Is broken-plan the new
open-plan?

In recent years homeowners and property developers have embraced the trend for open-plan living spaces, viewed as a more communal living environment that encourages interaction and conversation amongst occupants. Structurally it can bestow a room with more natural light, improving views and creating more spacious surroundings.

There are many benefits to a more open-plan lifestyle. However, challenges can arise when different areas become direct competitors. For example, an acceptable level of TV volume is fighting with noise in the kitchen from dinner being made, or movement around the living room is distracting personal tablet viewing at the dining table.

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Of course, you could always retreat to your bedroom, but that completely misses the point of open-plan living!

To achieve a more harmonious balance, a ‘broken-plan’ environment can provide more natural divisions and the feeling of personal areas. Through the use of bookcases, glass-sliding doors, split-levels, fireplaces or half dividing walls, zones can be created that don’t break the flow of the space but allow lines-of-sight to be interrupted and noise dampened

Visit one of our studios and talk to one of our designers about how to best plan your space. It’s never too early to start researching a project. For more ideas please see the inspiration page or download our brochure.