Open plan kitchens are the most popular layout choice in Australian homes. And it’s easy to understand why. When the kitchen connects directly to the living and dining areas, the whole family can share the same space. It’s practical, social, and suits the way most Australians actually live.
But designing a kitchen for an open plan setting requires different thinking than a traditional enclosed kitchen. Here’s what to plan for.
Getting the Layout Right
In a closed kitchen, walls do the work of defining the space. In an open plan setting, you define it yourself through layout, cabinetry, and furniture placement.
As a starting point, the kitchen should sit at the edge of the open space rather than in the middle of it. This keeps the cooking zone functional without dominating the room. An island or peninsula can then act as a natural divider between the kitchen and the living or dining area.
Ventilation Matters More Here
In an enclosed kitchen, cooking smells and steam stay relatively contained. In an open plan setting, they travel straight into the living area. So ventilation becomes one of the most important practical decisions in the whole design.
A quality rangehood with adequate extraction capacity is essential. It also needs to be positioned correctly to capture steam effectively. If your cooktop sits in an island, you’ll need an overhead rangehood or a downdraft unit built into the benchtop. Plan for this early, as both options add complexity and cost to the project.
Defining Zones Without Walls
One of the main challenges in an open plan space is creating a sense of separation without closing the room off. However, a well-designed kitchen can achieve this through a few straightforward approaches.
Different flooring materials between the kitchen and living areas create a visual boundary without a physical one. A change in ceiling treatment, such as a bulkhead or pendant lights above the island, also signals a zone change. Similarly, a shift in cabinetry height or benchtop profile can distinguish the kitchen zone from the dining space without dividing the room.
Visual Cohesion Across the Space
In an open plan layout, the kitchen is visible from the living area at all times. As a result, it needs to look considered from more angles than a closed kitchen does. The back of an island, the overhead cabinetry, and even the rangehood all become part of the room’s overall aesthetic.
This means the colour and material choices in the kitchen should relate to the rest of the open plan space. The cabinet colour, for instance, should work alongside the wall colours, the flooring, and the furniture in the adjacent living area. Suppliers like Polytec and Laminex offer an extensive range of finishes, which makes it easier to find options that integrate with the broader interior.
Storage and Keeping Clutter Under Control
In a closed kitchen, clutter stays in the kitchen. In an open plan setting, it’s visible from the lounge. So storage planning deserves particular attention here.
Maximising cabinetry, including full-height pantry units and deep drawer systems, helps keep benchtops clear. A butler’s pantry, where space allows, is also a strong solution. It provides a dedicated place for appliances, food prep mess, and everyday clutter, all out of sight from the main living area. The Housing Industry Association consistently identifies storage as one of the highest priorities for Australian homeowners planning a kitchen renovation.
Talk to the Team at Designer Living Kitchens
An open plan kitchen needs to work on two fronts at once: as a functional cooking space and as part of the broader living environment. Our designers help clients balance both from the very start of the design process.
Designer Living Kitchens designs and builds custom kitchens from six showrooms across the Central Coast, Gold Coast, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and surrounding regions. We also design custom laundries and bathroom vanities.
Call us on (02) 5525 0800 for an obligation-free consultation. Or visit your nearest showroom to talk through your open plan design with the team in person.
