchen or even just in the planning stages and weighing up whether to go open plan or not, you are in the right place. Our ultimate guide will take you through everything you need to know about open plan kitchen design, plus plenty of inspiring spaces to help you make some decisions. 

From where to start and what to consider in the design stages such as zoning and where to put your best dining table – to decor ideas that will show you just how gorgeous open plan can be, plus practical tips on budgeting and employing the right people for the job. Yep, we're going to take you through everything from A–Z, so just keep on reading...

For more expert kitchen ideas and advice, you can also look to our feature.

(Image credit: Fritz Fryer)

So what exactly is an open plan kitchen?

Open plan kitchens are one of the most sought after features of a modern family home, thanks to their light, spacious feel and versatile design. They usually combine the kitchen and dining area of a home, while you can also include a lounge setting as part of yours. They are in fact completely versatile which is, quite frankly, the reason why we love them so.

How do you create an open plan kitchen?

The first step when it comes to designing an open plan kitchen, is considering the layout of the kitchen and how it functions with the rest of the zones of an open-plan arrangement is vital, especially if you're thinking about creating a practical family kitchen, which needs careful planning. 

We also have plenty of tips on how to create a family kitchen, should you need them.

Bear in mind that once a kitchen is part of an open space it will impact on every other area – there’s no closing the door on noisy appliances and clutter left on worktops after preparing a meal. Likewise, the cabinetry will be in plain view all of the time, so it needs to look stylish. 

Getting it right needn’t be tricky, though. Whether you’re working with a kitchen designer, architect or builder (our guides are designed to help you source each) use this guide to create a stylish, open plan kitchen and living space. We start with all the practical stuff up top, and then move onto inspiring ideas to get you excited about your project.

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

What are the pros and cons of an open plan kitchen?

PROS

One of the biggest pros is that open plan kitchens really do bring the whole family together and therefore reinforces that the kitchen is the heart of the home. They also create a spacious feel, as there are no barriers visually which allows the room to flow. If you love entertaining they’re a great option - you can be cooking and still talk to your guests - less walls make for a more sociable space. 

Kitchen islands with breakfast bars become the hub where homework can be done whilst catching up with the day’s news. Or if you have young ones, they can be watching TV from the sofa whilst you’re in the kitchen, and the open plan area allows you to keep an eye on them all the time. 

CONS

They can be pricey initially if walls need to be knocked down, however on the flip side they can then add value to your home - so a bit of a pro and con in one! Because there are no individual rooms, storage can be an issue so it’s worth considering how you might want to tackle that - ideas can include shelving units, extra wall units, sofas with storage underneath and sideboards. 

Due to the kitchen, dining and living areas all becoming one, noise can be an issue – for example, there's no room to relax if the kids are being noisy in the living space! Also, sometimes in an open plan kitchen the mess can spread easily – and if you’re relaxing on the sofa you may well be able to see the dirty pots and pans that need washing up.

32 open plan kitchen ideas

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

Take time to think about how people will move through the open-plan room. Circulation space between zones needs to be unimpeded by furniture and it’s also vital for safety’s sake that people aren’t going to pass through the work area of the kitchen to get from one zone to another.

Is the kitchen zone far enough away from the seating area? Watching TV or talking may be difficult against the background noise of clattering pans and worktop appliances, so think about the distance between these zones.

Think too about whether you want appliances like washing machines and dryers to be part of the kitchen. Remember that noisy spin cycles will do nothing for the atmosphere of the room. You may wish to plan cupboards or a separate utility room in which these can be kept. Artificial light will suffice for a utility space so this closed-off zone can be located at the center of an open-plan floorplan. For tips on planning and designing a utility room, check out our handy guide.

Top tip: Visualising an open-plan space as a series of rooms can help you plan the space effectively.

(Image credit: Argos)

When you look across your open-plan space, you want it to have a flow, and for it to be cohesive. This living area works well as the kitchen is very sleek and simple, and the Skandi table and Harlow chairs – due to their light oak design – also work in the same way. They visually balance out the dark gray sofa and armchair in the living area, and the rug and cushions pull through the mid-gray and pale pinks from the kitchen and dining space. The turmeric cushion, throw and rug are the accent colors that set the living space apart from the rest. 

3. Zone your open plan kitchen, diner and living space

(Image credit: Future/Chris Snook)

An open-plan, live-in kitchen diner needs to have defined areas – seating, dining, cooking – even if they’re open to one another, so start by planning which zone the kitchen will occupy.

Although not essential, locating the kitchen by an external wall is convenient for both waste water and ducting for an extractor fan, and is more budget-friendly. An external wall is also useful in the kitchen zone for locating base and wall units against, as well as kitchen appliances.

You should also consider where the dining table will be positioned. Bear in mind that you won’t want a long walk from preparation and cooking areas to take food to the table, so kitchen and dining zones need to be thought of together.

How about a garden view from the kitchen? If that's on your list of priorities, your kitchen will need to occupy an area of the room near to windows or bi-folding or sliding doors. You may prefer to create immediate views from the dining and seating areas instead, though – in which case the kitchen can be located further back.

4. Create a broken-plan layout

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

Apparently, 'broken-plan' living is the new 'open-plan' living. It's about creating distinct zones within an open-plan layout with different floor finishes, split-level flooring and partitions, such as half-walls, bookcases, glazed doors or screens.

What's the benefit of broken-plan kitchen, diners and living spaces? Visually, you can keep a spacious, bright, sociable feel for your room, but also create a definite impression of separation between the various zones.

From a practical point of view, it means that a messy kitchen can be quickly screened from a dining area; or a noisy kitchen diner can be separated from the lounging space.

5. Devise an open-plan kitchen floorplan 

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer © Future)

Once you know in which zone of an open-plan area the kitchen is to be located, it’s time to plan the kitchen itself. For this, your kitchen designer or architect can make scale drawings, or you can create your own using graph paper.

A scale drawing can help you focus on what the space offers in terms of walls against which you can position base and wall units and appliances. You can note the position of windows and any external doors that lead from the kitchen zone, too.

6. Choose the best open-plan kitchen layout

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

When it comes to the layout of an open-plan space, there are plenty of options available to you. These include:

Galley kitchens

This layout can work effectively in an open-plan space, maximizing use of an exterior wall for the sink, base and wall units and appliances. 

Linear layouts are often teamed with a kitchen island directly opposite. This can visually and physically mark off the kitchen zone from the rest of the room and helps keep the work area safely apart. 

An island can incorporate a breakfast bar, leaving kids or guests in contact with the cook, but away from preparation and cooking space. Plan in space on the dining side for kitchen island seating to be pulled in and out.

Browse our clever kitchen island design ideas for inspiration. You may be interested in our kitchen island seating ideas, too. 

In a small open-plan kitchen layout, the dining table could be positioned opposite the linear run of units to perform the same separation function. Get a better idea of what's possible with our beautiful small kitchen ideas guide.

Alternatively, consider incorporating a peninsula to create a more closed-in preparation area. Find out more about galley kitchen ideas in our guide.

L-shaped kitchens

Using the corner of an open-plan floorplan can maximize space as well kitchen storage potential. L-shapes can also be combined with an island.

Find inspiration with our L-shaped kitchen ideas.

U-shaped kitchens 

This is another option available if maximum separation without losing the open layout is required.

Explore more of our U-shaped kitchen ideas.

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.

7. Decide on what to include in an open-plan kitchen

Put together a list of all the must-have elements of the new kitchen so nothing gets missed from the design. Now’s the time to check that all that’s required will fit into the zone:

8. Pick an open-plan kitchen style

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer © Future)

Once you’ve decided on the elements your open-plan kitchen should include, think about the style of cabinetry and the materials both units and worktop are made from.

You can find guidance with our expert advice on the best kitchen worktops, including everything from granite, quartz and marble, to laminate, glass and wood.

In an open-plan layout, your worktops and cabinetry will be on display all the time and will be set alongside the dining table and chairs and sofas and armchairs. With this in mind, you’ll need to consider how the individual furniture choices you make for each zone work together.

When it comes to the style of your kitchen, there are a number of options available to you. 

Contemporary kitchens

If the aim for the overall look of your open-plan layout is contemporary – sleek, flat-fronted kitchen units can be a winner, complementing the fuss-free lines of sofas and dining furniture.

Browse our contemporary kitchen ideas for inspiration. 

Traditional kitchens

If your furniture has a more classic or country feel, go for cabinetry that continues the vibe. Shaker kitchens are perfect in this instance, though they work equally well in a kitchen with more of a contemporary feel, too. Our flexible freestanding kitchen ideas may be of interest, too.  

It's important to think about your unit finish during this stage, too. High-gloss cabinetry can maximize light while painted kitchen cabinets are easy to update if you think you may want to change the color in the future, making them a cost-effective choice.

9. Yes, open plan living works in small spaces too

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

If you don't believe that open-plan can work in a small space, you need to check out this new-build log cabin. The main room in the cabin is the living room, kitchen and dining room but it's been designed so cleverly and stylishly it all works and doesn't feel too cramped. 

10. Think about the small details in an open plan kitchen

(Image credit: Ikea)

You'll want to keep the following design tips and tricks in mind if you're wondering how to design an open-plan kitchen, as it's these small details that will make the difference between a nice kitchen and the kitchen of your dreams. 

11. Select the right color for your open-plan kitchen

(Image credit: Bruce Hemming)

Choosing the right color for cabinetry can help distinguish the kitchen as a zone within the open-plan layout, so don’t be afraid to choose stand-out hues such as blue or green for units.  

This can be repeated in accessories or soft furnishings in other zones to create a subtle link across the open-plan space.

Our kitchen paint ideas provide an inspiring overview of the options, if you're not sure what you're looking for. Alternatively, read on for our favorite options.

White kitchens

White’s a popular choice in an open-plan layout, reflecting light to keep the overall impression airy and spacious. If you’re worried it’s too cool, try adding in wood finishes – for example for wall cabinetry, or on a kitchen island unit or bar stools.

Our white kitchen design ideas provide all the inspiration you could ever need. 

Gray kitchens

Gray is as popular for open-plan kitchens as it is in other kitchens, and can be toned with gray upholstery in the seating area. Gray makes a great alternative to white if you like the idea of a light, spacious feeling kitchen but are concerned about it getting dirty. 

Take a look at our gray kitchen ideas for more inspiration.

Cream and off-white kitchens

These tones can look softer than white in classic and modern country-style homes, making them a popular option.

Black and dark, atmospheric kitchens

Black, black and white or inky-toned units can make a striking impression if you want an on-trend, atmospheric kitchen. 

Find plenty of inspiration in our black kitchen ideas.

12. Opt for the right open-plan kitchen worktop

(Image credit: Swift Blinds)

Choosing the right kitchen worktop is an important stage when designing a kitchen, open plan or otherwise.

The whole gamut of worktop materials are available from economical laminate through to natural stone, manufactured composites and wood, together with other materials such as stainless steel and concrete. Bear in mind that each has its own maintenance requirements as well as qualities. 

Once again, the important point to note is that the open-plan layout means the worktop is on permanent show and is also set against other surfaces across dining and living spaces, so consider the aesthetic qualities alongside the room’s other materials as well as thinking of the look of the kitchen.  

13. Get the right window dressings for open-plan kitchens

(Image credit: California Shutters)

When dressing windows for an open-plan kitchen, diner and living space, you need to find a solution that suits and complements all zones in the room. They might also need, for example, to be fitted to a bay window at one end of the room and folding sliding doors at the other. 

This makes window shutters or kitchen blinds an obvious choice. They come in various styles, can be color-matched to suit your scheme, are easy to keep clean and needn't cost a fortune if you opt for DIY-fit designs. If you want to add a softer touch to your scheme, café-style shutters look wonderful matched with curtains at a bay window, for example.

Find inspiration with our kitchen window treatment ideas. You can also peruse tips on how to choose shutters, as well as kitchen blind ideas, should you go for either of these options. 

14. Plan open-plan kitchen lighting carefully 

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Kitchen lighting should be planned for individual zones in an open-plan space and operable on a separate circuit. This way, when you’ve moved away from the kitchen to the dining area the lights won’t be shining brightly on the accumulated cooking dishes and pans.

Light the zone just as you would light a kitchen elsewhere: task lighting is necessary to provide good light for work areas, and there should be effective overall ambient light, too. What about hanging pendant lights above a breakfast bar as well? They can create a fantastic focal point.

Our guide to how to plan kitchen lighting will talk you through the steps and ensure you get your lighting right first time. 

15. Pick open-plan kitchen flooring that suits all zones

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

Most often the flooring in an open-plan layout extends across all areas to emphasize the proportions of the space and help it feel unified. Kitchen flooring needs to stand up to floor traffic, splashes, and dropped items, so make sure the floor you choose across the whole space meets its demands.

Another alternative is to mark the kitchen zone with a change of flooring – for example patterned tiles that introduce a more decorative element to a work area. If you’re taking this route, make sure there’s a style or color link with other features in the open-plan space.

For expert tips, take a look at our guide to how to choose the best kitchen flooring. 

16. Maximize natural light for an open plan kitchen that feels open and spacious

(Image credit: Tile Mountain)

For those designing a modern open plan kitchen, it's often the prospect of a space flooded with natural light that appeals the most. 

The use of skylights, roof lights, clerestory and glazed doors is the easiest way to flood a space with natural light, though it's worth considering suitable window treatments if your kitchen diner is south facing and you want to prevent it feeling like a greenhouse during the warmer months. 

(Image credit: Delight FULL)

While 'open plan' often conjures up images of large, airy kitchens, it is possible to achieve similar outcomes in a smaller space by applying slightly adapted design tricks.

As mentioned, you'll want to make the most of natural light and might also consider opting for a light scheme in order to make your kitchen feel as spacious as possible.  

In terms of incorporating the dining aspect, it's best to opt for a table in a similar shade and finish to your kitchen cabinets, which will help it blend into the scheme effectively. Alternatively, round tables or glass tables are go-to options for smaller kitchen-diners. 

For more design tips, we'd recommend making use of our guide to small kitchen ideas feature. 

18. Embrace the dark and atmospheric interiors trend in an open plan kitchen 

(Image credit: Brayer Design)

Despite everything we've said about using light shades for a bright and spacious open plan kitchen diner, you shouldn't write off the dark and atmospheric interiors trend as good open plan kitchen ideas altogether.

Designed as part of a scheme with plenty of natural light, darker, moodier shades can make a stylish addition to an open plan kitchen diner, and is an on-trend option at the moment. 

19. Create a laid-back, unfitted feel with open shelving 

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

For an open plan kitchen idea with a laid back, or unfitted, family feel,  you might consider turning to Scandi-inspired spaces for inspiration.

Incorporating features such as open shelving or freestanding kitchen units and intentionally mis-matching materials is an easy way to make a space feel lived in, without compromising on style. 

20. Invest in contemporary bi-fold doors and bring the outdoors in

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

A popular addition to contemporary open plan kitchen ideas – and in particular those designed as part of a larger kitchen extension – bi-fold doors make for a stylish design feature that draws the eye, effectively creating flow between the kitchen and the outdoors.

While bi-fold or sliding doors tend to be more expensive additions, they're worth the investment if you have budget to spare and want to add a standout feature to your dream kitchen diner.

Use our guide to bi-fold and sliding doors if you're considering either as an option.

21. Or opt for stylish metal windows and doors

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

If you love the idea of bi-fold or sliding doors to flood your kitchen diner with light and give it a distinctly contemporary feel, but don't have the budget to invest in such a standout feature, it's worth considering floor-to-ceiling metal windows and doors as an alternative.

They're equally stylish, have the same effect light-wise and, while not to be considered cheap, make a much more affordable alternative. Use our guide to metal doors and windows for more practical advice and information.

22. Use pendant lighting to create a focal point in an open plan kitchen diner

(Image credit: Fritz Fryer)

Positioning pendant lighting above a kitchen island is an easy design technique that can be used to create a striking (or understated) focal point within an open plan kitchen diner, and can be effective in helping to zone a space.

Watch our guide to styling and zoning a large room if you're looking for tips on how to define different sections of your open-plan scheme effectively.

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

If you plan on using your open plan kitchen diner as a location for socializing and entertaining guests, it's worth considering incorporating a kitchen island into your scheme.

Teamed with stylish bar stools, they're the perfect open plan kitchen idea for creating that social hub while you cook dinner or enjoying a laid back breakfast on a Sunday morning.  

Prepare your dream set-up using our kitchen island seating ideas, too.

24. Create an open plan kitchen diner that works in a flat

(Image credit: Cuckooland)

Similarly to small homes, it's possible to implement an open plan scheme to create a spacious-feeling kitchen diner in a flat.

It's worth minimizing the number of kitchen cabinets to what's absolutely necessary and opting for slimline appliances, in order to maximize space. Open shelving will prevent the space from feeling boxy and can make an attractive addition if styled with only the prettiest of accessories.

25. Or an open plan kitchen that works in a loft space

(Image credit: Plain English )

How gorgeous is this open plan kitchen? if you are lucky enough to live in a loft space (these New York-style digs are becoming more popular over here) then take some inspiration from this Plain English kitchen. The actual kitchen space may be small but because of high ceilings and open plan design, the space doesn't look cramped or shoehorned into the corner. Plus by adding some stools to the other side of the kitchen cabinets, a kind of breakfast bar has been created too, a great way to save space. 

26. Use furniture to create cohesion throughout your open plan space

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

If you want to create some consistency in your open plan kitchen diner, you'll need to choose furniture that's similar in style and finish, but not too matchy.

This might be achieved by opting for furniture in similar wood finishes – in this kitchen-diner the bar stools and dining table complement one another – or through the use of an accent shade incorporated subtly throughout a space.

27. Create an industrial feel by combining dark shades and exposed brick

(Image credit: Future/Katie Lee)

Exposed bricks walls make for a statement open plan kitchen idea, creating a distinctly industrial feel when paired with darker, more atmospheric shades. Renovating a period property? Exposed brick can be used to hint at the history of a space while still working as part of a more contemporary interiors scheme.

Use our guide to exposed brick walls for more expert advice and information. 

(Image credit: Micheal Paul)

Looking for rustic open plan kitchen ideas? If designed effectively, they can have all the functions of a contemporary space without sacrificing its country appeal.

The trick is designing the space with a muted or neutral color palette and opting for furniture with more traditional appeal – we're thinking a Shaker style kitchen design and country-style dining tables.

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

An open plan kitchen doesn't need to end at a kitchen and dining room – if you have the space, why not incorporate a small living area too? We aren't talking a whole set of sofs and a 75in inch TV here; just a small sofa and a coffee table, or even just a statement armchair could create a chill-out area. Pop down a rug to add comfort and to break up the space, and there you go, a mini living room in your kitchen. 

30. Warm up an open plan kitchen 

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

We love the feel of this spacious light and bright open plan kitchen space. It’s easy on the eye and the white color scheme is sleek and modern. But how do you prevent this kind of look from becoming visually cold? Firstly, add in some wood. There’s the walnut style breakfast bar on the right and the warm toned wooden table on the left. 

Then consider painting some key areas like the storage unit at the back of the kitchen – the mid gray color anchors the whole kitchen and adds depth. Finally, add in some accessories like cozy cushions and throws on the sofa, and some patterned jugs and vases for a decoration. 

31. Make a compact space work

(Image credit: Ikea)

We don’t all have oodles of square meters in which to design our dream open plan kitchens spaces do we? Often it could actually be the opposite - trying to get it to work in an oh-so-small room! 

This is where clever design comes into play and having the kitchen units along one wall is the first key idea - note the storage unit on the left, ideal if you can’t get in all the base units you require.  

Then pop in your table, if your space is super tight then opt for a round table rather than square or rectangular - you can flow around a circle better than angled corners. Finally, this idea of matching sofas opposite each other is a great one - and it allows for a small coffee table too.

32. Use color to zone an open plan kitchen 

(Image credit: The Main Company)

Creating contrasts within a space also helps to define the various roles of the open plan area. Here, the bottle green kitchen area is clearly marked and we love the way the color is carried through to the painted dining chairs. 

The dark shade also contrasts beautifully with the plywood island and lime washed floorboards and as a result you get a really light and bright space for cooking, relaxing and eating in. 

What does a new open-plan kitchen cost?

Before you start getting down to the specifics of how to design an open plan kitchen, you'll likely want to consider the costs.  

Prices start from around £3,000 for good quality units for an average sized kitchen. Add in worktops, which will cost from £100, and appliances and fitting, which can vary from a few hundred pounds to more than £2,000, depending on the kitchen design. 

Bear in mind that an open-plan space tends to be larger than the average kitchen, and includes more elements that need to co-ordinate for a cohesive feel; this means the cost of refurnishing and accessorizing the room will be incrementally greater. 

However, there are clever ways to cut the cost of a new kitchen to help you keep to your budget.

Will you need planning permission for an open-plan kitchen?

Demolishing walls to create an open-plan layout doesn’t usually require planning permission.

If you’re extending to create an open-plan layout, this can often be achieved under the permitted development regime. However, you should check with your local authority’s planning department to verify that this applies in your case.

Structural changes will require the input of a structural engineer, and the building regulations will apply to aspects of the work, too.

Find our more about planning permission in our beginners guide. We've covered everything you need to know about permitted development rights, too.

Who can fit an open-plan kitchen?

If you’re working with a kitchen company, they may provide a fitting service, and kitchen designers can also take charge of the entire process from design to final fit out, managing the trades involved.

It’s also possible to find a reliable builder yourself to install the kitchen, or even take on some aspects of the work yourself if you are a competent DIYer.

Use our guide if you want to know how to find a good builder.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes – long enough to see fridges become smart, decorating fashions embrace both minimalism and maximalism, and interiors that blur the indoor/outdoor link become a must-have. She loves testing the latest home appliances, revealing the trends in furnishings and fittings for every room, and investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper. For Realhomes.com, Sarah reviews coffee machines and vacuum cleaners, taking them through their paces at home to give us an honest, real life review and comparison of every model.

Kitchen diner ideas – 11 ways to create a true social hub for family time |

(Image credit: Future)

Modern kitchen diner ideas are all about space. Space to cook, space to entertain and space for the whole family to gather, to eat, to socialize and to just be. In response, the average kitchen project has become so much more than new look cabinetry and appliances. 

It is estimated that one in five households in the US have now removed a downstairs wall in the past ten years while many were already enjoying the benefits of open plan kitchen-dining. The big appeal is for the kitchen and cook to be part of the action when entertaining and, on a day to day basis, for the whole family to be together – in this time-pressed age, it’s a real boon to be able to offer help with homework while preparing the evening meal; and to be able to keep on eye on tots and teens while managing other tasks. 

‘People have become generally less formal and so are more willing to share cooking, dining and relaxing areas,’ says Tim Higham of Higham Furniture. ‘When throwing a party or entertaining friends, it is seen as sociable to cook, dine and entertain all in one room, and at the same time. Families also want to share the space so that they can multi-task while preparing food.’ And in the warmer months, a kitchen dining space really comes into its own. The majority of contemporary kitchen ideas, kitchen diners and open plan schemes include large amounts of glass to let in the light and have easy access to the garden or porch, which vastly expands living and entertaining space.

Kitchen diner ideas – eat, drink and be merry in the heart of your kitchen

Take dining into the kitchen to create an informal kitchen diner that will not only create a social hub for family life, but will also provide a space to show off our culinary skills and put guests at ease. 

1. Extend your kitchen diner out

(Image credit: Future)

Not an option for the cash poor, but adding an extension is undoubtedly the most effective way to achieve a really decent size open-plan kitchen diner. Do weigh up the costs and compare with the value it will add to your property to ensure it won’t push you into negative equity. 

If you have a small kitchen, a simple side return extension can transform a narrow galley kitchen into a wider, brighter kitchen, without reducing usable garden space. This type of extension is particularly effective if you install a glazed roof or skylights in the new structure. 

If your property is on a sufficient size plot, the most popular option is a single-storey rear extension. Another option is a conservatory or orangery-style extension, which is a great way to add a light-filled seating or dining area to your existing kitchen. 

‘Ideally the kitchen designer should be involved before the new building is drawn-up, as the layout needs to be planned before doorways and windows are set in stone,’ says Richard Moore of Martin Moore . ‘The kitchen plan should also determine where the services – plumbing, lighting, electrics and drainage will be sited and these must be agreed before building.’

2. Plan a sociable kitchen diner layout

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

While a regular kitchen layout focuses on creating a fine-tuned cooking space, with everything positioned for ease and efficiency, planning a kitchen diner is a whole new ball game. Adding provisions for dining – casual and formal – plus soft seating, children’s playtime and maybe an office area, requires every inch to be plotted with meticulous care.

Think about sightlines from the heart of the cooking space – will the chef truly be able to chat and cook, what will be on view from the dining table, are you making the most of any garden scenes?

You also need to consider the views from and to the dining table, breakfast bar and any other areas you’ll want to linger. As a general rule, the dining table shouldn’t be too far from the kitchen – to keep travel between the two areas to a minimum at mealtimes.

The fridge and wine store should also be easily accessible from the dining table for keeping drinks refreshed during dinner. Try to carve a direct route from the table to the dishwasher to make it easy to clear away after you’ve eaten. Take a similar approach to the breakfast bar, storing cereals and breakfast supplies nearby if that’s where you intend to start your day.

3. Create flow in an open-plan kitchen diner

(Image credit: Future)

Work with your interior designer to achieve a logical flow through the space that avoids obstructions and provides the best access to the most frequently used areas like the fridge or bins. A route to the garden that passes in front of the television will quickly prove unpopular, as will any small kitchen layout that hinders the chef in full-flow. 

‘An island unit can be a real saviour in an open-plan design, as it aids traffic flow and provides the perfect link between the kitchen and living-dining areas, and the garden beyond,’ adds Andrew Hayes of Smallbone of Devizes .  

Allow at least a 90-110cm wide walkthrough in high traffic areas, and don’t forget that dining chairs need to be pulled out during use, and drawers, fridges and dishwashers all need extra space for opening and access.

4. Maintain order in a kitchen diner

(Image credit: Future)

Zoning the room into distinct areas for cooking, dining and relaxing, is a popular technique that can help maintain order in a large multi-use kitchen diner. 

Using different flooring, decorative light fittings or kitchen color ideas to help define the role of each zone can be very effective but don’t lose sight of the overall design cohesion.

‘Establishing similar shapes, materials or textures across the space – for example coordinating the dining table top with the worktops – will visually unite the room and help keep it simple and uncluttered,’ says kitchen designer Laurence Pidgeon .

5. Don't let lighting be an afterthought

(Image credit: Future)

Kitchen lighting should be planned as early as possible in a kitchen diner. Ensure each zone – cooking, dining, relaxing – is on separate controls and include task and ambient lighting throughout. 

LED lighting is the most energy-efficient but make sure you use bulbs with the same color temperature, preferably a warm spectrum, everywhere to achieve a uniform glow. Flexible fittings, such as pendants on extendable flex or wall lights that fold outwards are great for targeting specific areas when required. 

Lighting can also be used as a design feature to link or define the different zones in your kitchen diner. Look for lighting collections that include different style fittings in the same design for easy coordination. Don’t forget natural light and the direction the room faces, adding skylights or glazed doors if sunlight is poor. Planning multifunctional lighting can be complex so consider employing a professional lighting designer.

6. Think about heating and air conditioning

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Keeping a large kitchen diner comfortably warm isn’t easy, especially if the ceilings are high or even vaulted. Underfloor heating is a good solution, and leaves walls free for furniture and glass. Vertical radiators are also more space-efficient and can be used to make a design statement. Heated towel rails will prove useful for drying tea towels, while a wood burner in the seating area is another great feature piece and will keep the room cozy in winter months.

Do measure your kitchen diner to calculate the heat output required – radiator manufacturers often have a heat output calculator on their website, or your heating engineer will advise. 

A heavily-glazed space may benefit from air conditioning in the summer, particularly if it’s south-facing, or consider skylights with remote controlled opening for extra ceiling ventilation. Wide folding or sliding doors can also be left open to help keep the interior cool on hot days. 

7. Keep control of clutter in a kitchen diner

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With everything on view, clutter is the nemesis of a kitchen diner – especially in an open-plan kitchen design – taking the joy out of dining, cooking and entertaining in your kitchen diner. It’s important to provide dedicated storage within each area – so that everything is close to hand but easy to stash away. 

If you don’t relish the idea of being completely exposed while cooking, Richard Baker of Richard Baker Furniture suggests a raised breakfast bar or half-wall at the front of your island unit or peninsula. ‘This allows the chef to converse with guests, while concealing the cooking action and resultant messy surfaces,’ he says. 

A large pantry within easy access to the heart of the kitchen diner, perhaps with an extra sink area or dishwasher, is another popular concept in open-plan rooms and provides ample space to hide unattractive kitchen essentials and dirty pots and pans. Consider making a really vast room more flexible by installing pocket or sliding doors between zones. The ability to close-down the soft seating area to create a cosier space, or shut away the children’s play area when you are dining, allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

8.

Factor in sound and vision in an open-plan kitchen diner

(Image credit: Brent Darby / Future)

When you are adding kitchen island seating and entertaining to your kitchen diner, sound and vision can become vital ingredients. It’s worth calling in an audio-visual expert to draw-up wiring plans for your builder and talk through the options regarding cables or wireless integration, and the various types of control systems, at an early stage of the project. 

For simple sound integration, check out LED light fittings with built-in speaker that streams music via Bluetooth. Designed for installation under wall cabinets, it connects wirelessly to your mobile device. For more complex music systems, installing flush fitting speakers into the ceiling or behind the walls is a discreet way to ensure the whole space is party-ready. It’s a good idea to zone your sound system so that speakers can be turned off and on in different areas, while wireless headphones will prove a sound investment for ensuring video-gaming teenagers are ‘seen but not heard’.  

When planning your open-plan kitchen diner layout, think about the position of the television screen versus the flow of traffic through the space, and whether you want to be able to see it from the breakfast bar and dining room table as well as the sofa.

9. Visualize the space you want – and need

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The rise of the kitchen diner has had a huge impact on kitchen furniture design. What used to be a simple choice of base cupboards and wall units has exploded into hundreds of permutations from tall cupboards to provide maximum storage and housings for appliances on limited wall space to generous islands that double as seating areas, sleek cooking tables with a hint of the professional kitchen and floating units that blend with your existing room furniture. 

Paradoxically, kitchen layout seems to have got simpler. The old stalwarts of galley, double galley, U and L-shaped kitchen designs were designed to get the maximum storage into the room and to cut down on the distance travelled to get from sink to fridge to hob – the work triangle. These days we are used to seeing huge banks of storage with a parallel island not only defining the zone of the kitchen but, essentially, creating a double galley and maintaining that triangle.

(Image credit: Future)

Try to coordinate the style of your kitchen with that of your dining furniture or bar stools. For example, if you want to recreate the glamor and elegance of a more formal dining room, consider kitchen cabinets in rich timbers like walnut and Macassar ebony, topped in exotic stone. 

For a more utilitarian look, simple painted Shaker units will work well with a robust, refectory-style table topped in bleached oak or wooden bar stools. 

'If you're struggling to source a dining table that complements your kitchen consider commissioning a bespoke piece, which will allow materials, shapes and finishes to be precisely matched,' says Charlie Borthwick, founder of joinery service Cue & Co .

11. Put comfort first

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Whether your dining space is at a breakfast bar, table, or both, comfort is essential for encouraging a relaxed meal with guests that are happy to linger. Bar stools should have back rests and a padded or shaped seat if possible, and dining chairs need to be ergonomically designed for long term comfort. Then use layered lighting to set the right mood and atmosphere. 

'The simplest solution is to install dimmer switches that transform task lighting into ambient when the action has moved from cooker to table,' says Kerry Baulch, head of product management at Häfele.

Is a kitchen diner a good idea?

Who doesn’t love the idea of open-plan kitchen diner? Moving beyond the classic kitchen-diner, a modern open-plan space ditches the formal dining room and kitchen in favor of one large, multifunctional space, with entertainment at its heart. 

‘The main motivation for creating an open-plan kitchen diner is to be more sociable. Parents can prepare meals while interacting with their children, perhaps helping them with homework or a project, and monitor TV or internet use,’ says Robert Burnett of Holloways of Ludlow Kitchens.  

‘When entertaining friends, the hosts can interact with their guests while preparing food and drinks, and the removal of walls provides additional space for people and furnishings.’

There are also many secondary benefits of cooking, dining and living in one room, such as the sheer freedom and joy of spending time in a sunnier, airier space with plenty of room to manoeuvre. Combining existing rooms allows you to utilize space that was previously reserved for entertaining and holidays. Adding an extension often brings the garden into the loop, expanding the social lifestyle outdoors. Heating and lighting one space rather than several can also help reduce your energy bill. The list goes on. 

‘From a design angle, open-plan spaces allow you to unify the details, textures and materials across the entire room to achieve really impressive results,’ adds Jamee Kong of DesignSpace London . The only real question is, given the opportunity, why wouldn’t you go for an open-plan kitchen diner?

How do I build a kitchen diner?

An expensive kitchen extension is not the only option for gaining space. A first step should always be to see if there is more potential in the space you already have for instance, a little-used dining room, part of a hallway, a garage. It’s worth calling in the professionals at this early stage as a trained eye will see solutions you simply won’t, and will have the experience and know-how o get the very best of the space. 

Find an architect in your area that specialises in residential projects. Alternatively, consider using an interior designer who can oversee the whole project from structural alterations to finished decor or a good kitchen designers. 

With so many homeowners reconfiguring space for the sole purpose of creating a kitchen diner, many kitchen designers are very experienced at seeing the bigger picture and often have good contacts with local builders. ‘Your kitchen designer may also know of an architect who has undertaken a similar project,’ says Katy Paul, designer at Richard Baker Furniture .

A hard-working space will need the right framework in place – again something that needs addressing at the start of the project and where a good designer can help. ‘An interior designer is different from an interior decorator who chooses colors and cushions,’ says designer John Osborn. 

‘A good interior designer should understand the technical aspects of drainage, electrics, water supply and waste, pipework, plumbing, cables and lighting circuits – all the structural elements required to realise the best design. An electrician will put sockets and switches wherever is easiest, not necessarily where they look most attractive while an interior designer will create something that works functionally and aesthetically.’ This is especially challenging in an open-plan kitchen diner where a range of services are required.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space.  Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

95 photos, beautiful interiors, zoning

Today, in huge country houses and small cozy apartments, you can increasingly find an open-plan design of the kitchen-dining room. Such a modern option is an excellent solution not only from an aesthetic, but also from a functional point of view. The combination of the dining room and kitchen will definitely be the right choice in organizing a common space.

Features of the kitchen-dining room

An original open-plan approach always includes some features. The lack of a dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room makes the space more open, which can appeal to outgoing extroverts. The main advantages of such a kitchen-dining room are:

1. Visual openness of the space, which makes it even larger and freer.

2. Additional communication with family and friends while cooking.

3. Stylish and original type of room zoning.

4. Savings on the purchase of an additional dining table, TV and kitchen cabinets.

5. Possibility of using functional elements as additional decor. For example, a bar counter, a book wall or an aquarium.

6. Simplicity and time saving in organizing holidays and other events.

The peculiar disadvantages of the kitchen-dining room include fumes and smells that can affect the upholstery of furniture and the state of textiles, the sounds of technology and the inability to retire, which is not very suitable for introverts. But even these disadvantages, with a strong desire, can be corrected with a high-quality hood, modern silent technologies and well-thought-out zoning of the recreation area.

Visual zoning options

The kitchen-dining room is not only a practical place for cooking delicacies, but also a place where you can serve them traditionally and with glamor. Good zoning can visually separate the working kitchen area from the dining area.

Zoning with a bright wall

This is a great idea for creative people who want to make their dining room stand out and make it more festive. The desired image can be easily created using contrasting wallpapers with geometric patterns or imitation of natural materials (stone, wood, glass). The rest of the walls can be decorated in neutral shades, which will further emphasize the bright accents of the dining room. Do not forget that wall coverings must be moisture resistant.

Zoning with decor

Simple and stylish design of the kitchen-dining room, which is always subject to additional changes. The design of the dining area should include additional light sources (built-in lamps, LED strips), as well as be decorated with catchy paintings, unusual plants, decorative planters, hand-made souvenirs, bright textiles that can place the right accents between the kitchen and the dining room.

Zoning with screens and additional partitions

This is one of the most popular types of visual separation of two zones of one room. It solves the problem of isolation, and also fits perfectly into any style of interior. Partitions made of metal, wood, drywall or glass can act as a certain barrier. Screens can be folding and sliding, fabric or panel, bright or neutral. It all depends on the individual preferences of the owners and the overall design of the room.

Podium zoning

An excellent opportunity to slightly change the geometry of the space, visually make the ceilings higher and "elevate" the dining or work area, thereby separating its location and design. This is the best solution for a small kitchen.

Lighting zoning

A non-standard solution that will help create a cozy and smooth transition from the dining area to the kitchen. You can arrange the light points in different ways. The kitchen area can be equipped with spotlights or LED lamps, and the recreation area (dining room) with a chandelier or table lamps. Then the lighting will be soft, uniform and aesthetically pleasing.

Furniture zoning

The right combination of furniture placement can completely replace an additional partition. This type of visual separation of the kitchen and dining room is called an “island”, where wide book walls, cabinets, double-sided TV racks become the basis, which simultaneously perform their function and organically separate two different zones.

Color scheme for the kitchen-dining room

An optimally selected range of shades plays a significant role in the beautiful design of the kitchen-dining room, because in this way you can emphasize the overall design, highlight stylish elements, create a feeling of comfort and coziness.

White kitchen-dining room

Creamy color can make the space even more open and bright, which can be a good solution for a small room. Such a noble shade fits perfectly into the style of minimalism, modern, country and Provence. It is universally combined with its counterparts and makes colorful accents even more harmonious. Ideal combinations for a spectacular separation of the kitchen and dining room are coffee and cream, white and lemon, blue and white and green and white. These variations will serve as the perfect backdrop for an open floor plan.

Lemon kitchen-dining room

Yellow accents can not only make the kitchen fresher and richer, but also visually give the bulky furniture the right lightness. Lemon soft corner, light yellow curtains or furniture of such a juicy color will always dilute the overall finish and will be able to harmoniously separate the kitchen and dining room.

Green kitchen-dining room

Olive notes in the interior design of the kitchen look peaceful and stylish. Green color goes well with white, yellow, peach, gray, blue. The kitchen wall can be green, decorated with wickerwork or shelving with earthenware, and the dining area wall can be neutral beige shades. Or vice versa.

Gray kitchen-dining room

This is a more practical and conservative option, but no less popular in the case of an open-plan kitchen. Colorists like to combine gray with white and yellow - it serves as an excellent background for decoration, textiles and furniture. It also looks harmonious and the basis of classic and modern interior design, especially if you dilute it with warm sandy colors.

Red kitchen-dining room

A juicy strawberry motif in kitchen design will suit extravagant people who are not afraid of bright accents. Cherry and light crimson colors will emphasize the overall tones of the finish, while rich garnet will be a beautiful backdrop for a white wall. White and red is one of the most successful and time-tested combinations.

Interior styles

The design can be designed strictly in one direction, or it can combine several different options. Such a solution is quite possible for an open-plan kitchen, which will be the perfect embodiment of practicality and creativity.

Contemporary kitchen-dining room

The choice of business people who know the value of every minute of their time. The special features of this design include conciseness, originality of the material and arrangement of furniture, a harmonious combination of innovative technologies and old traditions. For example, the separation of the dining and kitchen areas can be racks with antique souvenirs, baroque paintings or a designer seating area.

Kitchen-dining room in classic style

A good option for connoisseurs of refined gloss and expensive elegance. The main distinguishing elements are the exact symmetry of the arrangement of decor, appliances and furniture, natural finishing materials (at least one wall can be decorated with metal or wood), ceramic figurines and bulky lighting with precious metal inserts.

Provence style kitchen-dining room

Neutral beige furniture, animal motifs on textiles, chinaware, shelving with lively original flowers, weightless curtains and natural decor. This is how you can imagine the perfect kitchen-dining room in a gentle Provence style.

Kitchen-dining room in country style

A wonderful choice for people who value simplicity and comfort. Aged designer furniture, wood finishes, natural textiles and earthenware - this is what can give the kitchen-dining room a rustic chic and family cosiness that you so want to feel after a hard day's work.

Eclectic style kitchen-dining room

Ideal for an open-plan space, where it is possible to decorate individual areas of the room in completely different, but original styles, shades and architectural solutions. The abundance of extraordinary decor, a combination of different colors, textiles and furniture will perfectly fit into the overall atmosphere of the kitchen-dining room.

Kitchen-dining room design - photo

We have put together a collection of photos for you that will prove that an open plan kitchen looks not only original and stylish, but also very cozy and comfortable for the owners and their guests!

Video: Kitchen-dining room - layout and interior

photos with examples from Mr.Doors

The kitchen in a private house has an elusive atmosphere of comfort and warmth of the hearth. It is she who daily gathers all household members within her walls. On it, adults and children meet to have a bite to eat and share the news. How to make it as cozy and comfortable as possible? A variant of the combined functional area called "kitchen-dining room" can cope with this task. But if it is quite realistic to imagine such an interior in a private house, then how to place everything you need in a limited square of a city apartment?

From our review, you will find out what kind of room it is, what its distinctive features and layout features are, what you need to know when decorating its interior, and what options for modern combinations of these two zones exist. We will also share photos of their design ideas in a modern and classic style.


Two words from the history of the kitchen-dining-living room

If a couple of decades ago, few people dared to combine the kitchen area with the dining room and living room, but today the situation is different. More and more people are striving to create a single space in the interior of which one could cook, gather with the whole family for dinner, and receive guests. The solution to this problem is a room that combines three functional zones together. In Western dwellings, this technique has settled down for a long time, but in the post-Soviet space it is becoming more and more fashionable.

Initially, the working and dining areas here had a fundamentally different purpose: the areas where food was cooked and consumed were separated from each other. A little more than a hundred years ago, it was the interior of the dining room that was given a more representative look, as it hosted ceremonial dinners and received guests. Well, the kitchen room acted as a working area that did not need decor.

The situation changed in the second half of the twentieth century. At this time, typical small-sized "Khrushchev" houses became the norm, replacing the era of private cottages, spacious apartments and mansions with a chic interior. Their inhabitants could not afford such a luxury as two separate rooms for cooking and eating, so the dining area was most often “pushed” to the place of cooking. And so it happened that the kitchen became a double-function room, and the place for receiving guests from now on was the “hall” - the same living room.


Let's talk about pros and cons

What is good about such a combination is that it allows you to bring an atmosphere of spaciousness into the interior of even the smallest apartment. The original layout, combining two functional areas, allows you to make the most of every centimeter of living space. An amazing scope of imagination when decorating the interior of such a room, interesting zoning options, a lot of fresh air and light - you will get all this if you decide to combine two "related" zones into one.

Before we talk about how to create a single space, let's find out what kind of "buns" this idea is fraught with.

  1. You will have the opportunity to expand the room. Well, if you also competently work with the color and texture of furniture and finishing materials, then the impression of the interior of even the smallest space will be as if you are in a spacious room. The white color of the finish, for example, can literally push the boundaries of the room. For example, use the fronts made of laminated panels in the White Premium decor for this.
  2. When designing a combined interior, more interesting design possibilities appear. Arranging furniture, zoning, playing with lighting, the difference in ceiling and floor levels - you will get all this if you decide to create a combined space.
  3. In such a spacious room, the hostess will be more pleasant to spend time. So the woman will not feel isolated and will be able to communicate with her family without looking up from cooking dinner.
  4. The interior will rightfully become your pride, because the combined zones in a studio apartment are a real fashion statement.

However, it would be unfair to sing of the virtues without mentioning the difficulties one might encounter.


As you can see, the kitchen-dining room has both advantages and disadvantages.

Planning tips

The creation of the described united space is increasingly taken into account even at the construction planning stage. But only owners of private houses who are developing an architectural plan on their own have such an opportunity. But what about the residents of apartments and townhouses who have purchased housing with a standard arrangement of rooms? All they need is a little redevelopment to create the desired format of the room.

If it is possible to get rid of the wall separating the kitchen and living room, you can make a large common space. In this case, you get a spacious room with two functional parts - a working area and a recreation area.

If the work area borders on a glazed balcony, a reasonable solution for planning a combination of premises would be to install a good heating system there and connect it to the room. As a result, the area will not increase much, but at the same time it will still be more comfortable and spacious.

To increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, you can also destroy the wall separating the kitchen from the corridor or hall. This will help you add a few cherished square meters to it, which may well be enough to create a small dining area.

Design tips for zoning space

Do not forget that the design of the combined zone in a private house or city apartment, if you are planning a space combined with a living room, should be made in a single interior style solution. Think for yourself how ridiculous a modern-style work area would look next to a sophisticated Empire-style living room.

Please note that the arrangement of a single interior should be based on the following principle: the previously closed kitchen space remains after being combined as a work area, and the dining room turns into a place to relax. Even made in the same style, they should be perceived as two fundamentally different spaces. Thoughtful zoning, ideal for such an interior in an apartment, will help to cope with this task. Below we invite you to get acquainted with a series of photos that illustrate the various ways of zoning the combined space.

Bar counter

This stylish element of the interior will not only become a favorite place for breakfast, but will also be able to visually distinguish between the working and dining areas. The rack can replace the dining table if few people live in the apartment.



Fake wall

You can equip a drywall wall, which will have niches for storing kitchen utensils or for decorative vases, figurines and plates. An alternative could be a light open shelving.


Arch

Arched passages are quite often used in a studio apartment. So why not separate the dining area from the work area with this stylish interior design element?

Columns

They can be hollow inside or have fancy stucco molding (this is especially suitable for the classic style of the room), they can be made of raw brick (loft interior) or solid wood (eco style). Classic columns with pilasters look especially majestic in the white spacious area of ​​the new united space.

Aquarium

By installing a multi-liter aquarium, you will not only be able to separate the workspace from the dining room, but also bring a touch of peace to the interior. The aquarium will fit especially stylishly into a modern interior - for example, in a room with facades in high-gloss enamel in Murano or Blueberry decorative coatings.

Sex

Slightly raise the work area above the dining room - and you will get spectacular zoning. The step should be small to avoid accidental injury. By the way, you can mount a backlight in it. You can also use different materials for decorating the floor. For example, the work area is decorated with ceramic tiles or decorative stone, while the recreation area uses laminate, linoleum or parquet.


Ceiling

If the ceiling height allows, you can use multi-level ceiling structures made of plasterboard or stretch material - they fit perfectly into the classic sophisticated design of the common space. Another interesting option is wooden ceiling beams. Decorate the ceiling above the working area with them, and you can create an interior in Provence, rustic or eco style, which is especially important for the design of such a room in a mansion or a country cottage.


Finishing materials

The kitchen is a room with an aggressive environment, so you need to be especially careful when choosing materials for wall decoration. Tiles, artificial and natural stone or special washable non-woven vinyl wallpapers will come in handy. But when decorating a recreation area, you can give free rein to your imagination and use decorative plaster, wall paintings, graffiti and posters, sophisticated textile or paper wallpapers.


Lighting

Spotlights - for minimalism, original lamps hanging low above the bar counter or above the table for loft and hi-tech, elegant richly decorated chandelier for classic style - all this will help to visually divide the room into a work area and a place to relax.

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