Kitchen diner layouts: tips to get it right - Grand Designs Magazine

Kitchen diner layouts: tips to get it right

Follow this practical advice when planning to reconfigure a kitchen layout to include a dining area

By Becca Green |

Multipurpose kitchen diner layouts can be a huge benefit to families and those who like to host friends and family in a relaxed setting. Robert Burnett, head of design at Kitchens by Holloways shares his advice for making kitchen diner layouts a complete success.

Open-plan kitchen diner with roof lights and wooden table

Image: Kitchens by Holloways

Using colour

By removing one or more internal walls, a kitchen’s floor plan will change significantly. Kitchen diner layouts often benefit from creating a cohesive scheme throughout the new and bigger space. Simply use the same floor finish and colour palette throughout. The reverse is the best approach when you want to emphasise separate zones. Use a harmonious palette of different colours and flooring in the kitchen, dining and seating areas.

Keep it clutter free

Ensure a cooking area in full view of a dining space is clutter-free and easy to keep tidy. Opt for fully integrated appliances wherever possible and understated cabinet designs for a streamlined look.

Read more: How to minimise sound in an open-plan kitchen

Extraction

Powerful extraction is a must to limit drifting cooking odours. To minimise noise, look for downdrafts or ceiling models with motors mounted on an external wall.

Multipurpose kitchen diner layouts can be a huge benefit to families and those who like to host friends and family in a relaxed setting. Robert Burnett, head of design at Kitchens by Holloways shares his advice for making kitchen diner layouts a complete success.

Open-plan kitchen diner with roof lights and wooden table

Image: Kitchens by Holloways

Using colour

By removing one or more internal walls, a kitchen’s floor plan will change significantly. Kitchen diner layouts often benefit from creating a cohesive scheme throughout the new and bigger space. Simply use the same floor finish and colour palette throughout. The reverse is the best approach when you want to emphasise separate zones. Use a harmonious palette of different colours and flooring in the kitchen, dining and seating areas.

Keep it clutter free

Ensure a cooking area in full view of a dining space is clutter-free and easy to keep tidy. Opt for fully integrated appliances wherever possible and understated cabinet designs for a streamlined look.

Read more: How to minimise sound in an open-plan kitchen

Extraction

Powerful extraction is a must to limit drifting cooking odours. To minimise noise, look for downdrafts or ceiling models with motors mounted on an external wall.

Image: Masterclass Kitchens

Incorporating an island

Where an island unit separates the kitchen and dining area, position the fridge so that children or guests can access it without having to walk through the kitchen. This will avoid too much footfall through the busiest part of the room. It’s a useful design trick for a family kitchen.

Plan ahead for power

Building Regulations will affect your electricity and lighting arrangements, so factor this into your plans. Sockets may need to be relocated, for example, and you may need more of them.

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