Open and broken plan kitchens maximise the use of liveable space available in any home, regardless of the total area available. The following kitchen layout ideas are perfect for making the most of your kitchen, whether you want to create an elegant open plan flow that’s perfect for entertaining or a broken plan design that allows you to keep an eye on your children whilst you cook dinner.

Suitable for any shape or size, open and broken plan kitchen designs are fantastic for smaller homes as they free-up the available space, whilst creating the illusion of more room. Larger spaces lend themselves perfectly to the creation of statement features, such as a striking kitchen island.

Kitchen Peninsulas

A peninsula is one of the most practical kitchen layout ideas, acting to create a divide between different areas of broken plan designs. Not only does it provide additional storage and worktop space, but it also constructs a visible distinction between two areas within the same room. The traditional kitchen diner shown here illustrates how colours and materials can be used throughout to keep the appearance cohesive, whilst the peninsula keeps the two parts of the room distinguished from each other.

Half Walls

Half walls are another option for those looking for broken plan kitchen layout ideas. Split level floors are a popular option, but can be costly if the architecture of the building does not lend to its creation. A half wall is a fantastic way of creating a similar effect, and can often mean less construction time and cost is involved. The traditional monochrome kitchen above creates the look of a half wall behind the hob, and further segregates the kitchen area through use of the tall, narrow corner bookshelf on the right. The subway tiles behind the hob hide the utility area behind it whilst keeping the space open, letting in light from the large windows and skylights at the end of the room.

Kitchen Islands and Breakfast Bars

Image credit to Pinterest

In an open plan kitchen, an island or breakfast bar can provide the additional cabinetry and worktop space required, whilst still keeping the area completely open. This kitchen diner shows how a light and airy space can be created by keeping everything at or below counter height, aside from the cabinets on the far wall.

These kitchen layout ideas can be changed to suit the space available and the rooms that are being combined, whatever the style of your home. For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest and Instagram pages.

If you found this guide useful, you may also be interested in the following:

Create a Modern Kitchen with Laminate Worktops

Contemporary Kitchen Designs for Solid Wood Kitchens

Different Styles for Solid Wood Kitchens

Choosing the Right Colours to Complement Wooden Worktops

Please note: This guide was originally published on 28^th April 2017 and was most recently updated on 2^nd May 2018 to include additional information.