So, what does open plan mean? In an open plan design, rooms that may have traditionally been separate, such as a kitchen and dining room, or a family / TV room, are merged to become larger, more open living area.
Our homes are designed to offer a choice of open plan layouts, so there will be no need to adapt your lifestyle or knock down walls to create the space you crave.
If you’ve visited a show home at one of our developments across the country, you’ll be able to spot some of our award-winning interiors. Our in-house interior design team has put together their top tips for open plan styling, including decor ideas for new builds and how to refresh your décor with the seasons.
What are the benefits of open plan living?
Open plan interior design has been around since the 1950s but has grown in popularity since the 70s.
The design encourages a sense of flow through your home, making it feel more spacious and enhancing the natural light - a hallmark of all our homes. It also provides a space to spend time with family and friends, where you can cook, eat and relax without being separated across different rooms. And when you want to spread out a little more, our homes also feature separate lounges and spacious bedrooms that can double up as hobby rooms and playrooms or study or work spaces when needed.
Open plan design tips
Many new homes, like those in our Heritage Collection, are built with an open plan design, with large kitchen, dining and living areas, patio doors out to the garden that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, and large windows to encourage more natural light. Our interior designers love zoning areas within our show homes using blocks of colour on the walls or adding a sisal rug over tiled flooring to create a cosier feel in the family seating area.
Read on for advice from our interior designer, Alysha Alli, around designing your dream home interior once you’ve moved in.
Colour schemes for open plan homes
When it comes to choosing the perfect interior design trends or paint colours for open plan homes, the right tones can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Embracing the concept of open plan living means creating a harmonious flow between different areas and colour plays a pivotal role in achieving this.
Alysha said: “Selecting paint colours that complement each other can enhance the sense of unity while allowing each zone within your open plan area to take on an individual character.
“Consider adding bolder hues such as warm rich brown tones or mossy greens to wrap around your whole family area and into the kitchen dining space also. To add depth and personality, add coordinating accent colours through furniture, artwork, and ceramics.
“Remember, the beauty of open plan colour schemes lies in their versatility. Whether you prefer a calming palette that promotes relaxation or vibrant tones that inspire creativity, your new home is a blank canvas to create a design that is personal to you.”
Open plan lighting schemes
Making the right lighting choices can transform an expansive open plan area into an inviting sanctuary, and can help to transform your home décor. When considering the best lights for open plan rooms, it’s essential to think about how different zones interact and what they will be used for while considering the overall aesthetic to ensure it is cohesive.
Alysha said: “For open plan kitchens, pendant lights can serve as stunning focal points above islands or dining tables, providing both task lighting and an element of style. In contrast, recessed ceiling lights offer a sleek solution that keeps the space feeling airy and can more closely mimic natural light.
“For open plan living rooms, consider layering your lighting with wall lights and floor and table lamps to create warmth and intimacy without sacrificing the spacious feel.
“Embrace the versatility of your open plan layout by experimenting with various light sources. Dimmable options allow you to adjust the ambiance according to your mood or occasion — whether it’s a lively dinner party or a quiet evening in. With thoughtful planning and creativity, you can illuminate your home in ways that not only enhance its beauty but also enrich your everyday life.”
My Redrow is the members’ only area of our website and the place you can select all of your interior options and upgrades to your new home, including a wide range of lighting choices.
How to choose the best furniture for open plan homes
Choosing the right furniture for your open plan home is key to creating a room that functions seamlessly and looks impeccable.
When furnishing new homes, consider how each item will contribute to the overall look and practicality of your space. For an open plan living room, consider flexible modular sofas that can be rearranged to suit different occasions. Complement these with coffee tables that double as storage solutions to help keep clutter at bay.
In the kitchen and dining area, choose furniture that enhances both form and function. A large dining table can serve as a central gathering point for family meals or entertaining guests such as in our four-bedroom homes like The Chester, where the dining table zones the space in front of the patio doors.
Alysha said: “Look for designs that harmonise with your kitchen's style — whether it's sleek contemporary lines or shaker style —to ensure cohesion throughout the space. Nature can serve as the inspiration for your dining table, particularly where you have French or bi-fold doors that can open into the garden. Consider furniture in a rich wenge or mango wood to create a practical, warm and inviting place to dine together. Add an abundance of plants and natural greenery to complete the space.
“Ultimately, let your personal style shine through in every choice you make. Embrace bold colours or textures if they resonate with you. By thoughtfully selecting furniture tailored to open plan living, you'll create a warm and inspiring environment that reflects who you are.”
Choose your dream property from your chosen Redrow development and book a show home viewing to find your dream open plan space.
