Skip to content

The big you can do it sale has landed. Shop unmissable deals online & in store this spring

B&Q ClubCustomer supportSell on diy.com

10 open plan kitchen ideas

By Ellie Reeves | 6th January 2025 | 6 min read

Fancy an open plan kitchen where cooking, dining, and unwinding come together seamlessly? Open plan living is all about flexibility – creating a sociable, multi-purpose hub that works hard and looks great. Ready to make it happen? These ideas will help you create the perfect open plan kitchen design for your home.

A mezzanine style open plan flat with a large white kitchen on higher floor, and sitting and dining area on the lower floor.A mezzanine style open plan flat with a large white kitchen on higher floor, and sitting and dining area on the lower floor.A mezzanine style open plan flat with a large white kitchen on higher floor, and sitting and dining area on the lower floor.A mezzanine style open plan flat with a large white kitchen on higher floor, and sitting and dining area on the lower floor.

1. Define your zones

An open plan kitchen works best when every area has a purpose. Create distinct zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing. Use islands, rugs, or different furniture arrangements to subtly separate spaces without losing the open feel. Think about your daily routine and how the space can flow naturally from one activity to the next.

Open plan kitchen diner with light blue kitchen cabinets, dark wooden flooring and a family gathered around the kitchen island.Open plan kitchen diner with light blue kitchen cabinets, dark wooden flooring and a family gathered around the kitchen island.Open plan kitchen diner with light blue kitchen cabinets, dark wooden flooring and a family gathered around the kitchen island.Open plan kitchen diner with light blue kitchen cabinets, dark wooden flooring and a family gathered around the kitchen island.

2. Choose the right layout

The layout of your open plan kitchen sets the tone for the entire space. Decide if you want a U-shape, L-shape, or galley-style kitchen, and how it will interact with dining or seating areas. Position your cooking zone so it’s easy to chat with guests or keep an eye on the kids while you’re preparing meals. Check out our guide to kitchen layouts for more advice!

Large white kitchen with gloss cabinets, light wooden flooring, and a kitchen island.Large white kitchen with gloss cabinets, light wooden flooring, and a kitchen island.Large white kitchen with gloss cabinets, light wooden flooring, and a kitchen island.Large white kitchen with gloss cabinets, light wooden flooring, and a kitchen island.

3. Go for light and airy finishes

Light colours and reflective surfaces can make your kitchen feel more spacious. Glossy finishes like white gloss cabinets or metro tiles help bounce light around, while natural wood accents add warmth. Pair light cabinets with wood worktops or bar stools for a homely, balanced look.

Close up of the flooring in an open plan kitchen living area. There is white marble effect flooring in the kitchen, and wooden laminate floorboards in the living area.Close up of the flooring in an open plan kitchen living area. There is white marble effect flooring in the kitchen, and wooden laminate floorboards in the living area.Close up of the flooring in an open plan kitchen living area. There is white marble effect flooring in the kitchen, and wooden laminate floorboards in the living area.Close up of the flooring in an open plan kitchen living area. There is white marble effect flooring in the kitchen, and wooden laminate floorboards in the living area.

4. Use flooring to separate spaces

Define each zone with different flooring types. A herringbone pattern or marble effect vinyl in the kitchen can transition beautifully into soft carpet or laminate in the living area. Keep the colours complementary to maintain a cohesive flow while subtly separating the spaces.

Large grey kitchen with plenty of natural daylight streaming in from two roof windows, a window on the wall, and a set of French doors.Large grey kitchen with plenty of natural daylight streaming in from two roof windows, a window on the wall, and a set of French doors.Large grey kitchen with plenty of natural daylight streaming in from two roof windows, a window on the wall, and a set of French doors.Large grey kitchen with plenty of natural daylight streaming in from two roof windows, a window on the wall, and a set of French doors.

5. Maximise natural light

Open plan kitchens thrive on natural light. Position your layout to take full advantage of windows and glass doors and use light curtains or blinds to keep the space bright. Add mirrors or reflective finishes to enhance the light and create an even more spacious feel.

Dark grey open plan kitchen with multiple light sources; pendant lights, spotlights, under cabinet lighting and a floor lamp in the living area.Dark grey open plan kitchen with multiple light sources; pendant lights, spotlights, under cabinet lighting and a floor lamp in the living area.Dark grey open plan kitchen with multiple light sources; pendant lights, spotlights, under cabinet lighting and a floor lamp in the living area.Dark grey open plan kitchen with multiple light sources; pendant lights, spotlights, under cabinet lighting and a floor lamp in the living area.

6. Layer your lighting

Good lighting is essential for open plan spaces. Use pendant lights over dining tables or islands, task lighting under cabinets for prep areas, and soft mood lighting in seating zones. Dimmer switches let you adjust the brightness to suit the occasion.

White and grey open plan kitchen lounge with handleless grey cabinets and white walls.White and grey open plan kitchen lounge with handleless grey cabinets and white walls.White and grey open plan kitchen lounge with handleless grey cabinets and white walls.White and grey open plan kitchen lounge with handleless grey cabinets and white walls.

7. Incorporate smart storage

With everything on show, clutter isn’t an option in an open plan kitchen. Use sleek cabinetry, hidden storage, and multi-functional furniture to keep the space tidy. Consider base cabinets with pull-out drawers and floating shelves to display stylish items while keeping essentials out of sight.

Open plan kitchen with black cabinets, dark wooden flooring, with a breakfast bar and black and wooden bar stools.Open plan kitchen with black cabinets, dark wooden flooring, with a breakfast bar and black and wooden bar stools.Open plan kitchen with black cabinets, dark wooden flooring, with a breakfast bar and black and wooden bar stools.Open plan kitchen with black cabinets, dark wooden flooring, with a breakfast bar and black and wooden bar stools.

8. Add a flexible breakfast bar

A breakfast bar is a great way to create a casual dining spot or extra workspace. Choose one with a slight overhang for bar stools, making it perfect for quick meals, homework sessions, or even a home office setup. Ideal for smaller spaces, it can replace a bulky dining table without compromising on functionality.

Small open plan kitchen living area with blue kitchen cabinets and a striking orange feature wall.Small open plan kitchen living area with blue kitchen cabinets and a striking orange feature wall.Small open plan kitchen living area with blue kitchen cabinets and a striking orange feature wall.Small open plan kitchen living area with blue kitchen cabinets and a striking orange feature wall.

9. Make a style statement

Open plan kitchens let you experiment with bold design choices. Try a striking splashback, statement pendant lights, or a pop of colour on your cabinets or walls. This is your chance to showcase your personality while tying all zones together with a unifying theme or palette.

Large white and blue open plan kitchen living area with a large breakfast bar area suitable for big families.Large white and blue open plan kitchen living area with a large breakfast bar area suitable for big families.Large white and blue open plan kitchen living area with a large breakfast bar area suitable for big families.Large white and blue open plan kitchen living area with a large breakfast bar area suitable for big families.

10. Think about noise and practicality

In an open plan space, kitchen sounds and smells can spill into living areas. Choose quiet kitchen appliances to keep things peaceful. Soft-close cabinets and drawers also help maintain a calm and functional environment for everyone.

Digital Content Writer Ellie Reeves

Ellie Reeves

Digital Content Writer

Ellie is a content writer with over six years of experience in home décor and DIY. She’s on a mission to help people create a home they love. Big on dopamine décor and colourful accessories, she’s all about adding personality to every space...Read more