Planning Your Knock Through

Opening up your kitchen by knocking through to an adjacent room is a popular way to create a spacious, open-plan living area that’s perfect for modern family life. Whether you’re dreaming of a large kitchen diner or want to incorporate a relaxing seating area, knocking through can transform the look and feel of your home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about kitchen designer knock throughs, from the benefits of open-plan living to the practical considerations and design ideas to make your new space a success.

Why Choose an Open-Plan Kitchen?

Open-plan kitchen diners have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. By knocking through to an adjacent room, usually the dining room or living room, you can create a multi-functional space that’s perfect for cooking, eating, entertaining and relaxing.Some of the key benefits of an open-plan kitchen include:

• Increased sense of space: Fewer walls and doorways create the illusion of a larger, brighter room
• Better flow and functionality: Zones for cooking, dining and relaxing allow for a more ergonomic layout
• Improved family time: Everyone can gather in one space, rather than being separated
• Enhanced entertaining: Open-plan kitchens are perfect for socializing, with guests able to interact with the cook
• Increased property value: Research shows knocking through can add around £28,417 to the value of an average priced London home

Planning Your Kitchen Designer Knock Through

Before you start knocking down walls, it’s important to carefully plan your new open-plan space. Consider the following factors:

Structural Walls

Not all walls are created equal – some are load-bearing and can’t be removed without specialist support. Consult a structural engineer or architect to determine which walls can be knocked through.

Plumbing and Electrics

Moving sinks, appliances and power points will require careful planning. Speak to a plumber and electrician to understand the feasibility and costs involved.

Building Regulations

While knocking through internal walls often falls under permitted development, you may need building regulations approval for structural changes or if you’re planning an extension. Always check with your local authority before starting work.

Budget

Knocking through can be a significant investment, with costs ranging from a few thousand pounds to over £20,000 depending on the scale of the project. Factor in the cost of building work, new kitchen units, appliances, flooring and decorating.

Timescales

Knocking through and installing a new kitchen is a major undertaking. Allow plenty of time for planning, building work and fitting your new kitchen. Be prepared to be without a fully functioning kitchen for several weeks.

Designing Your Open-Plan Kitchen

With the practical considerations taken care of, it’s time to start designing your dream open-plan kitchen. Here are some key design ideas to consider:

Zoning

Divide your new open-plan space into distinct zones for cooking, dining and relaxing. Use furniture, flooring and lighting to define each area.

Kitchen Layout

Choose a kitchen layout that works for your space and lifestyle. Popular options include L-shaped, U-shaped and galley kitchens. Ensure there’s plenty of worktop space and a logical flow between key areas like the sink, hob and fridge.

Dining Area

Incorporate a dining table and chairs into your new open-plan space. Choose a style that complements your kitchen units and consider the size of your table in relation to the overall room dimensions.

Living Area

If space allows, include a relaxing seating area with sofas and armchairs. Position it away from the main cooking and dining zones for maximum comfort and conversation.

Lighting

Lighting is key in an open-plan space. Use a combination of task lighting over the kitchen worktops, pendant lights over the dining table and ambient lighting in the living area.

Flooring

Choose a durable, easy-to-clean flooring that works throughout your open-plan space. Hardwood, tiles or luxury vinyl are all great options. Rugs can help define zones.

Color and Decor

Tie your kitchen, dining and living areas together with a cohesive color scheme and decor style. Neutral tones like white, grey and beige work well to create a light, airy feel.

Maximizing Your New Open-Plan Kitchen

Once your kitchen designer knock through is complete, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your new open-plan space:

Entertaining

Open-plan kitchens are perfect for socializing. Position bar stools at the kitchen counter so guests can chat to the cook, and ensure there’s plenty of space for people to mingle.

Family Time

With everyone gathered in one space, open-plan living encourages quality family time. Incorporate comfortable seating areas for relaxing together, and make sure there’s space for kids to play.

Multifunctional Furniture

Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a kitchen island with built-in seating or a dining table that can double as a workspace.

Decluttering

With everything on show in an open-plan space, it’s important to keep things tidy and clutter-free. Invest in plenty of storage, both in your kitchen units and living area furniture.

Conclusion

Knocking through to create an open-plan kitchen is a fantastic way to transform your home. By carefully planning your project and choosing the right design elements, you can create a beautiful, functional space that’s perfect for modern family living.

Remember to consider the practical factors like structural walls and building regulations, and allow plenty of time and budget for your project. When it comes to design, focus on creating distinct zones, choosing a kitchen layout that works for you, and tying everything together with a cohesive color scheme and decor style.

With your new open-plan kitchen complete, you can look forward to enjoying a more spacious, sociable home that’s perfect for entertaining, relaxing and spending quality time with family and friends.

Are you interested? Arrange a consultation: