Improving the spatial flow or maximising the views to the garden can add value if done right, but do take structural advice before you start. One of the most popular home transformation projects to add value to a house is knocking through between an existing kitchen, dining and living room to create an open plan kitchen space. (Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti) Does an open plan kitchen add value? '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 open plan kitchen ideas where a range of services are required. ‘A good 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 interior designer is different from an interior decorator who chooses colors and cushions,’ says designer John Osborn (opens in new tab). 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 to get the very best from the space.Ī 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.
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 is a lot easier than you think to make an open plan kitchen in your home.Īn expensive extension is not the only option for gaining space. One of the big surprises can be just how little space you need to add to gain enough useable room for a dining area in your existing kitchen – sometimes a mere matter of feet is all you need to fit a compact solution such as banquette or bench-style seating.
Is an open plan kitchen a good idea?Īn open plan kitchen is often considered a good idea, especially in a modern home. 'When considering short stay seating, such as breakfast bars (opens in new tab), situate it away from the area where you will be working so that no one gets in the way, but close enough that conversation can flow easily,' says Stephanie Dedes, design and marketing manager of Charles Yorke (opens in new tab). Think about where people will sit while you cook and where you would like to eat once the food is served.
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