1. USE A U-SHAPE
U-shaped kitchen ideas aren’t just a clever layout option for separate kitchens. They can be a great way to lay out an open-plan room, too. ‘Opt for a U-shaped layout with the open end leading into the living space. This keeps the kitchen compact yet allows for easy movement and transition between zones,’ recommends interior designer Artem Kropovinsky.
2. WORK WITH THE ISLAND
Kitchen island ideas are often worth drawing on in an open-plan kitchen. ‘An island can divide the cooking zone from the dining area while keeping the overall effect spacious and airy,’ says Jennifer
3. BALANCE THE COOKING ZONE
Creating a functional cooking zone can be challenging, especially when it comes to making space for the refrigerator and freezer. ‘In our meticulous kitchen design process, a recurring requirement emerges: accommodating a substantial 3-foot refrigerator and freezer column, which essentially extends our spatial consideration to a 6 foot span,’ says interior designer Becky Shea, founding partner and creative director of Becky Shea Design.
4. PUT THE COOKTOP ON A WALL
The cooktop is a much-used feature of any kitchen, and careful placement is vital. In an open-plan kitchen, The Plan Collection’s home design expert Laurel Vernazza suggests placing it by a wall rather than on an island.
5. ZONE THE ROOM WITH COUNTERTOPS
An open-plan kitchen should have different zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing. But in an open layout, there aren’t walls to divide these spaces. A clever solution? ‘Implement a tiered countertop approach,’ suggests Artem Kropovinsky. ‘Having varied heights can demarcate specific areas, like a raised bar section to hide the prep area from the seating or lounge zone.’ Consider, alternatively, incorporating banquette seating or a dining nook, as seen here, to create a lower-level dining area.
6. PLAN STORAGE WITH LIVING AND DINING AREAS IN MIND
In an open-plan kitchen, the layout of kitchen storage has an impact on the other zones of the space. ‘Two totally different types of kitchen layouts that I absolutely love are wall-to-wall storage and open shelving display,’ says Elizabeth Vergara, founder and lead designer of the luxury design and build firm Vergara Homes.
7. WORK WITH THE WINDOWS
The windows of an open-plan space can be a great cue for what goes where within the layout. ‘Position your cooking zone near the largest window,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘Natural light enhances the cooking experience and delineates the space without the need for walls.’ Think, too, about locating the dining area near windows, creating views and interest for diners.