I often say: if you don’t measure well, you simply can’t design well. And I stand by that more than ever this week. Designing an open plan space is not about throwing a kitchen, a dining table and a sofa into a Pinterest board and hoping for the best. It’s about listening — really listening — to the space. To its light, its movement, its structure, and yes, its silence too.

Last week, we talked about el origen, the heart of the concept — the intention behind the open plan. Today, we’re getting a touch more technical. Not dry-technical, don’t worry — we’re not building rockets — but the kind of technical that saves you from design heartbreak down the line.

So let’s start where everything begins: with the tape measure.

 

Why Measuring is the Love Language of Interior Design

I say this with all my heart — not measuring properly is the first step towards absolute disaster. You may laugh, but I’ve seen it. A sofa that won’t fit. A window forgotten. A column misread. Measuring isn’t just a task; it’s a conversation with the space. And we need to be good listeners.

And here’s the truth many miss: spaces aren’t two-dimensional. That window you think you’ve noted down? It has a starting height from the floor, its own height, distance to the ceiling, depth, reveal, position in the wall… and all of it matters. Every window, beam, step, socket, and curve is telling you something about how it wants to be part of the bigger picture.

It’s not just about the “what”, it’s about the where, the how, the with what.

Even if you’ve got high-tech laser tools, or just your own hand and a good shoe — yes, I do measure with the palm of my hand sometimes — the point is: be clever, be consistent, and always use fixed references.

 

The Magic of Functional Zoning

Once we’ve measured (and double-checked), the soul of the open plan starts to reveal itself through its zones. I always say this: an open plan without zones is like a novel without chapters — your eye gets tired, your mind feels lost.

Defining a kitchen, a dining area and a living space doesn’t mean closing them off. Quite the opposite. The most elegantopen plans are those that breathe together while each part has its own distinct role.

A rug can do it. A pendant light can whisper “dining area” from above. A slight change in flooring, or a shift in ceiling texture, can transform a zone from casual to cosy — without a single wall in sight.

We don’t always see the boundaries. But we feel them.

And honestly? An open plan with no boundaries exhausts the eye. It’s like listening to a song that never changes key.

 

Let Structure Guide You, Not Limit You

Got a column in the middle of the room? Celebrate it. Let it be your anchor. Wrap a panel around it. Create a ceiling break right at that spot. Let it guide your layout, not limit your creativity. Structure isn’t an obstacle — it’s a co-author.

I often take inspiration from the Japanese engawa — those beautiful transitional spaces that feel like neither inside nor outside, yet tie everything together. We might not live in Kyoto, but we can honour the same sensibility — that soft, slow transition that calms the mind and defines flow.

 

Flow is Everything — Think Like a River

Here’s something I live by: a home without good circulation is a home that frustrates.

I imagine movement like rivers. If you block a river, it stagnates. If you guide it, it flows. Designing your open plan means thinking about that movement — how you walk, how you live, how a tray of coffee gets from kitchen to table without stress.

Minimum circulation width? 90cm. Not a law, but a really good rule of thumb.

And when you visualise? Imagine yourself there. Hosting. Cooking. Passing a glass of wine. What does your body want to do? Where does it want to go? Let that be your blueprint.

 

Layouts That Work: L, U, Parallel & Central

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but there are patterns that help.

• L-shaped layouts are perfect when you want openness but still crave a little edge.

• U-shaped kitchens offer a lovely embrace — cosy and functional, but they need space.

• Parallel is brilliant for narrow rooms — and works wonders facing a window.

• Central islands are a bold choice, but if you’re social and love a bit of show-cooking, they’re unbeatable.

The right option? It’s the one that works for your life, your space, and your habits. Don’t just follow trends. Follow yourself.

 

Light & Power: Think Early, Think Smart

Lighting is emotion. A room with poor lighting is like a story with no plot.

If you’re going full smart-home with systems like Lutron or Crestron, plan the circuits from day one. But even without that, don’t leave it to the last minute. Think about pendants, floor lamps, integrated LEDs — even beautiful candlelight for atmosphere.

Sockets too — the unsung heroes. Where you put them can make or break your daily life.

 

Storage Is Queen

A stunning open plan with no storage? A nightmare waiting to happen.

We can build in storage beautifully — under benches, inside columns, behind hidden panels. Let structure inspire functionality. From day one, ask yourself: Where does the clutter go? Because even the most minimal home needs a place for the mess.

 

At the end of it all, it’s about this: designing with care. With awareness. With presence. Not copying someone else’s Pinterest board, but crafting your own rhythm, your own sanctuary.

I’m tired this week, not going to lie — but still grateful. Grateful to everyone who still listens, reads, and dreams design with me. Whether you’re with me here on the blog, or already floating over on YouTube, thank you for coming back, week after week.

 

I’m Miriam Prada, interior designer, Londoner, and lover of all things home.

See you next week,

MP

 

If want to watch this click HERE, Please note that this is in Spanish, but you can auto-translate the subtitles. 

 

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