If you're nervous about knocking down an entire wall, or you just don't have the space to create a big living area to create the perfect kitchen-diner but want to give your kitchen and dining area more of a through-room feel, then why not compromise and just create a walk-through? We're talking about widening an existing doorway that links the kitchen to a breakfast room or a sun room. That way, you'll get all the benefits of a separate dining space or seating area, while still maintaining a sense of openness.
The lighter the units you choose for an open-plan kitchen, the bigger the space will feel. Opting for a mix of both freestanding and fitted units will give the room a more relaxed atmosphere, as will leaving walls free of tiles - glass or stainless steel splashbacks in areas where you really need them, such as behind the sink, are both easier to keep clean, usually work out less expensive than tiles, and make the room feel less like a kitchen and more like a living space. The same rules apply to worksurfaces - lighter colours give a room an amazing feeling of space.
Abstrakt in white by Ikea
A sunken area provides the perfect spot for soft seating, a coffee table and even a plasma screen, while the level above is dedicated to the kitchen (pictured here is Abstrakt in white by Ikea) and dining. The unified white and cool grey colour palette makes one happy, holistic whole. Think multi-layered, not multi-coloured swap shop.
Okay, so you've got the fab extension, wall demolition or simple revamp planned... So now's the time to think carefully about how you lay out the new space. Obviously, the kitchen and dining areas should ideally be next to each other, with the living space somewhat apart.
The tricky bit is getting the kitchen itself right, so before you start, here are a few things to consider:
Canella Kitchen by Habitat
We love the relaxed look that unfinished wooden units give, especially if they're freestanding, like this Canella kitchen by Habitat - very handy when you want to change the layout, too.
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Need some inspiration for a dining area - however small? Check out our gallery of rooms for ideas.jpg){kind=small}
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