32 Open plan kitchen ideas, tips and design trends to create a stylish space

White contemporary kitchen with bifold doors and light wooden floor
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Open plan kitchens are the perfect blend of practical and playful. They offer a great area to entertain, but at the same time provide an everyday space for the family to get together.

Whether you live in a contemporary home or are looking to add extra space to your period home an open plan kitchen brings versatility to the hub of the home. Whatever space you have you can adapt your kitchen ideas to make a space that will work for you.

Here a host of experts reveal their tips, tricks and design ideas to help inspire your next kitchen update or remodel project.

Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr
Al Bruce

Founder Al Bruce began his illustrious career 25 years ago studying to be a cabinet maker at college. With a natural flair for design and a deep passion for the industry, Al finally opened his own Shaker kitchen company, Olive & Barr in 2018. 

Richard Moore, creative director at Martin Moore
Richard Moore

Martin and Barbara Moore began designing and making bespoke luxury kitchens over 50 years ago. Today they are joined in the company by sons, Richard and Mike.  As creative director, Richard continues to design classic furniture with a timeless, contemporary quality, complemented with beautiful, glamorous materials including metallics, natural stone and glass.

Amy Reeves

Amy is an interiors and renovation journalist. She is the former Assistant Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating, where she worked between 2018 and 2023. She has also been an editor for Independent Advisor, where she looked after homes content, including topics such as solar panels. 

She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has also interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences. 

She has renovated a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, undertaking tasks from fitting a kitchen to laying flooring. She is currently embarking on an energy-efficient overhaul of a 1800s cottage in Somerset.

With contributions from