I’ve been designing kitchens for over 20 years, and the standout reason for a new kitchen has always been the same — opening the space up. Sometimes it’s driven by lifestyle changes, sometimes by the heady mix of inspirational living and the simple joy of rewarding ourselves with something shiny and new — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Whether it’s by taking a wall down or building out, open-plan living is here to stay. There was a brief moment after lockdown when people considered keeping rooms separate, often to find peace and quiet or to carve out space for a makeshift kitchen office. But that feels like a lifetime ago.
Five years on, nearly all my clients are at least taking down a wall — and more often, thanks to relaxed planning rules and permitted development rights, they’re creating much bigger, multifunctional spaces. These designs feature flexible zones that allow families to live, cook, and work seamlessly together.
The result? Lighter, more usable spaces. By blocking off redundant doors and adding skylights where possible, we can create bright, airy rooms that feel open yet cohesive.
Islands remain the most popular feature — with or without seating, sinks, or hobs. Peninsulas come in a close second, particularly for those who prefer to subtly zone off the kitchen from a dining or living area. In many homes, the peninsula even acts as a “pass” between spaces, maintaining both flow and function.
If you’re positioning your hob on an island or peninsula, extraction needs serious thought. Smells and noise can quickly undermine a beautiful new family space. Your architect or mechanical engineer may already have considered this, as there are building regulations to follow. The decision between a ceiling extractor (and sacrificing those obligatory pendant lights) or a downdraft system (often at the expense of storage) can be agonising!
When space allows, breakfast areas are increasingly popular — often featuring breakfast pantries and banquette seating. This isn’t formal dining, but rather an inviting spot for morning coffee, a newspaper, and a quick family chat before the day begins. The pantry can store dry goods, breakfast crockery and cutlery, and small appliances like the toaster, microwave, and coffee machine — fully customisable to your lifestyle.
Media cabinets are another clever way to link a family seating area with the kitchen, creating a sense of continuity. A well-thought-out design can bring all the zones together — from pet spaces and study nooks to play areas and relaxation zones.
So when we’re lounging on the sofa, gazing out through our newly installed bifold doors that blur the boundary between inside and out, let’s not forget to carry our design thinking beyond bricks and mortar. Continuity and cohesion — that’s the real hallmark of modern open-plan living.
And don’t miss my business partner’s upcoming piece on making the most of your transformed — or perhaps slightly sacrificed — garden space.