INSPIRATION FOR OPEN PLAN LIVING
Open plan living is an extremely popular option for homeowners, and it’s also one of the most versatile home layout choices available. This type of layout offers a stark contrast from the conventional configurations that many homes are built with, removing all separating walls to create a large, flowing space.
We’re going to share some of the main advantages of opting for an open plan living layout, as well as highlighting how you can get the most out of this design choice by using some of our own projects as inspiration.
The benefits of open plan living
There are plenty of benefits of open plan living, but some of the most impactful in regards to everyday living include:
1. Maximising space
One of the key advantages of an open plan layout is the illusion of space that it can create. By removing walls that traditionally separate rooms, you can instantly make a smaller home feel larger, more breathable, and tranquil. Open plan living is also ideal for homes in London where space often comes at a premium, allowing you to make the most of every square foot.
2. Increased natural light
Without walls blocking light from moving freely through your home, an open plan design allows natural light to flood your living areas. A brighter home not only feels more inviting, but can also reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, leading to potential energy savings.
3. Better flow and connection
Open plan living promotes a natural flow between different areas of your home. It encourages a more relaxed, interconnected way of living, and this can prove particularly handy for busy family life. Whether it means being able to keep an eye on the kids while cooking dinner, or chatting with friends while preparing a meal, open spaces foster a sense of togetherness and improve the overall functionality of your home.
4. Perfect for entertaining
For those who love to entertain, an open plan layout is unbeatable. It creates a seamless transition between the kitchen, dining area, and living room, allowing you to cook, serve, and socialise without feeling like you’re leaving your guests. Hosting becomes more enjoyable and less stressful, in a space that is designed with social interaction in mind.
5. Modern, stylish appeal
An open plan living area can give your home a sleek, contemporary feel. The uncluttered space lends itself to modern design trends, with clean lines, minimal furniture, and an emphasis on light and air. This kind of aesthetic appeals to many as it can be easily customised, and it might also add value to your property.
Open plan living ideas
Now that we’ve explored the benefits, let’s explore some open plan living area ideas that might work for your home; using some of our own recent projects for inspiration.
1. Zoning your space
Even in an open plan layout, it’s important to create distinct zones for different activities. Use furniture placement, rugs, or even partial walls like bookshelves or kitchen islands to subtly divide your space into functional areas. In our Ealing home renovation project, we used furniture and soft furnishings to distinguish the living room from the dining space.
2. Maximise natural light with large windows
To enhance the sense of space and light, opt for large windows or even sliding glass doors. If your budget allows, floor-to-ceiling windows can make a dramatic difference in how bright and open your home feels. They also offer uninterrupted views of the outdoors, making your living area feel even larger. On this Peckham residential refurbishment, the existing property had impressive dormer-style windows, allowing for an abundance of light to flow into the open plan space. All we had to do to emphasise this was pick the perfect, bright, airy decor palette.
Combine contemporary and traditional elements
Don’t be afraid to blend styles in your open plan design; the style is known for its modern characteristics, but there’s no rules when it comes to your decor choice. We embodied this in our Bray home renovation project, combining rustic wooden furniture with dark cabinetry and a high contrast worktop for the kitchen island, to create a balanced, inviting space. This mix of old and new can make your home feel unique and warm, while still achieving the sophisticated qualities of open plan living.
We also captured this effortless blend of styles in our De Beauvoir renovation project, where rustic wood was paired with a marble-look kitchen worktop and calming, on-trend sage green.
Opt for neutral colour schemes
In an open plan space, a cohesive colour scheme helps to unify the different zones, as demonstrated perfectly in the kitchen-dining area of our Grafton Road renovation. Neutral tones such as whites, greys, or soft pastels can create a calming, airy environment, while pops of colour in accessories or feature walls can add personality without overwhelming the space.
Conversely, in our Kentish Town refurbishment, we used a monochrome palette to add to the flow of the open plan space. Neutral doesn’t have to be restricted to light shades, and experimenting with one colour palette in open plan spaces can create a futuristic ambience.
Finding the best layout for open plan living
When planning your open plan living layout, it’s essential to consider the flow and functionality of your space. As a starting point, it might be useful to think about how you’ll use each area and how much privacy or openness you need. For example, if you’re creating a kitchen, dining, and living area in one space, the layout should ensure easy access between these zones without sacrificing practicality. The best layouts often feature a focal point, such as a fireplace, kitchen island, or large windows, around which the rest of the space is organised.
When you choose We Love Build for your renovation project, you’ll have the benefit of input from a chartered architect, and they will guide you towards choosing the most realistic open plan configuration for the space. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace or modernising a new build, we can guide you through the process, from design to construction and completion, ensuring your vision becomes a reality.
Create the open plan living space that you’ve envisaged with We Love Build
Open plan living is a fantastic way to make your home feel more spacious, connected, and inviting. As a team of trusted London general contractors, we are passionate about helping you create a home that suits your style and needs perfectly, and it all begins with a free initial design consultation. Tell us about what you have in mind, and we will orchestrate the process, from pre-construction, to the final handover.
Alternatively, if you have a vision for a property that you’d like to purchase that involves creating your dream open plan space, choose our home renovation consultation service and get an estimate on the investment required to turn your vision into reality. For any more information about creating a home layout that suits you, simply contact us.
