There are a number of things to consider when designing an open-plan space for multiple users. Whether you're knocking down walls to reconfigure an existing footprint, or extending your current one to enlarge your family living space, there are several elements to bear in mind.
1. Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail.
It's a no-brainer, thorough planning of your space is a critical stage not to be overlooked. Not only do you need to know if intended furniture will fit and if the space is adequate for your family, but you need to see how the flow works and really sit with that for a while. Having planning options in your hand allows you to get your head into the space, to truly interrogate how you would use it and if you and your partner's visions align for how practical it is for your family...or indeed if that costly proposed extension is actually the optimum size for you before you proceed.
If you want a kitchen, dining and TV area in the space, there are going to be a few variations to test. Consideration needs to be given to how these spaces will work together. Will they need to be clearly zoned, or do you want a seamless transition from one threshold to the other? Would you rather the sofa facing outwards to the garden to connect you with nature, or would you prefer the dining table to be close to expansive glazed doors for the feeling of al-fresco dining on the daily.
2. Analyse Your Current Living Habits
We're mostly social creatures and the majority of families see the kitchen as the heart of their home where they can watch over their kids or catch up on each others' days. It's important to step back and acknowledge what you love doing, and what you want to do more of in future, such as entertaining or baking. Make sure these specific requirements are captured in your design brief so you avoid any "if only" moments later down the line.
If you have children you'll know the amount of washing that accumulates. I like to focus on key daily tasks like this; how can we take away the pain points? Is the current utility too small, or disconnected to the kitchen or washing line outside? Can we make simple changes to doorways to create more usable spaces? Take the time to analyse and question everything, be present and mindful in those daily operations to recognise how they can be improved.
3. Take Stock of Your Belongings
Before you rip out that existing kitchen, go through all of your kitchen items and only keep what you truly need. By culling items and organising your existing space you can identify any issues; lack of storage, bad access to items. From here you can make a wish list of all the things you would love to have in the new space. It's also important to remember all the things that work for you now, so you don't forget to include these in the new space.
By cutting down regularly on the things we collect in our homes, it makes us feel lighter, with less to keep on top of, which in turn makes everyday tasks more streamlined. You might consider enlisting the help of a professional organiser whilst living with your existing kitchen, who can help you take stock of items, purge and identifying aspects that need improving and incorporating in the new design.
4. Consider the Users
Think about who will be using your new space. Children may need somewhere to do their school work, maybe you'll have space for a 'cloffice' that can be shut away when not in use. Perhaps a kitchen island or dining table may have to suffice, in which case you want somewhere nearby to stash things when you're serving dinner. A clever design can create the habit of restricting paperwork to a certain area, such as a change in material, or a slightly different height.
You'll also need to consider when guests come. Extended families call for extendable tables, which are becoming more and more popular. Those with rounded ends are more flexible than square ends as you can huddle more bums around. The family cook may love the idea of having a hob facing outward on an island, which allows them to socialise too as they whip up a feast.
5. Future-Proof
It's sad to imagine, but your kiddos are going to grow up fast and spaces need to be future-proofed as your and their needs change. Having the foresight at the initial planning stage for how you might need to adapt over the years is a smart move, especially gaining insights from people who are a few years ahead on that journey and already have older children.
You might know that your wider family or friend circle is going to expand and that means catering for more people, or having space that your kids can invite their friends over to hang out - chances are it won't be in the kitchen with you, but it might mean less sibling arguments if you do have a second tv in this space, or when they inevitably take over your 'adult lounge' you can have a space to watch your favourite tv show while you cook.
6. Connect to Outside
An outdoor-indoor connection is something I hear so often in my Discovery Sessions. Whether it be a desire for al-fresco dining, quick access to the garden to grab fresh herbs or to get to an outside workspace on a nippy morning, consider making those journeys as enjoyable and easy as they can be. Allocating space for a few window herbs is going to facilitate your habits to use them, while planning in where indoor plants can live boosts your endorphins and sense of wellbeing.
Try landscaping the garden to be in-keeping and supportive to your indoor space. You could look at creating a feeling of connection through using an indoor-outdoor tile that continues from the kitchen and into your garden, or a defined pathway to any outdoor buildings, or simply continuing the style and colour of furniture or decor to the outside so it feels harmonious.
As lovely as that connection is, approach with caution, especially if you have children or pets and live in a particularly muddy or damp area. Selecting an appropriate flooring that won't feel like an ice rink, or have you on your hands and knees and cursing said children and pets is something you'll want to avoid. Select slightly darker floors, or patterned ones for more hardwearing and forgiving options, but lighter ones if light is an issue in your space.
Weigh up the Pros and Cons. There will be compromises to be made with any space, regardless of size or budget. What's right for one family, may not work for you. With the feeling of connectedness through open-plan living, also comes the prospect of mess and noise that you can't shut the door on. Personally (as someone who is sensitive to both) I think open-plan has great advantages for family living, as long as there are other spaces to escape to in the house, such as a dedicated lounge or snug, or systems in place to keep on top of the mess.
Gemma x