There’s plenty to love about an open-plan kitchen. Unfettered by walls or heavy partitions, it’s light, spacious, and allows for a multifunctional zone where one can cook and entertain. However, since privacy is limited in this layout, the design of the kitchen will impact the entire space.
So, how do you make the most of this seamless flow of space and yet draw the line or boundary as needed? Here are some simple ways to demarcate your cooking area from the living room in an open plan kitchen layout without building walls or architectural interventions:
1. Set up Fluid Boundaries Using Furniture
The open-plan layout creates a free-flowing space with continuity in the design. However, as a rule, one must ensure that you segregate zones and preserve their individual functions. There are a few things you can do to achieve this:
Kitchen Island
Instead of having a kitchen island in the centre of the kitchen, use it to demarcate zones. These multifunctional kitchen islands with countertops help create an invisible boundary for your cooking space and serve as a storage area and a breakfast nook. As a result, you can visually segregate the areas without the need for walls.
Kam Idris
Dining Table
Furniture zoning is one of the most effective ways of separating your kitchen from the living area. Ideally, the dining table is the safer and more functional option. In addition, having the table close to the kitchen ensures easier service and accessibility.
Tip: Opt for a rectangular dining table to visually separate both zones. This shape aligns well with the kitchen length and provides elongated segregation.
Jorge De Jorge/Unsplash
Open-Shelved Cabinet
Like the kitchen island, an open-shelved cabinet or storage unit is a functional and robust separator between the living and dining areas. It provides useful storage for kitchen essentials or decorative items while maximising space. Materials such as plywood and stainless steel work well, considering their resistance to excessive moisture, heat, and stains.