Open plan interior by Emil Eve Architects. Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen.
Open plan spaces can be difficult to get right. Without careful planning, they can end up looking like a jumble of furniture thrown together, resulting in a disjointed and uninviting space.
In this guide, I’ll share 20 design ideas and tips that will help you create a beautiful and functional open plan living space.
When removing internal walls and opening up rooms, it’s crucial to ensure proper structural support. You’ll also need to consider the fire protection and means of escape in your home. Consulting an architect and a structural engineer will ensure your layout is well-designed, safe, and compliant with building regulations. They can also assist with any other approvals needed.
READ: Knocking Down Internal Walls for Open Plan Living
When opening up a stairway into the living space, measures such as new fire doors and a mist suppression system (continue reading below) may be needed. Project by Architecture for London.
If you’re aiming to maximise openness in your layout, a mist suppression system can offer a solution. When combined with fire-rated internal doors, it allows for much more fluid, open spaces that may not otherwise meet building regulations. You may also need a fire engineer to produce a report in support of your layout for building control.
Mist suppression system by Plumis.
Carefully planning the furniture layout is key to ensuring your space functions well. Draw a scale plan and overlay your furniture pieces to determine how you’ll use the space. Be mindful of proportions—oversized furniture will make a small room feel cramped, while undersized pieces can look out of place in larger spaces. In bigger rooms, placing furniture away from the walls can enhance the feeling of openness and help define different zones.
Floor plan with furniture layout by Emil Eve Architects.
Selecting furniture that complements the overall style of your home creates cohesion. If you prefer an eclectic style, curating different pieces can work, but it’s more challenging to pull off. For flexibility, consider modular or multifunctional furniture, which can be adapted as needed. Alternatively, choose pieces specifically designed for particular areas if you prefer a more permanent layout.
For large scale open plan interiors inset the furniture away from the walls. Project by Tuckey Design Studio. Photo by James Brittain.
Underfloor heating works particularly well in open plan spaces, providing consistent warmth throughout. It also frees up wall space, allowing more room for furniture and other features.
Net-zero carbon retrofit project by Mitchell and Corti Architects incorporates underfloor heating. Photo by Luke Weller.
Strategic placement of windows and roof lights is vital for good daylighting. Skylights can bring natural light into areas far from external walls and provide views of the sky, which can significantly enhance the sense of space.
This house extension and renovation project by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects incorporates a long roofight to send daylight into the centre of the floor plan. Photo by French + Tye.
To enhance the quality of your open plan space, consider introducing large, glazed elements, such as sliding garden doors or expansive picture windows. This not only brings in natural light but also creates a connection with the outdoors, improving the overall feel of the space.
Open plan interior by Pricegore with floor to ceiling glazing framing a well-stocked garden. Photo by Johan Dehlin.
Using the same flooring throughout helps create a sense of flow and continuity, especially in spaces without changes in level. It visually ties the areas together, making the space feel larger.
Pale floorboards run through the entire open plan living space in this apartment renovation by Luke McClelland Design. Photo by ZAC and ZAC.
Painting the walls and ceiling in the same colour throughout creates visual unity. You can break up the space by using accent colours in furniture, artwork, or feature walls to add interest without losing the cohesive feel.
Maintaining a consistent colour palette will create a cohesive look. Photo by Inigo.
Alternatively, you could use different colours to create distinct moods in various parts of the space. For example, in areas with less natural light, you might choose to embrace the darkness with a moody, rich colour palette, which can create a cosy atmosphere.
A house renovation decorated with dark and light shades of blue creating different moods. Project by OMMX. Photo by Inigo.
As your needs evolve – whether for young children, growing families, or multiple activities – your space may need to be adaptable. Modular furniture or pieces that serve dual purposes, like a sofa bed or modular shelving, can help you adjust your space as required.
Flexible open plan interior by Paolo Cossu Architects. Photo by Lorenzo Zandri.
If flexibility isn’t a priority or if the structure of your home limits your layout options, design with permanence in mind. Built-in storage, seating, and tailored furniture pieces can ensure everything has its place, resulting in a clean, well-ordered space.
A compact open plan living space by Studio Hagen Hall. The furniture layout includes built-in seating and is fixed to ensure the floor space works as efficiently as possible. Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen.
Large, open plan spaces with hard surfaces can feel cold and amplify sound. Introducing soft furnishings – rugs, curtains, and cushions – will help soften the acoustics and add warmth. Carpeting or cork flooring can also improve sound quality and create a more inviting atmosphere.
This warehouse conversion by Emil Eve Architects incorporates soft furnishings such as fabric seating and rugs. Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen.
Changing floor levels can be an effective way to define different areas in an open plan layout. For example, if you’re building a new extension, you could introduce a lower-level section to signal a different function.
High Sunderland, split level mid-century house designed by Peter Womersley in 1957 and restored by Loader Monteith. Photo by Dapple Photography.
For open plan living to work well, the space should remain clutter-free. Maximise storage opportunities in places like under the stairs or within built-in units to keep the room looking tidy and spacious.
Discreet under-stair storage in an open plan interior by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects. Photo by French + Tye.
Lighting is a powerful tool for defining different functions within an open plan space. Consider pendant lights over dining tables, or floor lamps near seating areas. Task lighting in kitchens is also important for functionality. Ensure your light fittings are proportionate to the size of the room—large shades work best in high-ceilinged areas, while smaller lights suit more intimate zones.
Simple pendant fitting articulates the dining area in this warehouse conversion by Emil Eve Architects. Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen.
If space permits, creating more intimate areas off a larger space can help zone activities and enhance the quality of th space.
In this renovation by designer James Shaw and architect Nicholas Ashby, a snug has been added off the dining area. Photo by James Shaw and Lou Stoppard.
For privacy, noise control, or to manage cooking smells, pocket doors are a practical solution. They slide into the wall, saving space, and can be closed off without disrupting your furniture arrangement. Fire-resistant pocket doors can also maintain the open plan aesthetic while providing a protected means of escape in case of fire.
Flexible open plan interior featuring pocket doors by Oliver Leech Architects. Photo by Ståle Eriksen.
A wood-burning stove or fireplace can add warmth and create a focal point in an otherwise large, impersonal space. It can also serve as a visual anchor, giving the room a more welcoming feel.
Wood burning stove in an period open plan living room. Photo by Inigo.
The ceiling height should be proportionate to the size of the room. Large open plan areas with low ceilings can feel oppressive, while higher ceilings will give the space a airier and more expansive feel.
In this renovation and extension project by Nimtim Architects, the floor level was lowered to create a generous ceiling height. Photo by Jim Stephenson.
About the author
Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, working on projects ranging from historic building restoration to contemporary home design.
