8 Tips and Tricks for Designing the Perfect Open-Plan Kitchen
At Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke, we know that the kitchen is the heart of the home.
More and more homeowners are choosing open-plan layouts, creating a bright, social space that blends
cooking, dining, and living into one seamless environment. But designing an open-plan kitchen
takes careful thought to balance practicality with style.
Here are our 8 top tips and tricks to help you make the most of your open-plan kitchen:
1. Define Your Zones
Even in an open-plan space, it’s important to create distinct areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing.
Consider a kitchen island, breakfast bar, or even clever flooring changes to subtly separate the zones
without losing that open, airy feel.
2. Maximise Natural Light
Large windows, skylights, or patio doors can flood your kitchen with natural light, making it feel
more spacious. Gloss finishes and lighter colour palettes also help bounce light around the room
beautifully.
3. Choose a Statement Island
A kitchen island is not just practical – it’s the focal point of an open-plan kitchen. Use it for prep
space, extra storage, or even as a social hub with seating. Many of our customers find this to be the
star of their design.
4. Keep Storage Smart
Open-plan kitchens work best when they’re clutter-free. Consider clever storage solutions such as
pull-out larders, deep drawers, and integrated appliances to maintain that sleek, tidy look.
5. Think About Flow
Your kitchen should feel welcoming, not cramped. Make sure there’s plenty of room to move
between cooking, dining, and living areas – especially if you love entertaining.
6. Layer Your Lighting
Lighting makes all the difference. Combine task lighting for food prep, ambient lighting for dining,
and accent lighting to create a cosy atmosphere in the evenings. Pendant lights over an island are
always a popular choice.
7. Add Warmth with Texture
Open-plan spaces can feel a little too minimal if you’re not careful. Introduce warmth with wood
accents, soft furnishings, or feature splashbacks to create a homely, inviting atmosphere.
8. Future-Proof with Flexibility
Your lifestyle may change, so choose a design that adapts. Flexible seating, extendable dining
tables, and multifunctional islands can all help your kitchen grow with you.
Visit Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke
At Krystal Kitchens, we specialise in designing open-plan kitchens that are both stylish and
practical. Our large showroom in Basingstoke, Hampshire is packed with inspiration – from
modern minimal designs to classic family kitchens.
When you visit us, you’ll enjoy:
- Free parking right outside our showroom
- Friendly kitchen experts who’ll design your dream kitchen for free
- Exclusive in-store offers
- Flexible finance options to suit your budget
Whether you’re renovating your home or planning a new build, we’re here to help you create the
open-plan kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.
👉
Pop into our showroom today and let’s start designing your perfect kitchen.
At Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke, we know that the kitchen is the heart of the home.
More and more homeowners are choosing open-plan layouts, creating a bright, social space that blends
cooking, dining, and living into one seamless environment. But designing an open-plan kitchen
takes careful thought to balance practicality with style.
Here are our 8 top tips and tricks to help you make the most of your open-plan kitchen:
1. Define Your Zones
Even in an open-plan space, it’s important to create distinct areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing.
Consider a kitchen island, breakfast bar, or even clever flooring changes to subtly separate the zones
without losing that open, airy feel.
2. Maximise Natural Light
Large windows, skylights, or patio doors can flood your kitchen with natural light, making it feel
more spacious. Gloss finishes and lighter colour palettes also help bounce light around the room
beautifully.
3. Choose a Statement Island
A kitchen island is not just practical – it’s the focal point of an open-plan kitchen. Use it for prep
space, extra storage, or even as a social hub with seating. Many of our customers find this to be the
star of their design.
4. Keep Storage Smart
Open-plan kitchens work best when they’re clutter-free. Consider clever storage solutions such as
pull-out larders, deep drawers, and integrated appliances to maintain that sleek, tidy look.
5. Think About Flow
Your kitchen should feel welcoming, not cramped. Make sure there’s plenty of room to move
between cooking, dining, and living areas – especially if you love entertaining.
6. Layer Your Lighting
Lighting makes all the difference. Combine task lighting for food prep, ambient lighting for dining,
and accent lighting to create a cosy atmosphere in the evenings. Pendant lights over an island are
always a popular choice.
7. Add Warmth with Texture
Open-plan spaces can feel a little too minimal if you’re not careful. Introduce warmth with wood
accents, soft furnishings, or feature splashbacks to create a homely, inviting atmosphere.
8. Future-Proof with Flexibility
Your lifestyle may change, so choose a design that adapts. Flexible seating, extendable dining
tables, and multifunctional islands can all help your kitchen grow with you.
Visit Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke
At Krystal Kitchens, we specialise in designing open-plan kitchens that are both stylish and
practical. Our large showroom in Basingstoke, Hampshire is packed with inspiration – from
modern minimal designs to classic family kitchens.
When you visit us, you’ll enjoy:
- Free parking right outside our showroom
- Friendly kitchen experts who’ll design your dream kitchen for free
- Exclusive in-store offers
- Flexible finance options to suit your budget
Whether you’re renovating your home or planning a new build, we’re here to help you create the
open-plan kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.
👉
Pop into our showroom today and let’s start designing your perfect kitchen.
