Open Plan Living

In contemporary home design, the layout of living spaces plays a pivotal role in shaping not just aesthetics, but how we live day to day. As luxury living evolves, a new design philosophy is encroaching on the previously dominant architectural space; open plan living. Now, broken plan is a concept taking off, that blends the openness of traditional open-plan layouts, with subtle divisions or zoning techniques to create more defined spaces, without returning to fully enclosed rooms.

At Poggenpohl, we understand that the modern kitchen is not only the heart of the home, but also key in achieving the perfect flow for your family’s needs, whichever layout you choose.

Hallmark of Contemporary Design

Open plan living has been the hallmark of contemporary design for over two decades. Its hallmark is seamless, expansive spaces where kitchen, dining, and living areas flow into one another without walls to divide them. The result is an airy, sociable environment that maximises natural light and fosters a sense of togetherness.

Open-plan living blends kitchen, dining, and living spaces into one bright, connected area.

Perfect for entertaining and family life, open plan allows the cook to remain engaged with guests or children in the adjoining space. With fewer walls to obstruct it, daylight travels further, creating a luminous and welcoming atmosphere. Even modest homes can feel more expansive thanks to unobstructed sight lines.

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Complexities of Modern Life

However, while open plan living offers beauty and versatility, it can pose challenges, particularly when it comes to noise control, storage, and delineating functions. With so much on display, every element needs to earn its place aesthetically and functionally.

While open plan living remains popular, a more nuanced trend is emerging: broken plan living. It retains the core openness of open plan, but introduces subtle divisions through architecture, furniture or finishes, to create distinct but connected zones. This layout acknowledges the complexities of modern life, especially in homes that serve multiple functions: workspace, school, restaurant, and sanctuary.