The ‘broken-plan’ kitchen is essentially a modern take on today’s open-plan kitchen. It features all the things we love about open-plan living while leaving out the aspects that turn others away from the popular trend.
Instead of offering a completely open-plan space, which is criticised by some as lacking privacy, intimacy and looking a little messy, the new ‘broken-plan’ plan design features half walls and other design ideas to help maintain a feel of distinct living spaces.
A half window, or window that scales the length of your kitchen, is a great way to keep the fluidity of an open living space while ensuring privacy. Another advantage of a window, rather than another solid structure like a wall, is that it keeps light consistent throughout the whole space.
Ideal for larger kitchens, the mezzanine offers a great way to keep things sociable while ensuring two completely distinct spaces. Cook and dine on the ground level and socialise with friends and family above. The mezzanine level needn’t sit high above your kitchen space either; just a metre or so would work.
Open-plan living saw us knocking down walls, so it would be silly to do at 360 and put them back up. To divide your ‘broken-plan’ living space, why not play with the shape and style of your kitchen space with the insertion of half walls? Pop one between the cooking area and the sociable dining space to clearly separate work and pleasure. A half-wall also allows you to join in with the conversation when guests are sat in the more sociable area.
Despite the addition of these new design features, the ‘broken-plan’ kitchen still ticks all of those boxes of open-plan living. It’s still really sociable, making it ideal for families and those that like to entertain, and it’s still spacious, light, and bright while being bang on trend. Your living area feels more like a living space, rather than a sofa thrown into a kitchen. And a work space offers a better environment for structure and focus, rather than just a space full of distractions in the kitchen.
Despite having only recently emerged as a trend, we’ve been creating and designing ‘broken-plan’ kitchens for years.
In this space-saving kitchen, we knocked down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to enhance the light and fluidity of the space. The dining area was positioned just around the corner from the kitchen work space though, to identify two very distinct areas.
For this super stylish kitchen, designed with social soirees in mind, we implemented a bubble wall to create the feeling of two very distinct spaces. The colour changing LED light wall helped separate the catering area of the kitchen from the chillout part, without the need for a solid block of structure.
If you like the sound of the new ‘broken-plan’ kitchen, why not get to work on a brand new designer living space today? At Kitchen Design Centre, we can help turn your designs and dreams into a reality with top materials, finishes, appliances, and design features. Drop into your nearest kitchen showroom today to browse some of our recent work or talk to one of our designers.
Our Summer Sale is officially ON! ✨
If you’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen, there’s never been a better time to make it happen. From timeless designs to modern family spaces, now is the perfect opportunity to save on the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Visit our showroom or link in bio to get in touch to find out more.
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
Kitchen Design Centre is proud to feature on George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds which features Katherine and Andrew’s Manchester build this Thursday 11 June , 8pm, CH4
We can’t wait to watch it!
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