
The evolution of open and broken plan
Working from home has now become normality for so many, but how has open and broken plan kitchen design evolved since the pandemic?
Like many sectors, the year 2020 was a critical time for the KBB industry; a global pandemic, multiple lockdowns, and fast-changing rules around public health all affected the way we did business. It fundamentally altered consumer habits and what our customers needed from their kitchens.
Working from home, either through flexible arrangements or outright furlough, meant people were not only spending more time in their living spaces, but were experiencing their homes in new ways.

Four years on and the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics suggest 40% of people still work from home. We’ve been running features in kbbreview on the effects of these changes on space planning and kitchen design ever since. So, now is a good time to reflect on how the conversation around open and broken plan has moved on, and how the latest product innovations have developed.
Evolving space
There are many different elements that bring an open or broken plan design together, including developing product trends.
Leigh Price, co-director of Cheadle-based Real Tiles and Bathrooms believes there’s been a shift in where customers are looking for ideas. “We have noticed that many homeowners are now taking inspiration from the layouts of houses in warmer climates, which are typically open plan, and often feature bi-folding garden doors that can be flung open to utilise the feeling of indoor-outdoor living.”
Wet work areas of the kitchen are transforming, says Tim Bohmann, director category managemr at German kitchen and bathroom brand Dornbracht: “Taps which offer more functionality to suit the varied demands on this space are becoming more intrinsic in a kitchen design.
“Mixer taps with a side spray or pull-down function, pot fillers and bar taps for filtered water, for example, transform wet work areas into functional units.”

Chloe Blanchfield, product marketing manager at Hisense UK, says built-in appliances are ideal for both open-plan and broken-plan kitchens as they provide a “sleek and seamless look, helping to reduce visual clutter and maintain a clean, modern appearance.”
Additionally, any good designer knows lighting is a key factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. As Adriana Walter, kitchen designer at Elliotts Living Spaces explains, “correct illumination will highlight features, offer task/functional lighting, or create mood. Reflective surfaces in open kitchen plans enhance the sense of space and light – whereas textured surfaces add depth and distinction to broken plans.”
In agreement is Brooke Boden, global PR and communications manager for handles and fittings specialist Buster and Punch. She adds: “Dimmable task lighting and spotlights are very important. For us, we link these to Buster and Punch hardware with our solid metal dimmer switches to make a unified, coherent statement.”
And for open and broken plan living, coherency is the aim of the game.

This goes hand in hand with a designer’s approach to the overall flow of the kitchen plan. The current prevailing trends for colourways and finishes seem to favour the warmer end of the palette.
Cassie Jones, brand manager at Masterclass Kitchens, says: “Using clever design elements can create distinct zones within an open space. Different textures and finishes can be utilised to subtly divide areas.
“For example, warming wood textures can transition seamlessly from kitchen to living areas, creating a cosy and unified look.”
Neil McDonald, design manager at Moores Furniture Group believes neutral tones with accent colours work best, as “neutral colours create flow and can make an area feel bigger.”
Whether a design is open plan or broken plan, any product utilised in that kitchen will be determined by the wants and needs of the customer and the space itself. With that in mind, let’s delve deeper into each plan type.
Open plan living
Selena Quick, founder and MD at PAD Bespoke Kitchens says the obvious choice for designers and architects wanting to increase natural light and airflow through a home is to open up the space between adjacent rooms. Says Quick: “This allows light to pour through and reach darker areas of the downstairs space, as well as creating a natural flow of fresh air through the home. Removing walls immediately makes small spaces appear bigger.”

An unmistakable feature associated with open plan living is the kitchen island. Its place in the kitchen has evolved, now equipped with cooking or cooling appliances, extra sinks and taps, storage, and a variety of seating arrangements for different activities.
Retail manager at Cosentino UK Katie Parry-Stone, commenting on the multifunctional use of the island, says: “Open plan is ideal for those looking to create a casual kitchen that can multitask effectively – perfect for those with children who can prepare dinner whilst helping with homework.”
Abode’s design manager, Paul Illingworth, thinks the trend has become about comfort, with any design element that can help with everyday tasks and increase comfort gaining the upper hand within open-plan living schemes: “A great example of this is the popularity of 4-in-1 hot water taps facilitating hot, cold, boiling, and filtered water from one source.”
Broken plan zoning

As defined by Richard Moore, creative director at handmade kitchen specialist Martin Moore, the idea with a broken plan style is “to be able to define distinct areas without visually isolating them from one another.” Moore believes you can do this with physical features such as different floor levels, half walls, or use furniture such as “tall open shelving units or soft seating, both of which are also good at reducing noise transmission through a large open space.”
Laminam UK’s MD, Gavin Shaw, adds: “The main advantage of a broken plan kitchen is it’s possible to include plenty of storage to keep clutter out of sight and create cosy corners for relaxing, socialising or home working.”
And for Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous Tom Howley, glass or Crittall-style doors are an excellent addition to broken plan spaces, as “they allow for flexible separation of areas whilst maintaining the flow of natural light and visual connections.”
Future space planning

Looking forward beyond the next few years, Fabiana Scavolini, CEO of Italian kitchen manufacturer Scavolini, thinks kitchens will increase their performance in terms of advanced technology, sustainable materials, and customised features tailored to individual needs: “The focus will be creating spaces that can easily adapt to different activities according to the needs of new generations, promote well-being, and encourage social engagement.”
The future of space planning is perfectly summarised by Walter at Elliotts Living Spaces: “The choice between open-plan and broken-plan kitchens will continue to be shaped by individual needs, lifestyle changes, and technological advancements.
“Retailers, designers, and manufacturers must stay attuned to these trends, offering innovative solutions that cater to the diverse preferences of modern homeowners.”