What is a broken-plan kitchen layout?
The terms “broken-plan” and “open-plan” refer to different approaches in the design of spaces, particularly of multi-functional kitchen living spaces. While both approaches involve minimising the barriers between different zones, they differ in the degree of separation and the specific design features incorporated.
Open Plan Vs. Broken Plan Kitchen Design
Open-plan kitchen design involves removing or minimising walls and barriers between different functional spaces like the kitchen, dining space and living room. This enables kitchen designers to create large, uninterrupted spaces with an emphasis on a shared family space where we can connect with ease.
As a leading luxury kitchen specialists, The Myers Touch is a big fan of open-plan schemes and many of our clients come to us seeking just that. However, depending on your lifestyle and family’s needs, an open-plan space can have some practical drawbacks that a broken-plan approach can address. Consequently, it’s one of the fastest growing kitchen design trends.
Custom layouts can transform your kitchen space
Broken-plan kitchen design takes a more nuanced approach. It enables you to enjoy some level of separation between areas while still allowing for an open and interconnected feel. Instead of fully removing walls, our experts may use partial walls, glazing, partitioning doors, or furniture to define spaces.
Here, we’ll explore some of the benefits of this approach to a kitchen floor plan
How we use our spaces depends on the time of day, who else is at home and if we’re entertaining guests.
Broken-plan designs offer flexibility to close spaces off, creating privacy or sound insulation when other activities are taking place at the same time.
For instance, the Italian-designed ADL Deco sliding door, pictured above, is a beautiful and flexible solution that allows homeowners to create a barrier between spaces for cooking, dining, or lounging when required, without disrupting visual flow and connectivity.
Expanding the Perception of Space
By retaining this visual flow and connectivity, whilst creating very distinct zones, our award-winning kitchen specialists can create an illusion of larger, more open areas. Well-placed architectural elements can create a sense of ‘rooms within rooms’ that feels sophisticated, purposeful and spacious.
Kitchens that connect and have heart
Many of our clients want to be able to see and interact with the rest of the family while preparing meals. For some homeowners, the noise and cooking smells can be a distraction and create sensory overstimulation when relaxing. Custom glass sliding doors, such as the example below from ADL, still offer the comfort of visual connectivity while also reducing the impact on our other senses.
Luxurious Lighting is an important part of modern kitchen design
A feature of premium kitchen renovations that stands them apart is the attention to detail. In particular, natural and synthetic lighting is a hallmark of sophistication and luxury.
Unlike traditional walls, the strategic placement of room dividers can allow natural light to travel, be transformed. In some cases, it can create shadow-play, casting a warm and inviting glow upon sleek worktops and kitchen appliances, and transforming spaces into radiant sanctuaries.
Integrating Style and Functionality
Bespoke kitchen cabinets aren’t the only way to customise your space. Premium kitchen materials can be used in many parts of your space. Custom kitchen layouts that incorporate stylish materials to define spaces allow us to blend aesthetics with functionality seamlessly.
With the choice of materials and styles available, a room partition or opening can bring the whole scheme together. Dramatic and industrial black or brown can complement door and worktop finishes and contrast with walls beautifully.
Brass or aged bronze finishes can be used to create a more opulent feel, coordinating with handles and taps for a well-considered palette. Timber can also be used to soften a scheme and bring warmth to a space.
The broken-plan approach balances the benefits of open, flexible spaces with the need for defined areas, offering a compromise between the open feel of modern living and the desire for a bit of privacy or separation, whilst still allowing you to retain some sensory connection in a way that works for the whole family.
If you’d like to explore different layouts for your kitchen renovation, get in touch. It’s never too early to arrange a visit to our updated kitchen showroom or a kitchen design consultation with our award-winning kitchen designers.
Get in touch today via our website here.
