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Embracing Open Plan Living in Surrey Properties

Tue 05 Nov 2024

Over the past decade, the combined kitchen, dining, and family room layout has taken the UK housing market by storm. This sought-after design not only creates a communal space for family activities but also adds versatility and potential value to homes.  

According to a study by Resi Happy Homes open-plan kitchens are shown to boost social connection and overall home happiness, with 65% of the study participants valuing shared living spaces for relaxation and bonding. This trend, along with adaptability and minimal barriers, supports modern lifestyle needs, making open-plan kitchens both highly valued and desirable for many UK homeowners looking to enhance their home environment.

Let’s explore why this trend is so popular, whether it adds value, the costs involved, and what to consider before undertaking such a renovation.

The Popularity of Open Plan Kitchen-Diner-Family Rooms

  • Functionality and Flow: The open-plan layout allows for a seamless flow, where family members can cook, dine, relax, or work all in one spacious area. This design encourages interaction, making it ideal for families who want to spend more time together, even if they’re doing different things.
  • A Space for Every Purpose: Features like a central island or breakfast bar transform the kitchen into a social hub. People can enjoy a quick meal, help with cooking, or catch up over coffee. Islands are particularly popular, as they create a comfortable division between the kitchen and living areas, without obstructing the flow of space.

Does an Open-Plan Kitchen Add Value to Your Home?

  • Higher Market Appeal:  Homes with an open-plan kitchen-diner-family room often attract buyers looking for modern living solutions. For Surrey homeowners, this feature can add considerable appeal in areas like East Horsley, Woking, and Ripley, where many buyers are seeking comfortable yet contemporary family-friendly homes.
  • Estimated Value Increase: Industry estimates suggest that open-plan kitchens can boost property value by up to 5-10%, especially in regions where such layouts are highly desirable. However, this depends on the quality of the renovation and the overall appeal of the rest of the home.  We certainly find that the requirement for 'open plan living' is one of the most sought-after home features and we're always delighted when a home with a well-designed kitchen-family room comes onto the market for sale or let, knowing it will attract a good amount of viewers.

Costs and Considerations for Renovating to Open-Plan Structural Modifications and Budgeting:

Converting a traditional kitchen into an open-plan space often involves removing walls or adding structural supports, especially in older homes. According to home improvement specialists, the average cost of an open-plan renovation in the UK can range from £15,000, for a smaller property, right up to £50,000, depending on the complexity and materials chosen. For Surrey properties with character, such as those in Shere Village or Bookham, these renovations can also involve balancing modern upgrades with preserving original charm.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For:

  1. Sound and Smell: The openness may lead to sounds and cooking smells travelling throughout the home. Installing good ventilation and soundproofing can mitigate these issues.
  2. Storage Needs: Traditional kitchens often have more dedicated storage space, so it’s wise to incorporate plenty of cabinetry in the new design.

Design Tips for an Ideal Kitchen/Diner/Family Space

  1. Define your Zones: Use flooring or subtle furniture placement to create natural divisions. For example, durable flooring in the kitchen area can contrast with softer, cosier options for the living zone.
  2. Minimal Clutter: Avoid overcrowding the space. Since open-plan designs thrive on airy, clean lines, too much furniture can disrupt the flow.
  3. Integrate Practical Features: Elements like breakfast bars, islands, and flexible seating create a multifunctional space that retains visual harmony.

Wills & Smerdon Properties Embracing the Trend

Our team at Wills & Smerdon has a selection of properties that beautifully embrace this open-plan lifestyle. These homes not only showcase spacious open-plan family rooms, but also feature stunning interiors, that cater to modern family needs.

Here are a few highlights:





View all of our properties for sale HERE or to let HERE

The open-plan kitchen/diner/family room trend is here to stay, offering UK homeowners a valuable mix of togetherness, functionality, and style. Connect with us to explore properties that could become the perfect backdrop for your family’s daily life.