This Huge Open-Plan Kitchen Shows Exactly How to Make Every Zone Feel Intentional
From genius zoning techniques to the transformation of unique nooks, this kitchen is full of thoughtful features
For most people, a large kitchen is at the very top of the wish list. But when you are faced with a huge footprint, especially in an open-plan room, creating a scheme that feels spacious while still retaining a sense of character can prove a difficult endeavor.
It was the exact starting point of this kitchen, located in a historic home with existing architecture that needed to be preserved and honored in the design. The solution? Thoughtful kitchen zoning that gave the room its own identity without feeling separated from the adjoining dining and living spaces.
Every detail has been carefully introduced or retained to give the room character and honor the home's history, while maximizing every inch of functionality. But perhaps the greatest success of this design is the way each element has been introduced to ensure the room feels lived in rather than vast. It's the blueprint for getting an open plan kitchen layout right in 2026.
Utilize Architecture to Create Dedicated Zones
Classic internal glazing gives this kitchen its own space without completely separating it from adjoining rooms.
In an open plan space, zoning becomes an important tool to differentiate between spaces and functions, especially where a kitchen is involved. And this design proves how effective architecture can be throughout the process.
'The customer came to the meeting with a clear idea of what they wanted. The existing structure had certain design cues, such as the dark-framed doors, and some industrial features,' explains Iain Chatburn, Senior Kitchen Designer at deVOL Kitchens.
Alongside the glazed dividers, a lower ceiling height creates a sense of separation from the adjoining dining space. It's a subtle detail, but one that instantly signals that you have entered a new zone.
Embrace Niches and Alcoves to Maximize Storage
Old openings in the brick wall have been transformed into charming storage spaces, like this pantry space.
So often, people fight the existing features in their kitchen, especially when alcoves and niches crop up in unconventional places. But this project makes a case for embracing them in your kitchen design, rather than removing them.
One of the best examples of this is the small pantry area. Built into the brick wall, this recessed niche sits far lower than standard cabinetry thanks to the old architecture of the property, but instead of concealing or altering it, Iain embraced the quirky proportions and transformed it into a tiny pantry space, complete with glass storage jars for a more aesthetic look.
Even small sections of bump-out walls have been retained, helping to add subtle zones and break up long expanses of walls. These are all details usually removed, but they add so much character to the room, telling a small part of the home's story.
Design an Island That Feels Decorative Yet Functional
Glazed doors are a great middle ground between closed cabinets and open shelving, balancing functional design with decorative displays.
A kitchen island is a functional addition to a kitchen, but also one that sets the tone for the overall design aesthetic. And while we generally see either fully built-in designs or a classic freestanding piece, this kitchen has taken a completely different approach to create something that's decorative without comprising function.
'Design inspiration came from our Haberdasher's range and projects such as the Stoke Newington Kitchen, which has a similar island. In the context of this kitchen, it feels like a shop counter or museum display case, surrounded by the customer's collections of vintage items and kitchenalia,' Iain explains.
To give the island the grandeur it deserves within the large kitchen, he went for an enlarged design. 'The size of an island should match the proportions of the space,' he explains. 'Having a more fitted 'solid' island in such an expansive space also provides a grounding structure to the room. The glazing is a smart choice, adding lightness without losing out on storage.'
Mix Cabinet Styles and Colors for Visual Interest
Light cabinets pair with a darker island and perimeter cabinetry for contrast and zoning, with hardware marrying the two designs.
In a small kitchen, keeping to a uniform color helps to elongate the space and make it feel bigger. But in a larger footprint, breaking up the color and style of your cabinetry is key to creating visual interest and making it feel less expansive. And it's been done expertly here.
'One mark of success for this space is that you can't easily tell which furniture and accessories are new and which are old,' Iain recalls, referencing details like the mix of cabinet colors and the wall textures in play.
'Choosing several colors for different pieces of furniture helps zone the space, and gives a sense that the furniture has been pieced together over a longer period. This works beautifully for the eclectic aesthetic of this kitchen,' he adds.
'The same goes for the structure; a blend of existing painted brickwork and windows, and new details like the tongue and groove behind the cooker. This all gives extra texture and a greater sense of history. The customers were not shy to accessorize our cabinets, which is always great to see.'
Look to the Walls to Introduce Pretty Kitchenware Displays
The brass rail spanning the entrance to the kitchen instantly creates a more eclectic, lived-in feel.
As soon as you step into this kitchen, your eyes are drawn to the walls, not just because of the spectacular arched windows that frame the space, but because they have been just as carefully considered in the design. Housing beautiful decor and kitchenware in different ways, they introduce the character and style of the homeowners without feeling cluttered or gratuitous.
'Open storage can add a lot of character and warmth to a space. This can become even more important for larger spaces, which can otherwise feel too fitted, with monolithic furniture. The deVOL ethos is to put as much effort into styling kitchen spaces as you would a living room or bedroom, and open storage or hanging rails encourage this,' explains Iain.
The range hood is adorned with a row of decorative plates, a wooden rack mounted beside the window holds an array of kitchen towels, and a long brass rack on the ceiling holds an array of utensils, copper pans, and dried herbs, creating a decorative display that marks the entrance to the kitchen.
Quick Tips
Brass details are echoed throughout the kitchen, including the cabinet hardware, pot filler, and hanging rail along the island.
- Use glazing and color to effectively zone a large kitchen
- Embrace quirky architecture to add character and unique style
- Don't be afraid to mix cabinet styles and colors
- Design an island that feels unique and considered
- Make sure to consider your walls and ceilings to maximize storage that doubles as decor
This kitchen is a lesson in zoning and embracing a design that goes against conventional design rules – in the best way. From the genius use of architectural features to the effective use of kitchen features to make them work harder. 'This project is a great example of many smaller areas that provide detail and interest wherever you look.'
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