8 Open Plan Kitchen Ideas - How to Create a Modern New Look in Your Kitchen
An open plan kitchen can be a wonderful way to live in your home and is well suited for entertaining and family living. When you aren’t separated by walls, it’s a more friendly environment to be in. With a great plan, you can make daily tasks feel like community activities. From preparing meals to eating them to relaxing in the living space, opening up your kitchen means more possibilities.
Open plans have grown in popularity, so you may already have this setup in your kitchen. It could be time to spruce it up a bit so it better serves your needs. Or perhaps you are looking for better function and are about to embark on a home improvement project.
No matter which category you fall into, we can help. We’ve gathered 8 of the best open plan kitchen ideas to help you get inspired. Then when you've chosen the kitchen ideas you find most inspiring simply submit a free request to find a local kitchen renovator and get your project underway!
8 Open Plan Kitchen Ideas
1. Make a Plan
Before moving or adjusting, think about what needs to be in your kitchen to call it a dream. This will help improve flow — for ideas on that keep reading!
If you’re a home chef, of course, you’ll want to have great areas for preparation and high-quality appliances. But you also need to think about where dinner party guests will sit while the finishing touches are placed on the meal. Bring your table into the centre of the open space to allow everyone to socialise easily while the meal is being prepared and enjoy.
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2. Add an Island
With an open plan, you may be concerned about giving up valuable counter space. But with an island, you can have the space you need to work without sacrificing sightlines. This can work as a transitional piece from the kitchen to the dining area by incorporating stool seating along one side.
Islands can be multi-purpose additions too. One side can be set up with seating for a quick breakfast or more casual meals so the table is just used for sit-down meals like family dinners. Or if your family is making a meal together, access to working areas is improved!
3. Be Intentional
Going in with a plan about the colours you want to use helps to save time when making decisions since you already have options narrowed down! Remember that you will need to include your appliances in with your plan so ensure that they match with your sink, counters, and other more permanent items. If it’s time for replacements, you will have a bit more freedom with the choice.
Once you've picked out your new appliances to keep them in great shape be sure to clean and maintain them regularly. For more information on how to clean an oven check out this guide.
When it comes to layout, you may need to be a bit flexible as well. Separating the stovetop from the oven as two appliances will allow you to make better use of your space.
4. Use Colour Wisely
When it comes to a colour scheme in an open plan area, less is more. Stick with a two or three-colour scheme to make this space look polished.
Remember, because there are fewer walls, this will extend the eye to your dining and living spaces as well, so you’ll want to select colours that work throughout. Monochrome is a popular option here, especially in neutral tones. Spice things up with a fun accent colour that carries through from your structure to your decorative items in a shade that works for you. When choosing the colour you can either opt for a bold kitchen paint or stunning kitchen tiles.
5. Stay Tidy
One thing to keep in mind about an open plan kitchen is exactly that: it is open for all to see! To keep your kitchen looking its best you'll want to keep things tidy!
To make the process of tidying easier create a space for everything you use. This makes it much easier to easily put items away. If you're short on time, why not consider hiring a local domestic cleaner to help you keep everything in top shape.
6. Create a Focal Point
It’s important to keep things visually interesting across your different spaces. You want things to flow from one space to the next, but you also want each space to have its own character. In your kitchen, make your island stand out with a contrasting colour. Or consider adding a unique-looking range cooker to draw the eye. You can also infuse colour by choosing bright pots, pans, and dishware in a bold colour like shown in the picture below.
You can bring in something retro or modern to suit your style. These can be great and simple ways to make your kitchen design pop!
7. Make it Family Friendly
If you have kids, make sure that your design is appropriate for them! Considering aspects like stool height at a kitchen island ensures the kitchen will be great for the whole family.
You may need an area where kids can do homework or play while you’re making the meal. This can be the dinner table, simply make sure that storage space is nearby to set the books away when the work is done.
8. Be Creative!
Your open plan can be a great way to explore different tastes. An eclectic style can combine a retro refrigerator with a rustic-styled island, or a pop of colour with your appliances, along with some modern cabinet styles around the perimeter of your space. Whether you blend these all together or just opt to have individual splashes of creativity to make things stand out, your new kitchen is sure to be a fun place to prep your meals!
If the space you’ll be working with is small, it’s important to be relaxed about your approach. A massive kitchen island is out, but you can always add in a piece of vintage furniture for new life. These tend to be smaller in size and can easily be moved as your needs change. If you are planning out a renovation for a smaller kitchen, updating your kitchen lighting can be an inspiring new way to create the illusion of more space by brightening up your kitchen's current features.
Summary
Ready to live life in your refreshed open plan kitchen? With our roster of inspiration, you are sure to love the new look and layout for your kitchen. So what are you waiting for? Get free kitchen renovation costs customised for your dream kitchen — it’s time to make your open plan a reality!
Looking for more information on how to plan out a budget for your kitchen renovation? Check out our comprehensive Kitchen Renovation Price Guide!
