An Open Plan Summer:

 

I’ve decided to roll up my sleeves and dive into something that excites me even more than the smell of sunscreen — a deep dive into the art of designing an open plan. Over the next nine weeks, I’ll be sharing step by step, from A to Z, how to craft that beloved layout where the kitchen, dining, and living areas merge into one cohesive heart of the home. And this week, we begin with where it all begins: the story, the purpose, and the plan.

Because let’s face it — designing an open plan isn’t just about knocking down walls and placing a sofa. It’s a bit like tailoring a suit: it should fit you perfectly, not your neighbour, and certainly not a Pinterest trend board.

 

Where It All Began

Before we start sketching or moodboarding, let’s honour the roots of the open plan. You might think it’s a modern-day trend fuelled by Instagram-worthy homes, but it actually stretches back over a century.

In the 1920s, Frank Lloyd Wright was already dreaming of spaces that flowed freely. He placed the dining area and living room beside the hearth — a revolutionary idea at the time. Fast forward to post-war America, and the “Great Room” emerged, where the television became a central feature, drawing families into shared space.

But it wasn’t until the 1970s that kitchens truly entered the mix. In many ways, it was a feminist shift — no longer hidden or isolated, the kitchen became part of the main living area. Walls came down, both literally and metaphorically, bringing everyone — especially women — into the conversation of daily life.

 

Why We Still Love It Today

There’s a reason open plans have stuck around. Several, in fact:

• Social Flow: Spaces connect, and so do people. Whether you’re cooking, chatting, or helping with homework — it all happens in one shared environment.

• Supervision & Family Life: Especially important for parents with little ones. No more cooking with one eye on the baby monitor.

• Natural Light & Air: Without corridors and closed-off corners, light travels freely. Kitchens, once relegated to the darkest parts of the house, now bask in sunlight.

• Better Use of Space: Hallways? Dead zones. Open plans eliminate them, making every square metre count.

 

But Let’s Be Honest… There Are Challenges

Yes, it’s dreamy. But dreamy can get greasy.

1. Cooking Smells & Grease
   Invest in really good appliances. Recirculating hoods? Not enough. A strong extractor is your best friend in an open plan.

2. Visual Clutter
   Without structure, chaos can creep in. Think like a minimalist and plan like a maximalist. Every cabinet, drawer, and shelf must earn its place.

 

Step One: Audit the Space

Before you spend a single pound, analyse everything. Get out the camera. Capture 360º views. Check the orientation — where does the sun rise? Where does it set? Spot awkward columns, unused corners, beams, alcoves. Every element is either a challenge or an opportunity.

As Peter Drucker said, “What gets measured gets managed.”

 

Step Two: Map Activities (Not Furniture!)

This is where most people go wrong. They start with “sofa here, table there.” But interior designers? We start with actions.

• Cooking.

• Eating.

• Reading.

• Resting.

We sketch activities first — often just shapes or “blobs” on a plan — to understand how the space feels before we define how it looks. A living room drenched in morning light feels entirely different from one bathed in the evening sun. Think of your home as a theatre set — where do the scenes of your life unfold?

 

Step Three: Define Your Style Without Labels

Rather than chasing trends — “Scandi”, “Mid-century”, “Industrial” — ask yourself:
Do I want calm? Drama? Warmth? Lightness?

Once you’ve got those emotional cues, move on to what I call the Three C’s:

• Colour: Are you drawn to moody tones or airy neutrals? Energetic pops or earthy hues?

• Curve: Do you love sharp angles or soft, flowing lines? (This changes everything.)

• Context: Where’s your home? A Georgian townhouse in London doesn’t speak the same design language as a glassy loft in Brooklyn.

Once these are clear, select just six photos that reflect your style. Not dozens. And don’t limit yourself to interiors — look to architecture, objects, even fashion. Curate with intention.

 

Step Four: Moodboard Magic

Now we build a world.
Gather materials — real, physical ones. Stone samples. Linen swatches. A bit of wood. Then, pair them with photos from your style curation. You’re not planning a room yet — you’re crafting a feeling. Something tactile, rich, and layered.

From this mountain of inspiration, pick your protagonist — the standout element that steals the show. Like a lead actor, it will shape every supporting role around it.

 

Step Five: Create Your Colour Palette (60–30–10 Rule)

This is where it all starts clicking together.

• 60%: Your base — the calm, unifying tone.

• 30%: The contrast — the depth and richness.

• 10%: The pop — a flash of personality.

It’s a foolproof ratio that brings elegance without effort. But always test it in both daylight and evening. A colour that glows in sunlight might feel dull under lamplight.

 

Step Six: Visual Hierarchy Without Walls

Open doesn’t mean flat.
Use ceiling changes, flooring transitions, even lighting arrangements to define zones. In one current project, I’m using stone flooring for the kitchen and dining areas, then switching to warm timber for the living zone. It’s subtle, but incredibly effective. Think of it as drawing imaginary lines — soft boundaries that guide the eye.

 

A Final Word (for Week One)

It’s tempting to jump to styles and sofas. But a beautiful open plan begins with understanding — the space, the light, your needs, and your rhythms.

Next week, we’ll explore layouts and flow in more depth. But for now, sit with your space. Observe it. Dream into it. Because this — this is the foundation.

And if you’re following along — whether you’re redesigning your own home or just dreaming of the future — I hope this journey inspires you to see your space with new eyes.

Thank you so much for joining me here. I’m Miriam Prada, interior designer based in London — and for the next nine weeks, I’ll be your guide through the beautiful, chaotic, joyful world of open plan living.

 

 

 

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. 

 

1. Open YouTube: Go to the YouTube website or open the YouTube app.

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