Get in the zone – Open plan living is changing the way we think about space
A trend that started in the kitchen, customers are now adopting open plan styles into other areas of the home. Rooms are losing their defined boundaries, with temporary fixtures, textiles and decor changes distinguishing one space from another. With the focus now on how a family home can be more like sociable hubs, customers are increasingly asking for flexible floorplan designs.
The appeal of installing an open plan kitchen is the ability to create multiple zones to cater for different users. When one person cooks another can sit and work or engage the cook in conversation, making your space more sociable than ever before. Open plan kitchens also allow the flow of light through the space, creating a harmonious, healthy living space. If you aren’t sure what the best design is for your kitchen, we’ve created a great planning tool for creating an efficient workspace which we think you’ll love.
Applying the lessons of open plan kitchens to the rest of the house, the possibilities really are endless. With dividing walls eliminated, your kitchen, living room, office and hallway spaces transition effortlessly. Alongside the benefit of feeling more spacious, a consistent design will help you to declutter your space. Open shelving units, curtains, sofas and sliding doors are the perfect way to divide your space into zones. All without restricting yourself to the traditional rooms in a home. Similarly, architectural features such as beams, pillars, and stairs can help to define your different zones.
Functional zones you might want to consider include: Reading, crafting, laundry and cleaning. Whereas some great leisure zone ideas include: coffee bars, snugs, bar carts and music. With open plan living, you can now tailor your home exactly to your family style and needs. As a result you’re awarded endless opportunities to personalise your space.
Photo: The bathroom flows seamlessly into the living room. As seen in Sebastian Herkner’s installation “Das Haus” at the imm cologne furniture show. © imm cologne