An open-plan kitchen is one of the strongest trends in contemporary architecture and interior design. It refers to a unified space that combines the kitchen and living room — often including the dining area as well — into a single environment without dividing walls. This philosophy stems from the need for enhanced communication, natural light, and flow in everyday life.

The open-plan layout has become especially popular in homes with modern kitchens, but it is now also adopted in classic kitchens undergoing renovation, offering a sense of freedom and flexibility. Open-plan kitchens combine functionality with aesthetics while highlighting the overall interior design, giving homeowners the ability to tailor the space to their needs and personal style.

 

Benefits of an Open-Plan Kitchen

Open-plan kitchens are not just an aesthetic choice; they also offer a practical solution for modern living. From the feeling of spaciousness to improved functionality, the benefits are many.

 

Brightness & Sense of Space

With the absence of walls, natural light flows freely throughout the entire area, creating a bright and lively atmosphere. An open-plan kitchen can make even small apartments appear larger and more comfortable. Large balcony doors, neutral tones, and clean lines reinforce this open feel, while minimalist furniture contributes to visual harmony.

 

Social Interaction & Connected Living

An open-plan layout brings family members and guests closer, allowing conversation even while someone is cooking. It is ideal for families with children, those who love hosting, or anyone who enjoys cooking with company. The connection between kitchen and living room creates a seamless living experience with comfortable flow and continuity between zones.

 

Flexibility in Layout

An open-plan kitchen offers great design freedom. It can be adapted to any style — from a modern kitchen with minimal lines and high-tech solutions to a classic kitchen with timeless elements and natural materials. Without wall constraints, there are more options for furniture placement, kitchen islands, and dining areas, enabling the space to evolve with the user’s needs.

 

Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Although open-plan kitchens are appealing, there are practical challenges that require careful planning and smart solutions.

 

Lack of Isolation, Odors & Noise

Without partitions, cooking smells and appliance noise can easily spread. To minimize this, invest in a high-performance extractor hood, choose low-noise appliances, and incorporate sound-absorbing materials such as fabrics and carpets. Modern acoustic materials and strategic layouts can also enhance comfort without interrupting the visual flow.

 

Storage & Organization

An open-plan kitchen requires smart organization since it remains visible from the living area. Choose kitchen furniture with integrated storage systems such as the Fly Moon corner mechanism, tall pantry units, and hidden cabinets. Custom-made solutions can be perfectly tailored to the dimensions of the space, maintaining functionality without compromising design.

 

Aesthetic Space Division

Even without walls, you can visually define different zones using lighting, colors, materials, or furniture. A rug in the living area, a kitchen island, or a different wood tone for flooring can create subtle boundaries. Thoughtful lighting — such as pendant lights over the dining table or island — can create “neighborhoods” within the same space.

 

Decoration Ideas for Open-Plan Kitchens

Styling an open-plan kitchen is all about balance and visual consistency. Each element should aesthetically connect with the rest of the home while remaining highly functional.

 

Kitchen Island as a Natural Divider

A kitchen island is perhaps the most iconic feature of an open-plan layout. It can serve as a worktop, storage unit, and informal dining area. See here our 5 tips on how to design the perfect kitchen island. Choose a design that matches your home style — natural stone for a classic look or marble with sleek, minimal lines for a modern kitchen.

 

Material & Color Coordination with the Living Room

To achieve harmony, use similar tones and materials between the kitchen and living area. For example, if the living room incorporates wooden elements, add wooden details to cabinets or countertops. If beige or grey shades dominate, opt for neutral tones in the kitchen too, maintaining visual continuity.
(Suggested photo #9: Integrated space using a shared color palette for both kitchen and living room.)

 

Unified Lighting & Flooring

Consistent lighting plays a key role in creating coherence. Choose fixtures with a similar aesthetic throughout the space, ideally with adjustable brightness for flexibility. Using the same flooring — e.g. wood-effect tiles or wood laminate — connects the spaces visually and enhances flow.

 

Conclusion & Design Tips

The open-plan kitchen is the heart of the modern home. It combines functionality, light, and social connection, turning everyday moments into meaningful experiences. Whether you prefer modern or classic design, the layout can be customized to perfectly suit your lifestyle and daily needs.

If you’re planning a renovation or new construction, invest in proper lighting design, ergonomics, and material consistency. With thoughtful selections in colors, lighting, and storage solutions, an open-plan kitchen can become a true living hub.

 

CENTRO Tip:
At CENTRO, we design open-plan kitchens that combine aesthetics and functionality, offering custom-made solutions and a wide selection of both modern and classic styles. Explore our collection to discover kitchen décor ideas and get inspired for your own open-plan home.