15 Gorgeous Open Plan Kitchen Styles to Try Now

Remember when kitchens were those closed-off boxes where moms would disappear to cook while everyone else gathered in the living room? Yeah, those days are long gone, and honestly, good riddance.

My first apartment had one of those cave-like kitchens, and I spent more time running back and forth than actually cooking.

Open plan kitchens have completely changed how we live, cook, and entertain. They’re not just about knocking down walls (though that’s pretty satisfying to watch).

They’re about creating spaces where life happens – where you can flip pancakes while helping kids with homework, or prep dinner while catching up with friends perched at your counter.

I’ve lived with, designed, and drooled over dozens of open plan kitchens, and let me tell you, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re working with a shoebox apartment or a sprawling suburban home, there’s an open plan design that’ll transform how you use your space.

Ready to explore some ideas that’ll have you calling your contractor before you finish reading? Let’s get into it.

Minimalist Open Plan Kitchen with Hidden Storage

Minimalism doesn’t mean living with three forks and a single plate (though if that’s your thing, respect). It means creating a space where every element has purpose and clutter has nowhere to hide. Well, actually, it has everywhere to hide – that’s the genius part.

I learned this lesson the hard way after my first attempt at a minimalist kitchen. Turns out, simply painting everything white and calling it minimal doesn’t work when your counters are covered in appliances and yesterday’s mail. The secret? Hidden storage that would make a magician jealous.

Think toe-kick drawers for baking sheets, appliance garages that make your coffee maker disappear, and panel-ready dishwashers that blend seamlessly into your cabinetry. My favorite trick? Full-height pantry cabinets that look like regular walls when closed. Guests always do a double-take when I open what looks like a wall to reveal my snack stash.

Storage Solutions That Actually Work

Here’s what I’ve found works best for maintaining that clean aesthetic:

• Push-to-open cabinets eliminate the need for handles
• Drawer organizers keep utensils from becoming a jumbled mess
• Pull-out trash bins hide the ugliest necessity
• Ceiling-mounted pot racks (if your ceiling is high enough)

The key is planning your storage around how you actually use your kitchen. Do you bake every weekend? Dedicate a hidden station for your mixer and supplies. Smoothie fanatic? Create a breakfast station that closes away completely.

Scandinavian Light Wood Open Kitchen Layout

Scandinavian design makes me want to move to Stockholm, knit sweaters, and drink coffee all day. There’s something about those light wood tones and clean lines that just feels like a warm hug for your home. And before you ask – no, you don’t need to be Nordic to nail this look.

My neighbor transformed her dated 90s kitchen into a Scandi dream, and watching the process taught me everything about this style. Light oak cabinets, white countertops, and absolutely no upper cabinets on one wall. The openness is almost therapeutic. She added floating shelves to display her collection of handmade ceramics, and suddenly her kitchen became the neighborhood’s favorite gathering spot.

The magic of Scandinavian open kitchens lies in their balance of warmth and simplicity. Light woods like birch, ash, or white oak create warmth without heaviness. Pair them with white walls and black accents, and you’ve got that signature Scandi contrast that makes everything pop.

Essential Elements for Scandi Success

To nail the Scandinavian vibe:

• Natural materials only – wood, stone, linen, wool
• Maximize natural light (add windows if possible)
• Keep the color palette neutral with occasional plant green
• Invest in quality over quantity for everything

Industrial Loft-Style Open Kitchen Design

Want to feel like you live in a converted Brooklyn warehouse without the Brooklyn rent prices? Industrial open kitchens bring that raw, urban edge to any space. And yes, you can totally pull this off in suburbia – I’ve seen it done brilliantly.

The first time I walked into a true industrial kitchen, I literally stopped in my tracks. Exposed brick, steel beams, concrete counters – it was like the space was flexing its architectural muscles. But here’s what surprised me: despite all that hard material, it felt incredibly inviting. The open plan softened the industrial elements, creating this perfect sweet-and-salty vibe.

Creating an industrial look starts with embracing imperfection. That means celebrating exposed pipes, showing off structural elements, and choosing materials that get better with age. Stainless steel appliances aren’t just practical here – they’re part of the aesthetic.

Getting the Industrial Balance Right

Key elements that make industrial kitchens work:

• Mix hard materials with softer elements (like wood or plants)
• Black metal frames for windows, shelving, and lighting
• Open shelving to display dishes and glassware
• Edison bulb fixtures or minimalist pendants

Also Read: 15 Stylish Open Kitchen Partition Ideas for Modern Living

Modern Farmhouse Open Plan Kitchen

Modern farmhouse is what happens when rustic charm meets contemporary convenience. It’s like your grandmother’s kitchen went to design school and came back with better taste. This style has exploded in popularity, and TBH, I totally get why.

I fell for modern farmhouse when helping my cousin renovate her kitchen. We kept the original hardwood floors but added a massive white shiplap island that seats six. The contrast between rustic elements and sleek appliances creates this timeless-yet-current feel that just works.

The beauty of modern farmhouse in an open plan is how it naturally flows into living spaces. Those warm wood tones and comfortable textures make the kitchen feel less like a workspace and more like the heart of the home. Which, let’s be honest, it totally is.

Modern Farmhouse Must-Haves

Elements that define the modern farmhouse look:

• Apron-front sinks (because obviously)
• Mixed metals – think black iron with brass accents
• Open shelving with brackets
• Natural wood elements balanced with painted cabinets

Open Kitchen with Breakfast Bar Divider

Breakfast bars are the multitaskers of the kitchen world. They divide space, provide seating, add storage, and give you somewhere to hide the mess when unexpected guests arrive. What’s not to love?

My breakfast bar has saved my sanity more times than I can count. It creates just enough separation between cooking and living areas while keeping everything connected. The bar-height counter perfectly hides dirty dishes from the living room view – a feature I may or may not have specifically requested during design.

The trick with breakfast bars is getting the dimensions right. Too narrow and nobody wants to sit there. Too wide and it becomes a barrier instead of a connector. 12-15 inches of overhang is the sweet spot for comfortable seating without knee-banging.

Designing Your Perfect Breakfast Bar

Consider these factors:

• Height matters – standard is 42 inches, but consider your family’s needs
• Waterfall edges look amazing but cost more
• Built-in storage underneath maximizes function
• Good lighting is crucial – pendant lights are perfect here

Compact Open Kitchen for Small Apartments

Who says you need a McMansion for an open plan kitchen? Some of the most ingenious open kitchens I’ve seen squeeze into tiny apartments. It’s all about working smarter, not larger.

I once helped a friend design a kitchen in a 500-square-foot studio. We used a peninsula instead of an island, incorporated a dining table that doubled as prep space, and chose appliances scaled for the space. The result? A kitchen that felt twice its actual size and functioned beautifully.

Small open kitchens require ruthless editing. Every item needs to earn its spot. That fancy pasta maker you used once? Time to let it go. The key is vertical storage, multifunctional pieces, and a layout that maximizes every square inch.

Small Space, Big Impact Tips

Making compact kitchens work:

• 24-inch deep counters instead of standard 25-inch save precious inches
• Magnetic knife strips free up counter space
• Ceiling-mounted dish racks double as decoration
• Single bowl sinks often work better than double

Also Read: 15 Elegant Open Shelving in the Kitchen Ideas to Try

Open Plan Kitchen with Statement Island

Islands are the celebrities of open plan kitchens – they demand attention and usually deserve it. A statement island can define your entire space, serving as sculpture, workspace, and social hub all at once.

My dream came true last year when I finally got my statement island. Waterfall marble sides, built-in wine fridge, and enough seating for impromptu dinner parties. Is it extra? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Not for a second. The island has become command central for everything from homework to holiday cookie decorating.

Statement islands work because they give open plans a focal point. Without walls to define spaces, the island becomes your anchor. Choose materials and colors that complement but don’t match your main cabinets for maximum impact.

Creating Your Statement Piece

Elements that make islands stand out:

• Contrasting colors or materials from main cabinets
• Unique countertop materials (think butcher block or concrete)
• Built-in appliances or specialized storage
• Decorative legs or supports for furniture-like appeal

Coastal-Inspired Open Kitchen Space

Coastal kitchens make me want to walk barefoot and eat fish tacos every day. They bring that breezy, vacation vibe home, minus the sand in uncomfortable places. And no, you don’t need an ocean view to pull this off.

I designed a coastal kitchen for landlocked clients who missed their beach hometown. We used weathered wood, sea glass tiles, and enough white to make a sail jealous. The open plan amplified the airy feel, making their suburban home feel like a beach cottage.

Coastal design thrives on natural light and organic textures. Think driftwood finishes, rope details, and colors pulled straight from beach photos. The open plan format lets these elements breathe and prevents the theme from feeling forced.

Bringing the Beach Home

Key coastal elements:

• Light, bleached wood tones for flooring and accents
• Blue and green glass tiles for backsplashes
• Natural fiber rugs and window treatments
• Open shelving to display beach finds and glassware

Open Kitchen and Living Room with Glass Partition

Glass partitions are having a moment, and honestly, it’s about time. They solve the eternal open plan dilemma: how to keep spaces connected while controlling sound and smells. It’s like having your cake and eating it without the whole house smelling like cake.

I installed a steel-framed glass partition between my kitchen and living room last year, and it’s been game-changing. I can fry fish without fumigating the entire house, yet still see and talk to people in the living room. The thin black frames add this sophisticated industrial touch that makes the whole space feel more expensive than it was.

Glass partitions work especially well in smaller homes where visual connection is crucial for spaciousness. They maintain sight lines while providing practical separation. Plus, they’re basically a giant window between rooms – how cool is that?

Glass Partition Considerations

Things to think about:

• Frame color and thickness dramatically affect the look
• Tempered glass is a must for safety
• Consider opening windows or doors within the partition
• Sliding panels offer flexibility

Also Read: 15 Elegant Open Floor Plan Living Room and Kitchen Looks

Luxury Marble Open Concept Kitchen

Let’s talk marble, because if you’re going luxury, you might as well go all out. Marble kitchens are the Ferraris of the design world – stunning, high-maintenance, and totally worth it if you can swing it.

I’ll never forget walking into a friend’s newly renovated marble kitchen. Calacatta Gold countertops, full backsplash, and waterfall island – it was like cooking in an art gallery. Sure, marble requires babying (red wine is basically its kryptonite), but the elegance it brings to an open plan is unmatched.

The trick with marble in open plans is balance. Too much and your kitchen looks like a mausoleum. The sweet spot? Feature marble on the island and backsplash, then balance with warmer materials elsewhere.

Living with Luxury Marble

Reality check for marble lovers:

• Seal it religiously – every 6-12 months
• Keep cutting boards handy to prevent etching
• Embrace patina – perfection is overrated
• Consider honed finish for less maintenance

Open Plan Kitchen with Warm Earthy Tones

Earthy tones are like a warm hug for your kitchen. They create spaces that feel grounded, welcoming, and timeless. Think terracotta, ochre, sage, and all those colors that make you want to make soup and bake bread.

My sister’s earthy kitchen convinced me of the power of warm tones. She combined rust-colored lower cabinets with natural wood uppers, added a terracotta tile backsplash, and suddenly her kitchen felt like it belonged in a Tuscan villa. In Ohio. In winter. That’s the magic of color, folks.

Earthy tones work brilliantly in open plans because they flow naturally into living spaces. These colors don’t shout for attention – they create a backdrop for life to happen.

Working with Warm Tones

Tips for earthy success:

• Layer different shades of the same color family
• Balance warm tones with plenty of white or cream
• Natural materials enhance the earthiness
• Don’t forget texture – it’s crucial with neutral palettes

Mid-Century Modern Open Kitchen Layout

Mid-century modern is like the cool aunt of design styles – effortlessly chic, slightly rebellious, and always relevant. These kitchens celebrate clean lines, functional beauty, and that optimistic post-war spirit that believed the future would be awesome.

I grew up in a mid-century house and spent years hating those original cabinets. Now? I’d kill for them. Flat-panel doors, integrated handles, and mixed materials create a look that feels both vintage and contemporary. The open plan format was basically invented for mid-century homes – they were all about flowing spaces and indoor-outdoor living.

Creating a mid-century kitchen today means respecting the style’s principles while embracing modern conveniences. Keep lines clean, colors bold but limited, and let function drive form.

Nailing Mid-Century Style

Essential mid-century elements:

• Walnut or teak wood tones (or convincing lookalikes)
• Bold accent colors – orange, turquoise, mustard
• Mixed materials like wood, laminate, and metal
• Geometric patterns used sparingly

Open Kitchen with Skylight and Natural Light

Natural light can make or break an open plan kitchen. Skylights? They’re like cheat codes for amazing spaces. They flood your kitchen with light, make everything look better, and give you something to stare at while washing dishes.

I added skylights during my kitchen renovation, and honestly, they transformed everything. Morning coffee under natural light hits different. The way light moves across the space throughout the day creates this living, breathing quality that artificial light can’t match.

Positioning is everything with skylights. You want them where they’ll provide maximum light without creating glare or heat issues. North-facing skylights provide consistent, gentle light, while south-facing ones can turn your kitchen into a greenhouse (ask me how I know).

Maximizing Natural Light

Beyond skylights, consider:

• Light tubes for spaces where traditional skylights won’t work
• Larger windows wherever possible
• Light-reflecting surfaces and colors
• Mirrors strategically placed to bounce light

Contemporary Black and White Open Plan Kitchen

Black and white kitchens are the little black dress of interior design – always stylish, never dated, goes with everything. But contemporary black and white? That’s next level sophistication.

My best friend went full monochrome in her kitchen renovation, and the result is stunning. Matte black lower cabinets, glossy white uppers, and a marble backsplash that ties it all together. It’s dramatic without being overwhelming, sophisticated without being cold.

The key to contemporary black and white is playing with textures and finishes. Mix matte with glossy, smooth with textured. The contrast creates visual interest that keeps the space from feeling flat.

Black and White Done Right

Success strategies:

• 60-30-10 rule – 60% white, 30% black, 10% accent
• Mix finishes to add depth
• Use pattern sparingly but effectively
• Warm it up with wood or brass accents

Open Kitchen with Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Indoor-outdoor kitchens make me irrationally happy. There’s something about cooking with doors flung open, breeze flowing through, that makes even mundane meals feel special. It’s like camping, but with a dishwasher.

I experienced the ultimate indoor-outdoor kitchen at a friend’s California home. Sliding glass walls that completely disappeared, counters that extended outside, and a layout that made the patio feel like part of the kitchen. Even in less temperate climates, this concept works with the right design.

Creating seamless flow requires thinking beyond just adding doors. Match flooring materials (or use similar ones), extend counter heights outside, and coordinate indoor and outdoor lighting. The goal is making the transition invisible.

Bringing the Outside In

Key elements for seamless flow:

• Consistent flooring transitions
• Window walls or large sliding doors
• Outdoor kitchen elements that mirror indoor ones
• Weather-resistant materials near openings

The Open Plan Revolution Continues

So there you have it – 15 ways to embrace the open plan life. Whether you’re team minimalist or maximalist, contemporary or traditional, there’s an open kitchen design that’ll make your space sing. The beauty of open plans?

They’re not just about aesthetics (though looking good doesn’t hurt). They’re about creating spaces where life happens naturally, where cooking becomes a social activity, and where your kitchen truly becomes the heart of your home.

The best open plan kitchen is one that works for your life. Love entertaining? Focus on flow and seating. Serious cook? Prioritize function and professional features.

Just want a pretty space for your takeout containers? No judgment here – make it gorgeous 🙂

Remember, knocking down walls is just the beginning. The magic happens when you create a space that reflects how you actually live, cook, and gather.

Whether that’s a minimalist sanctuary or a marble showpiece, the perfect open plan kitchen is the one that makes you want to spend time in it.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this kitchen talk has made me hungry. Time to go cook something in my very open, slightly messy, absolutely perfect kitchen. Who’s joining me for dinner?