7 Tips on Designing the Perfect Open Plan Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of any home, because back when there were no houses, people gathered around the fire and the food being prepared. In the first houses, it was more of a technical room, hidden from view, but after the Second World War, interest in the kitchen resumed: it became an object of design, a place that is now customary to show. The next stage is the fashion for open planning: now you can demonstrate not only unusual materials from which they began to make kitchen furniture but also a variety of designer utensils and household appliances for cooking. Kitchen renovation is one of the most important renovation services. The kitchen renovation process is not that difficult, you just have to do it very professionally.

Decide on a layout that is convenient for you personally.

Start with the basics: think about what kind of layout you will have, what sizes, and what functionality. I came across projects, both with huge kitchens and almost restaurant equipment, and bachelor projects, completely “retractable” into the closet.

An island is a very convenient solution: it can also be a place for breakfast (just make a hanging countertop), additional storage space and, of course, it adds work surface area.

Make an unusual kitchen apron.

At a minimum, choose an unusual tile or mosaic. Maximum – use of unusual materials: metal (just take care to protect it), glass, the most luxurious solution is natural stone or stone veneer.
Pay due attention to lighting.

The work surface should be well lit – use LED strips, illuminated cabinets with transparent doors, especially if there will be beautiful dishes, and use directional architectural light to emphasize the beauty of facade materials.

As in any room, consider several lighting scenarios: for cooking, for a family conversation, for breakfast… Also, do not forget about decorative light – the kitchen deserves interesting solutions: a chandelier or pendant lamps above the island, sconces. Light, as always, can add chic if necessary, or vice versa, manufacturability, depending on the tasks that you set for yourself.

Consider storage space.

A very convenient option, common in America, is separate storage. That is, a room that looks like a dressing room, but next to the kitchen – Americans love to stock up, and after the story of the pandemic, many will sin with this.

I love having open shelves in the kitchen instead of wall cabinets, as this technique makes the space more airy and light, but implies perfect order and storage of uniform items.

You can also use carts, a hanging frame with dishes to avoid the mess with small items – group them on trays, use various baskets, including metal ones. And remember – drawers are more convenient than shelves, especially if you use dividers wisely.

Kitchen facades are also a huge field for creativity.

First, combine materials, and colors: it is not necessary to make both the top and bottom the same. Secondly, experiment with materials: kitchens are made of steel, wood, and slate (we are currently doing this in our project). Don’t limit yourself to traditional solutions.

Unmistakable techniques – one-texture facades with different colors or, conversely, monochrome, but different in texture.

Separately, I want to mention the height of the countertop: despite the fact that there are standards, modern kitchens allow you to adjust it due to the plinth and make it ideal for your height.

Don’t forget the details.

They play a key role in creating interiors. The kitchen doesn’t have to be a tech room (unless you want to), so add some pretty accents. For example, there are a great many options for fittings: natural stones, ceramic, the metal of unusual shape, special chic – choose vintage handles.

Paintings look interesting in the space of the kitchen, sometimes even portraits in a classic frame or several posters with interesting hanging.

To diversify the textures, add natural accents: straw baskets, matting, rough wood, indoor plants, and for the brave – a carpet. By the way, books also have a place in the kitchen: if space permits, make a cabinet or rack for storing recipe books or albums that you can look through for inspiration over a morning cup of coffee.

Many companies make unusual appliances with bright colors or retro designs that can add some style to your kitchen too.

Experiment with color!

The kitchen can be anything – white, black, gray, emerald, blue, there are no restrictions. When choosing a light-colored kitchen, choose the appropriate household appliances so that there are no “black holes” in your kitchen.