5 Open-Plan Kitchen Tips For London Homes

Multi-purpose rooms have been taking over the interior design world in recent years, and London is no exception. London properties have very specific measures, so architects and interior designers must be highly mindful of designing and maximising the space. Blending a kitchen with a dining and living room is a good choice either you have a terraced, detached or semi-detached home, providing an open space for each member of the family.

If you have decided to go with an open-plan space, we recommend reading our article on what to consider before starting an open-plan project. This article focuses on the kitchen design and the main factors you have to bear in mind.

1. Decide on the Layout and Design

First step: think through all the zones you want in your open plan, and decide where to place the kitchen. The layout will highly affect your daily life, so ask yourself: How to set the furniture to have still enough place to walk around? Do you need to use the back door often? Will the kids have enough space to play? How do you usually use your kitchen? How much space do you need for cooking? Where to put the sink? Where to put the stove? Will you reach every drawer conveniently?

Open-plan kitchen by Nu Projects

When it comes to design, aim for a flow; match the kitchen design to the overall look of the open space. Pick a flooring that will suit both the living room furniture but the kitchen cabinets.

Nu's top tip: Divide the different spaces with sliding doors or room dividers.

2. Be Careful with Colours

Trends come and go, keep that in mind. If you want to go for an open feel, use lighter, toned down colours. This will help light bounce across the room, creating a bright ambience.

If you want to create a more fun kitchen, go two-toned. You can pick two matching but contrasting colours, using a lighter tone for the cabinets and a more popping, darker one for the kitchen island.

Image credits: Humphrey Munson Kitchens / Blakes London / Love Renovate

You may not be a fan of simple and light colours. No need to worry; there are several timeless shades you can use for your kitchen. For example, navy blue or forest green complemented with grey tones would create an elegant design, but any deeper hue combined with a gold finish would do the magic!

Image credits: Ideal Home / Blakes London / House & Garden Magazine UK

3. Decide between traditional or modern

The great thing about interior design is that you don't have to commit to any style; everyone has their preferences and taste. For fans of modern, we recommend clean lines, muted surfaces with a sheen-free finish. Choose more contemporary materials, e.g. concrete flooring.

Image credits: Nu Projects / Nu Projects / Humphrey Munson / Nu Projects / Pinterest / Waxed Floors / Refinery29

If you want to aim for a more traditional, timeless kitchen, pick classic, framed doors, combine white cabinets with a bronze finish. If you want a cosy and welcoming kitchen, chose shaker-style cabinets.

4. Go Monochrome

If you are not a fan of bright colours but want to avoid a dull look, choose a monochrome colour palette. This may sound even duller, but hear us out! You can pick an all grey palette, experimenting with styles, materials and surfaces. Or go all white; create a fresh look with all-white cabinets, make the room look tidy and organised.

Image credits:House & Garden Magazine UK / Pinterest

Now here comes the twist! You can create monochrome looks with colours as well by picking one hue and expand your palette with its shades, tones and tints.

Monochrome colour palettes

5. Think About Appliances

People often forget that design doesn't stop at picking the right furniture and shades. You can make your cooking experience extraordinary by selecting the right appliances.

Forget the usual, place the hob on the kitchen island! This way, you can be the chef but also interact with others in the same place. If you are big on product design, choose a sleek induction stove with a glossed surface. If you rather prefer traditional, you can find beautiful gas hobs with 5 burners.

Image credits: Stainless Direct UK Ltd / House and Garden Magazine UK / Kitchen Craft / Cesar Kitchen Hobs / Brayer Design / Sapphire Spaces

One main disadvantage of an open-plan design is that all living areas use the same air. When it comes to cooking, you have to think about extracting all the smells. Consider a ceiling fan for a clean and fresh smelling place!

If you have limited space in your house (and let's be honest, every inch of space is crucial in London), you may not have a separate room for utility and laundry. If you optimise the layout of your cupboards, you can spare space for a washing machine and dryer. We recommend picking a device that works quitter (noise level of 40db or lower), so it won't interrupt your daily life.

We can't emphasise the importance of sustainability and recycling. When designing the kitchen, think about waste storage! You can choose integrated bins which help to separate your waste for a more organised and sustainable home.