Open plan kitchen and living room with a BIM model for download

Today there is an increasing demand for the design of unique, open and fluid spaces.

In this article we weill focus on how to design a kitchen-living room open space: advantages, disadvantages and useful tips to have a proportionate and functional space that complies with current regulations.

I will also provide you with some diagrams, examples and the 3D file of the design of an open space that I created with 3D/BIM building design software.

How to design an open plan with Edificius

The image above gives you an idea of the astonishing result!

Feel free to download the example of an open plan kitchen and living room design and get familiar with how easy it is to get photorealistic images just like the one shared with you.

Open plan kitchen and living room layouts and types

Open plan kitchen and living room is a popular design choice for modern homes where barriers, such as walls and doors, are eliminated and distinct functional areas are integrated into a single shared space.

The open plan kitchen and living room describes a scenario where:

• existing interior spaces are reconfigured by merging two rooms that were originally conceived as separate
• a single kitchen-living room environment is designed from scratch.

Depending on your needs and the spaces available, it is possible to design an open plan with kitchen and living room that is:

• fully integrated
• partially integrated.

In case of pre-existing environments, to obtain an open plan with fully integrated kitchen and living room (diagram 1 – 3) it is necessary to verify that it is possible to completely demolish the partitions separating the two environments.

How to design and open kitchen living room | Render produced with Edificius

In case of frame structures, the actual position of columns should be assessed so as to organize the space, thus avoiding any interference with existing structural elements. Hence, reviewing the building’s structural layout will avoid to come across unexpected events that could compromise the quality and functionality of the spaces to be designed during demolition works.

In case of a structure with load-bearing walls, openings must be designed in sufficiently large rooms to obtain the perception of a single space. Once the feasibility of the intervention has been established, it will be possible to proceed with the project design phase.

2D floor kitchen and living room – Scheme 1 | BIM architectural design software Edificius

The great challenge when designing a functional open plan kitchen and living room is to obtain a large but non-dispersive environment that preserves stylistic coherence. If the environment is very large, it is better to avoid false ceiling installation that further lower the inter-floor height, making the environment not proportioned.

Knocking through between an existing kitchen and living room to generate a single environment requires selecting furniture that adapts to different functions. For example, using kitchen islands or peninsulas can result very handy while making an efficient use of the space. In addition, they can work as equipped cooking surfaces, be suitable for dining and also represent a division element between the cooking area and the dining / living area, or serve as a bar counter for breakfast or aperitifs with friends.

Generally speaking, when separating areas, it is advisable not to use furniture that is too high but rather to opt for lighter and more creative solutions. In some cases, in fact, it is also sufficient to just add carpets, low-level furniture and a false ceiling.

2D floor plan an open plan – Scheme 2 | BIM architectural design software Edificius

If you prefer to have two adjoining rooms that still maintain some privacy, or if you are facing structural constraints that cannot be overcome, it would be more appropriate to design an open plan with a partially integrated kitchen and living room.

In this case, flexible design solutions can be pursued to guarantee more privacy, when needed. The kitchen and the living area can, for example, be separated by retractable sliding doors or by movable walls. The space thus obtained will be multi-functional and adaptable to any type of situation.

This instance is shown in diagram 2. The kitchen and living room are separated by a low wall that works as a supporting element both to the kitchen and the sofa in the relaxation area. The two functions are contiguous and connected but retain a certain visual privacy, developing along two opposite perspective directions. Specifically, furnishings are positioned along the back (kitchen and sofa), so that those using them at the same time, look at opposite sides of the room, avoiding mutual visual interference.

Design an open space – Scheme 3 | Fully integrated kitchen and living room

Scheme 3 represents the case of an open space project with fully integrated functions. The environment is a single space and the characteristics of the different areas are determined by furnishing elements. The wall, which is equipped with shelves and tv furniture, defines the areas space and connects them perfectly.

Designing an open plan: pros and cons

A multi-functional open plan kitchen and living room allows for many household activities and cretaes a family friendly environment. Now people want the kitchen to be an active part of their home, and open concept kitchen are by far a very popular choice today.

Pros of an open plan kitchen and living room, that can be managed during planning phase, are:

• brighter environments
• space optimization
• more usable and functional spaces
• greater sharing and interaction between users
• more flexible, dynamic and modern spaces.

Open space project | interior render

Cons of an open plan kitchen and living room are:

• lack of privacy
• less vertical partitions to place furniture
• interference between different domestic activities
• spread of noises, smell and fumes from the kitchen throughout the living area.

Finding creative solutions that can enhance quality and reduce cons will be a major challenge for the designer.

5  fundamental rules to design an open plan kitchen and living room

Summarizing, here is a list of some good design rules to consider when designing an open plan:

• prefer multi-functional furnishings that adapt to a practical kitchen and are consistent with the style chosen
• create a fluid space characterized by movable elements (doors or walls)
• differentiate the various areas of the open plan (reading area, relaxation area, dining room, kitchen, etc.) with false ceilings, low-level furniture or carpets
• in the event of renovation, verify the position of existing structural elements (columns, beams, load-bearing walls, etc.) to avoid unexpected interference during works.

Designing an open space: between creativity, functionality, and AI innovation

The modern open space is not simply a large area without walls, but a fluid space that must respond to diverse needs for comfort, productivity, privacy, and sustainability.

Thanks to the integration of Artificial Intelligence, the designer can simultaneously analyze complex parameters such as natural lighting, acoustics, movement flows, and the needs for flexible division of spaces. Tools like the AI architecture generators allow for the simulation of dynamic configurations, optimizing the arrangement of furnishings and materials to create spaces that evolve with those who inhabit them.

In particular, AI-enhanced BIM enables predictive design of open spaces: anticipating future needs, optimizing resource use, and ensuring sustainable management over time. This integrated approach not only accelerates design timelines but also allows for the creation of tailored environments where well-being and efficiency are the result of intelligent, empathetic, and increasingly data-driven design.

3D ImageRendered Image

The rendered image shown here was created with usBIM.codesign AI.

How AI can help generate design ideas from sketches, photos, or textual requests

Generative AI is revolutionizing the concept design of open spaces, allowing designers to quickly transform sketches, photographs, or simple textual descriptions into concrete design proposals. Through advanced algorithms, it is possible to input even minimal data and receive detailed concepts in response that take into account functional and aesthetic needs.

By uploading a photo of an existing environment or verbally describing the project needs, AI can develop creative solutions that interpret the design intent, translating it into photorealistic renders with immediate visual impact.

The use of AI in interior design will lead to a revolution in the industry with significant renewal and simplification of operations.

Utility in the preliminary phase to explore styles, materials, and layouts

During the preliminary design phase, generative AI proves to be a tool of great strategic value. It allows for the rapid exploration of a wide range of architectural styles – from minimalist to industrial, from natural to contemporary – testing different material palettes and evaluating various spatial configurations. Thanks to its ability to analyze complex parameters such as natural lighting, furnishing style, etc., AI algorithms offer innovative design scenarios with high added value, reducing the time and resources typically required in traditional concept design phases.

Possibility of obtaining alternative proposals in a few minutes

One of the most revolutionary aspects of generative AI is speed: in just a few minutes, numerous design alternatives can be generated, each optimized based on the defined constraints and preferences. This allows designers to quickly present clients with a wide range of options, stimulating discussion and facilitating a more participatory and informed decision-making process. Furthermore, thanks to integration with BIM, the generated solutions can subsequently be developed and implemented in the execution models, ensuring a smooth continuity between the creative phase and the technical phase. AI, therefore, does not replace human talent but amplifies it, opening new possibilities for innovation and customization in the design of open spaces.

A pratical example

The case study below is a practical example that can guide you when designing an open plan. Let’s suppose we have a space with a rectangular floor plan and access on the long side, located in a central position.

Open plan design | Floor plan

Since the entrance naturally divides the whole space into two areas, we have a kitchen on the right and the living area on the opposite side. The kitchen is located on the longer side of the floor plan and has a parallel multifunctional island. The L-shaped island has a wooden top that can be used for dining.

Open plan design | cross section

Along the kitchen opposite wall, there is a wall equipped with built-in wardrobes that offer wide room for storing food, small appliances and dishes. The wardrobes also develop towards the living area, creating continuity between the kitchen area and the living area. A resin fireplace with cement effect, a white leather sofa and a large glass dining table are the main elements of the living area. The large full-height windows give a modern touch to the whole environment.

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Download the 3D BIM model (.edf file) of an open kitchen living room

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Presentation Slides Open plan kitchen and living room

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FAQ for designing an open space

What are the advantages of designing an open space kitchen-living room?

The main advantages are brighter environments, space optimization, greater usability and functionality, increased interaction among users, and flexible and contemporary spaces.

What are the disadvantages of an open space kitchen-living room?

The main disadvantages include a lack of privacy, less surface area for placing furniture, interference between domestic activities, and the spread of noise, odors, and fumes from the kitchen.

How to design an open space kitchen-living room?

To design an open space, it is important to evaluate the possibility of demolishing partitions or creating openings between the kitchen and living room, organizing the furnishings with multifunctional elements, respecting the minimum air-light ratio required by regulations, and integrating flexible solutions such as sliding doors or movable walls.

What are the fundamental rules for designing an open space?

The main rules are: use multifunctional furniture, create fluid spaces with movable elements, differentiate zones through furnishings or false ceilings, respect air-light ratios, and carefully analyze the position of existing structural elements.

How can artificial intelligence help in designing an open space?

Artificial intelligence is very helpful as it generates design solutions based on the analysis of various parameters such as lighting, furnishings, style, etc., starting from sketches, photos, or textual descriptions, and quickly offers layout, material, and style alternatives in just a few minutes.

What is the difference between a fully integrated open space and a partially integrated one?

In a fully integrated open space, the kitchen and living room are completely merged into a single environment, while in a partially integrated open space, light separation elements (such as low walls or sliding doors) are maintained to ensure greater privacy and flexibility.