As a proud homeowner in Aberdeen, I’ve always dreamed of having an open and airy space perfect for entertaining guests. When the time came to renovate our tired old kitchen and living room, my partner and I knew we wanted to create a spacious, open plan extension that would truly be the heart of our home.
Saying Goodbye to Closed-Off Spaces
Our previous layout was, in a word, claustrophobic. The kitchen was tucked away in the corner, with a wall separating it from the living room. Whenever we had guests over, it felt like my partner and I were constantly dashing back and forth between the two spaces, trying to be good hosts while also trying to manage the cooking and cleaning. And forget about trying to watch television or have a conversation while one of us was in the midst of meal prep – the noise and lack of privacy was a constant source of frustration.
As much as I loved our cozy little house, I have to admit that I never quite understood the appeal of the closed-off, compartmentalized floor plan that was so common when our home was built. According to some Reddit users, the main downside of this type of layout is the lack of flow and the constant noise bleed between rooms. And as a parent, I have to agree that the idea of having eyes on your kids 24/7 in an open concept home doesn’t exactly sound appealing.
Envisioning the Perfect Open Plan Space
When we started planning our renovation, my partner and I knew we wanted to create a completely open floor plan that would allow us to seamlessly move between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. We were inspired by the beautiful, airy spaces we’d seen in home design magazines and on TV shows like The Property Brothers.
The key, we decided, would be to maximize the feeling of openness and space, while still maintaining distinct zones for different activities. We wanted a layout that would encourage socializing and togetherness, but also provide enough visual and acoustic separation that someone could enjoy a quiet moment reading a book or watching television without being constantly bombarded by noises from the kitchen.
After much deliberation and several design iterations, we landed on a plan that would involve knocking down the wall separating the kitchen and living room, and extending the back of the house to create a large, open-concept space. This would give us ample room for a spacious kitchen with a large central island, a dining area, and a cozy seating area centered around the fireplace.
The Renovation Process: Overcoming Challenges
Of course, turning our vision into reality wasn’t always easy. The construction process was messy and disruptive, and we encountered a few unexpected challenges along the way.
One of the biggest hurdles was figuring out how to create a cohesive flow and visual connection between the different zones, without everything feeling like one big, undifferentiated space. As one interior design expert noted, it’s important to use strategic placement of furniture, lighting, and architectural elements to define the boundaries between areas.
We ended up using a combination of area rugs, pendant lights, and subtle changes in flooring to delineate the kitchen, dining, and living areas. And by positioning the kitchen island as a sort of central anchor, we were able to create a natural flow between the different zones without feeling closed off from one another.
Another challenge was dealing with the noise factor. Even with the open concept layout, we still wanted to be able to enjoy some peace and quiet when needed. To address this, we worked closely with our contractors to ensure proper soundproofing and acoustic insulation in the walls and ceilings. We also opted for soft furnishings like curtains and rugs to help absorb sound and prevent echoes.
The Finished Product: A Dream Space for Entertaining
After months of planning, demolition, and construction, the end result is everything we hoped for and more. The new open plan extension is bright, airy, and absolutely perfect for entertaining.
When we host gatherings, whether it’s a casual Sunday brunch or a formal dinner party, everyone can move freely between the kitchen, dining area, and living room without feeling cramped or disconnected. The open layout allows me to chat with guests while I’m preparing meals, and the kids can play in the living room without being completely isolated from the action.
And the best part? No more constantly being interrupted by the sounds of cooking or having to pause the TV every time someone needs to use the microwave. The strategic use of different flooring, lighting, and furniture pieces creates a clear division of space, so everyone can enjoy their own activities without feeling like they’re in each other’s way.
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Closed-off kitchen and living room, with a wall separating the two spaces | Spacious, open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area with seamless flow |
| Cramped, compartmentalized layout | Bright, airy, and perfect for entertaining |
| Constant noise and lack of privacy | Distinct zones with good soundproofing and acoustic insulation |
Overall, creating this open plan extension has been a game-changer for our home and our lifestyle. We now have a space that truly reflects our love of cooking, hosting, and spending quality time with family and friends. And with the increased sense of openness and flow, even the most casual get-togethers feel special and elevated.
If you’re considering a similar renovation for your home, my advice would be to embrace the open concept trend – but approach it thoughtfully, with a focus on creating a balanced, functional space that meets your unique needs and preferences. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can absolutely turn your dream of an open, entertaining-friendly home into a reality.
