Planning an Open Plan Kitchen-diner

Why have a kitchen-diner?

We all want a kitchen-diner, whether its family-sized or petite. After all, not only is a dining area highly practical it's also one of the first things buyers will look for when the time comes to sell up. Knocking through a dining room to make an open-plan kitchen is worth the investment and even fitting a breakfast bar in a small kitchen is a very good move.

What goes where?

If possible, your eating area should always be nearest the garden. If you live in a flat, put the table near the windows. If you do have a garden you'll have the option of installing French or concertina doors, which means you can open up your kitchen to the outside space.

Table moves

Where you put the table is dictated by how your units are configured. In a large, rectangular room, it makes sense to put units down two adjacent sides, and the table just off centre. In a smaller room, you might be limited to a breakfast bar, either as part of a kitchen island or as a narrow shelf against a wall. Don't buy a table or put in a breakfast bar that's too big for the room - allow a good metre between the units and the chairs. Need to save space? Oval or circular tables take up less room.

Work the colour

Lighter colours - for both walls and units - will naturally make the room appear bigger and brighter. You needn't be limited to light shades either - dark woods such as wenge give a formal feel, which is ideal if you're into posh dinner parties. Lighter woods have rustic charm while industrial stainless steel gives your room all the kudos of a professional kitchen.

Lighting rules

Good lighting in a kitchen is always a given - you'll need task lighting above your cooking and prep areas but go for low-level lighting over the dining area so you can vary the mood. Failing that, dimmer switches for the main overhead lights are a must. As for ventilation, it's very important in a kitchen-diner so investing in a good-looking (or concealed) efficient cooker hood will be money well spent.

Details

Home comforts, such as a stove, an armchair, sofa, pictures or even a low table with a lamp go a long way to personalising a kitchen. Bear in mind that this room will be used a lot so wall coverings or paints, fabrics and tabletops should be able to wipe clean easily, while chair and sofa covers should be removable and washable, and rugs easily cleaned.