Open Plan Kitchen Ideas for Effortless Cooking & Entertaining
Family-friendly and great for entertaining, open-plan kitchens have become a staple design in many modern homes. The appeal? An inviting, everyday space that's easy to interact with family and guests while you cook, regardless if your home is big or small.
As one of the most popular design choices, open-plan kitchens are now a cornerstone of UK interior design. But while open spaces spread natural light and offer plenty of room to entertain and cook, getting the design right can be tricky.
You'll want a layout that works for your lifestyle, with smart furniture choices, lighting and zoning techniques to create a multifunctional and stylish space that works with your busy day-to-day. Read on for 20 inspiring open-plan kitchen ideas perfect for every space, whether you're dealing with a large area or need to make the most of a tiny open-plan kitchen living room combo.
Is an open-plan kitchen a good idea?
If you love hosting or spending time with family, an open-plan kitchen living room or kitchen diner is a great investment, giving you the perfect reception area for seamless interaction while cooking or socialising.
A potential game-changer for both your home and lifestyle, the expansive feel of an open-plan space adds a certain "wow" factor, making your home feel much larger and more sophisticated.
Without walls to disrupt the flow and a boost in natural light, your space will feel much bigger, brighter and more welcoming. Plus, with its appeal to potential buyers, this versatile space can increase your property's value, making it easier to sell.
So whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet weeknight meal with family, an open-plan kitchen offers a flexible, stylish space that truly works for everyday life.
How to make a kitchen open-plan
A great way to create an open and social home, creating an open-plan kitchen should strike a balance between functionality, personalisation and style.
Prioritise layout: Prioritise the flow of the space, ensuring that the cooking, dining and lounging areas are well-connected and easily accessible. The layout should allow easy movement between zones without feeling cramped.
Define each zone: Use furniture and décor to create distinct spaces and a sense of structure. A well-placed rug or a pendant light can help separate the dining space from the cooking zone while maintaining cohesion across the room.
Choose multifunctional pieces: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like extendable tables, storage benches or islands that combine storage with workspace.
Common mistakes to avoid
Poor flow between zones: Ensure enough space between each area to move freely without congestion.
Overcrowding: Avoid adding too much furniture or décor, which can make the room feel cramped.
Neglecting lighting: Ensure each zone is well-lit, including task, ambient and accent lighting, to create function and atmosphere.
20 open-plan kitchen ideas for every style and space
1. Use kitchen islands to define the space and add functionality
A must-have for a sociable space, a kitchen island is a versatile piece that can work wonders in an open-plan layout, providing extra counter space for meal prep and acting as a natural divider between the kitchen and dining areas.
Opt for an island with built-in storage to keep the kitchen organised and add stools for extra seating, or turn it into a breakfast bar for casual dining. Paired with statement lighting, your island will be a practical and stylish feature in the epi-centre of your open-plan kitchen.
2. Add a breakfast bar for casual dining and extra worktop space
Short on space but still want to keep things social? A multifunctional breakfast bar serves as a quick nook to indulge in your first meal of the day or a place to enjoy casual meals while keeping the kitchen open and airy.
Choose a slim design to avoid crowding the space, add stools that are easy to tuck away and complement the bar with pendant lighting for a chic, designer element that’ll make heads turn.
3. Choose extendable dining tables to maximise flexibility
Burford 6-10 Seater Extending Dining Table in Pebble Grey - £799
In an open-plan kitchen, flexibility is key. An extendable dining table offers just that—transforming from a small, intimate setting to a larger dining area when needed.
Pair the table with stylish chairs or even benches for additional seating. When designing your space, consider a table that complements the rest of your décor while leaving room for a bit of breathing space and ease of movement.
4. Incorporate pendant lighting to zone dining areas and add style
Emmanuelle Antique Brass Metal and Clear Glass Pendant - £85
Pendant lighting is an eye-catching way to define different zones in an open-plan kitchen while adding a stylish design element. Hang a statement pendant light above the dining table to create an intimate atmosphere for meals, or use multiple lights to illuminate the entire kitchen-dining space.
The right lighting will accentuate your design scheme, ensuring the room remains functional. Whether you go for sleek, modern fixtures or something with a bit more character, pendant lights are practical and beautiful in an open-plan layout.
5. Use rugs to visually separate kitchen, dining, and living zones
Chesterfield 3 Seat Sofa in Warm Grey - £1,399
More than just soft accents, rugs are the perfect tool for visually separating zones in an open-plan space. A well-placed rug can define the dining area while helping to ground the living or kitchen spaces.
Choose a rug that compliments your overall colour scheme and adds warmth to the area without overwhelming the room. Rugs with geometric and abstract patterns are set to be a big trend in 2025, alongside area rugs in earth tones, which continue to dominate. Providing comfort and warmth, a high-quality rug makes the space more inviting for everyday living and entertaining.
6. Install open shelving for a stylish and practical storage solution
Use wooden or glass open shelving to store everyday items like plates, glassware or your favourite Jamie Oliver and Nigella cookbooks while adding visual interest to the space.
Keeping things organised and accessible, open shelves help declutter your countertops to make the room feel more spacious and functional. Pair your shelving with decorative elements like vases or modern kitchen accessories for an extra pop.
7. Add larder units to keep your kitchen clutter-free
Burford Triple Larder Unit in Sage Green - £1,999
Larder units are the secret weapon for a tidy open-plan kitchen. With more than enough storage for everything from pantry staples to small appliances, larder units keep your kitchen organised without sacrificing style.
Embrace the trend for stylish pantry kitchen storage and put otherwise empty alcoves to good use by creating a built-in larder of your own. Choose units that blend with your design scheme, whether sleek and modern or rustic and charming. Add accessories like decorative jars with labels or baskets to store cupboard staples and enjoy the organisational process—it’s a perfectionist's dream come true.
8. Select slimline sideboards to provide storage without overcrowding
Burford Grand Sideboard with Wine Rack in Pebble Grey - £999
Slimline sideboards add essential storage in an open-plan kitchen without crowding the floor plan, providing room for everything from cutlery to linens. Look for a sideboard that complements the style of your kitchen and pair it with a mirror or stylish wall décor to tie the space together.
Slimline sideboards allow you to maximise storage in a minimalist way, so your open-plan space remains both chic and clutter-free.
9. Incorporate soft seating to create a cosy social area within the kitchen
Brockham Taupe Dining Chair - £344.95
Soft seating is a must if you want to create a cosy social space in your open-plan kitchen. Add a comfortable chair or two near your kitchen island or dining table to encourage conversation and relaxation.
Upholstered chairs or a cushioned bench create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for hosting or family gatherings. Pair your seating with ambient lighting or a chic side table to elevate the space and create an inviting setup that encourages guests to kick back and relax.
10. Use glass partitions to separate areas while maintaining an open feel
Open-plan kitchens have many benefits, but sometimes you just want a bit of privacy when cooking or cleaning. An innovative solution for dividing space into dining and cooking zones, glass partitions create a sense of privacy in an aesthetically pleasing way without compromising the overall feeling of openness.
Creating clear boundaries between zones, this non-permanent and transparent solution still allows light to flow freely, meaning the space maintains its brightness.
Whether used between the kitchen and dining areas or as a separation between the lounge and cooking space, glass walls bring a contemporary touch that maintains an open, connected feel. Pair them with minimalist furniture and soft lighting to create an elegant yet functional layout that enhances the overall atmosphere of your home.
11. Choose floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for hidden storage
Burford Display Cabinet in Navy Blue - £699
When it comes to kitchens, floor-to-ceiling type cabinetry is becoming more and more popular—and for good reason. Maximising vertical space, this type of cabinetry keeps your kitchen sleek, streamlined and clutter-free.
Utilising wall height frees up valuable floor space and creates a more functional kitchen for busy family lifestyles, with everything neatly tucked away but within easy reach.
Opt for cabinets with clean lines and neutral finishes that blend effortlessly with your design. From must-have kitchen gadgets you couldn't live without to pantry essentials, these cabinets hide it all (yes, even the Thermomix.)
12. Add statement clocks to enhance style and functionality
Large Embossed Station Clock - £179.99
In a space that does so much, a statement clock is the perfect way to combine practicality with style in your open-plan kitchen.
Keep time on your side and choose a striking design that adds a focal point to the room—whether it’s a large vintage-inspired clock that adds rustic charm or a modern minimalist design.
A must-have for timing those delicious Sunday roasts and other dishes, hang your statement clock above the table or stove to help you keep track when managing cooking tasks when you don't have a timer on hand.
13. Install integrated appliances for a seamless, modern look
Burford Triple Larder Unit in Natural Oak - £1,999
Integrated appliances are a game-changer for achieving a sleek and modern open-plan space. By hiding away your dishwasher, fridge and microwave behind cabinetry, you maintain clean lines and a clutter-free appearance.
Select appliances you know you'll use and complement your cabinetry for a streamlined look that suits any modern design. With integrated appliances, you maintain the hallmark airy, spacious feel of an open space while ensuring every function is efficiently catered for without disrupting the flow of the room.
14. Use a neutral colour palette to keep the space light and cohesive
Ivyline - Daphne Large Ribbed Vase in Sage
A neutral colour palette is the perfect backdrop for any open-plan kitchen, helping the space feel larger and more cohesive. Soft tones like whites, greys and beige create a calming atmosphere and make it easier to blend various design elements.
Play with accent décor, such as colourful chairs, cushions or artwork, to introduce personality. Combining light neutrals with warm textures—like wood or soft fabrics—adds depth and comfort, ensuring the space remains inviting and visually balanced.
15. Add pops of colour with décor, chairs or accessories
Ivyline - Nova Wax Relief Rose Planter - £29.99
Injecting pops of colour into your open-plan kitchen adds visual interest and makes the room feel lively and full of character without overwhelming it.
Brightly coloured chairs, vibrant throw pillows, wall art, or unique vases with brightly coloured blooms are your opportunity to showcase your personality and bring a burst of energy to a neutral backdrop.
Experiment with shades that complement your kitchen's palette, from bold blues that draw attention to deep green colour schemes to create a tranquil space.
16. Consider very small open-plan kitchen living room ideas like foldable tables
Burford 4-6 Seater Extending Dining Table in Warm White - £699
Flexibility is crucial in small open-plan kitchens, and foldable tables are a convenient choice that can be tucked away to free up space for other activities. Ideal for compact dining areas or small living rooms, foldable tables make the most of your available space.
Combine them with minimal stackable chairs for easy storage, ensuring you get three in one—practicality, comfort and style. When you need extra space for family meals or guests, simply extend the table to accommodate everyone effortlessly.
17. Use lighting layers, including task, ambient and accent lighting
Paulmann - Filament LED Pear Bulb 5W E27 Warm White - £5.85
Lighting is a critical element in open-plan kitchens, as it helps define zones and adds atmosphere. Use task lighting above work areas to ensure enough light for cooking and ambient lighting to set a relaxed tone for dining or lounging.
Accent lighting, like under-cabinet LED or pendant lights, can highlight specific areas or features in the room, such as your kitchen island or artwork. Layering inviting and functional ambient, task and accent lighting creates depth and warmth—it's multifunctional lighting for a multifunctional space.
18. Choose bar stools to create casual seating by a kitchen island
Luna Outdoor Fabric Bar Stool in Fawn - £325.00
Bar stools are a great way to introduce casual seating near your kitchen island. They provide a social space for quick meals, chatting while cooking or even working from home.
With their sleek profile, vintage leather, metal or upholstered bar stools can easily blend into your open-plan layout. For even more versatility, choose a set with adjustable heights to ensure they fit your island perfectly and easily transition the space between a cosy breakfast spot and a lively space for entertaining.
19. Add mirrors to reflect light and make smaller open spaces feel larger
Black Metal Slim Frame Round Wall Mirror Large - £199.99
Mirrors are a designer’s not-so-secret weapon for making small open spaces feel more expansive. Strategically placing a mirror on a wall can reflect natural light and create the illusion of a larger room.
Try a large statement mirror above the dining area or near windows to maximise and bounce light around the room to brighten the space.
20. Incorporate hidden storage like pull-out drawers and under-seat compartments
Burford Triple Larder Unit in Pebble Grey - £1,999
Boosting storage is essential in an open-plan kitchen, especially in smaller homes when space is limited. Incorporate pull-out drawers and under-seat compartments into your design to keep essentials hidden but easily accessible.
For example, you can use under-bench storage to hide kitchen tools or pull-out drawers to keep spices within reach.
Create your dream open-plan kitchen with Harbour Lifestyle
Designing an open-plan kitchen allows you to craft a stylish and functional space. With a few space-solving storage solutions and some stylish yet practical décor and furniture pieces, you can turn your kitchen into a welcoming gathering spot for family and friends. An open-plan kitchen should feel like a natural extension of your home—functional, stylish and ready for every occasion.
Explore Harbour Lifestyle’s premium range of furniture and accessories to bring your open-plan kitchen to life. With our selection of elegant dining tables, stylish storage pieces and ambient lighting options, you have everything you need to make cooking, socialising and entertaining a breeze.
FAQs
How to separate an open-plan kitchen from a living room
Separate an open-plan kitchen from the living room using furniture, lighting and flooring to define distinct zones. A kitchen island or breakfast bar can create a physical barrier, while rugs and lighting fixtures help differentiate spaces. Glass partitions or even plants can also add separation while maintaining an open, airy feel.
What are the disadvantages of an open kitchen?
A lack of privacy when cooking or cleaning is often cited as a main disadvantage of an open kitchen. The noise and smell from the kitchen can easily spill into the living or dining areas, potentially disrupting conversations or relaxation. Additionally, an open-plan kitchen requires regular tidying, as clutter is more visible in an open space.
How do I keep my open-plan kitchen tidy?
Keep an open-plan kitchen tidy with clever storage solutions like pull-out drawers, hidden compartments and cabinets that match the rest of the space. Keep surfaces clear by storing away everyday items and using decorative baskets or trays to manage clutter. Regularly declutter and clean, especially after meals, to maintain a fresh, inviting atmosphere.
