Open-plan living has become one of the most popular home layouts, and it’s easy to see why. It creates a greater sense of space, improves natural light, and makes everyday life feel more sociable.
In fact, according to research by Resi, around 6.25 million homes in the UK have open-plan living spaces.
But while the appeal is clear, designing an open-plan space that works well isn’t always as straightforward as people anticipate.
Many homeowners extend their property or knock through walls to create open-plan living spaces, only to realise mid-build that they haven’t considered key details like zoning, layout, or lighting. At that stage, options become more limited, and compromises have to be made.
To help you avoid these common mistakes and get your open-plan space right from the outset, Natalie is sharing her expertise throughout this blog, offering practical tips on how to create an open-plan space that flows well and works for your home and lifestyle.
Zoning: Creating defined spaces without walls
A well-designed open-plan space should feel open and connected, but that doesn’t mean it should lack structure.
Without clear zoning, the space can feel chaotic, making it harder to create defined areas for different activities.
Natalie says: “Clients often come to us after their extension is already in progress, having planned it with their architect, and they’re panicking because they can’t decide how to zone (divide) their space.
“At that stage, we’re already working within restrictions when it comes to interior design, and this means that compromises have to be made. Instead of waiting, planning zoning from the outset makes all the difference, so make sure an interior designer is involved in those initial conversations with your architect.”
There are a few simple ways to create clear zones while keeping an open feel:
- – Furniture placement: Arrange furniture so that each area works independently while still feeling connected to the space as a whole.
- – Rugs: Using rugs to ground different areas, such as living and dining spaces, helps create visual separation.
- – Lighting: Layered lighting allows each zone to have its own atmosphere and function while maintaining overall cohesion.
- – Bespoke joinery or statement features: Fireplaces, shelving units, or subtle partitions can add definition without blocking the flow of the space.
Getting zoning right from the start ensures that the space remains practical, balanced, and well-proportioned.
Layout and flow: Making the space work practically
A beautiful open-plan design is one thing, but if it’s not practical for day-to-day life, it won’t have the impact it should.
Without careful layout planning, a space can feel overcrowded, awkward to navigate, or disconnected from how it’s actually used.
Natalie says: “People often try to fit too many things within one space and don’t realise their extension hasn’t been planned to be big enough to accommodate everything they want.
“We also see clients buying the wrong scale furniture – either too big and overwhelming or too small so it gets lost in the space.”
When planning your layout, consider:
- – Spacing between key areas: Ensure there’s enough room between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces for ease of movement.
- – Clear walkways: Avoid obstructing natural flow with misplaced furniture or poorly planned storage.
- – Furniture proportions: Choosing the right scale of furniture ensures balance—too big can overwhelm the space, too small can make it feel empty.
One common issue is planning the kitchen in isolation. Many homeowners work directly with a kitchen company, focusing on maximising storage without considering how the kitchen will interact with the rest of the space. This can result in too many units, leaving little flexibility for other zones.
Another mistake is finalising plug sockets, lighting, and radiators too early, before deciding on the furniture layout. This often leads to impractical placements that don’t work with how the space is actually used.
Lighting for function and atmosphere
Lighting plays a crucial role in open-plan living, defining different areas while bringing the space together.
The right lighting scheme should allow for flexibility, providing both practical task lighting and softer mood lighting where needed.
Natalie says: “Lighting is so important in an open-plan space because it needs to work for each individual zone while still interacting as a whole.
“We always recommend smart lighting, as it allows for multiple zones to be controlled independently, giving the flexibility to change the mood and ambience across an open-plan space.”
To get lighting right, think about:
- – Layering light sources: A mix of ceiling lights, wall lights, floor lamps, and task lighting ensures flexibility. Learn more about layering lighting here.
- – Creating ambience: Dimmable lighting and warm tones help make living spaces feel inviting, especially in the evenings.
- – Maximising natural light: Thoughtful window placement and carefully places mirrors enhance brightness and make the space feel more open.
Leaving lighting as an afterthought is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Too often, plug sockets and lighting placements are planned before furniture layouts, leading to impractical setups.
Thinking about lighting early on ensures it works both functionally and aesthetically.
Other common misconceptions, and how to avoid them
Open-plan spaces can be a dream when designed well, but there are a few key misconceptions people tend to fall for.
Natalie says: “People often think they can do it all themselves and only realise halfway through that there are far more decisions to make than they anticipated.
“Things like plug socket and lighting placements are often planned too soon, before the furniture layout is finalised, which leads to impractical setups.”
Here are some of the most common mistakes we see:
- – Underestimating acoustics: Hard surfaces amplify noise, making open-plan spaces feel loud. Soft furnishings, rugs, and acoustic panels can help absorb sound.
- – Lack of storage: Without built-in solutions, open-plan spaces can quickly become cluttered. Well-integrated storage helps maintain a streamlined look.
- – Trying to fit too much in: Many people overestimate how much their space can accommodate, leading to a cramped and impractical layout.
- – Assuming an extension is the only solution: Sometimes, knocking down a wall or reconfiguring an existing layout can achieve the same effect without the cost and disruption of a full extension. A consultation with an interior designer can help explore all the possibilities before committing to major work.
A well-designed open-plan space should feel functional, seamless, and tailored to how you live. It should offer balance and support your lifestyle. Getting it right means considering zoning, layout, and lighting from the start – not making rushed decisions mid-build.
If you’re planning an open-plan redesign, booking a consultation early in the process can help ensure your space is designed with function and flow in mind. A little expert guidance at the start can save time, money, and a lot of stress further down the line.
To book a free consultation with our team of award-winning interior design experts, click here.