Open Plan Living – Builders Share Their Best Renovation Advice

Open Plan Living – Builders Share Their Best Renovation Advice

BMNL

October 20, 2025 0 Comment

If you’ve been dreaming of knocking down a few walls and creating that perfect open plan living space, you’re not alone.

Open plan living has become as quintessentially Aussie as a backyard barbie, and for good reason.

It’s perfect for our laid-back lifestyle and makes the most of our gorgeous natural light, primarily when your renovation is supported with quality products from places like Melbourne Building Materials.

But before you grab a sledgehammer and go to town on your walls, let’s chat about some pearls of wisdom from Australia’s top builders on creating the ultimate open plan space.

The Open Plan Revolution

I remember the first time I worked on an open plan renovation. The homeowners were a bit nervous about taking down the walls separating their kitchen, dining, and living areas. “Won’t it feel too big?” they asked.

Fast forward to the reveal, and they couldn’t stop grinning. “It’s like we’ve got a whole new house!” they exclaimed, marveling at how the space seemed to bring the family closer together.

That’s the magic of open plan living – it’s not just about creating more space, it’s about creating more connection. So, let’s dive into some expert advice on how to nail your open plan renovation.

1. Start with a Solid Plan

Before you start swinging that sledgehammer, you need a rock-solid plan:

• Assess your home’s structure: Not all walls can come down. You’ll need a professional to identify load-bearing walls.
• Consider your lifestyle: How do you want to use the space? Are you big on entertaining or is it more about family time?
• Think about flow: Plan how people will move through the space.
• Future-proof your design: Consider how your needs might change in the coming years.

I once worked with a family who wanted to open up their ground floor.

We spent weeks planning, considering everything from where the kids would do their homework to how to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow for summer barbecues.

The result? A space that worked perfectly for their lifestyle and adapted as their kids grew older.

2. Let There Be Light

One of the biggest benefits of open plan living is the ability to maximise natural light:

• Consider the orientation of your home: North-facing living areas can make the most of natural light.
• Think about window placement: Large windows or sliding doors can flood your space with light.
• Use skylights or solar tubes: These can bring light into areas further from windows.
• Reflect light with mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can bounce light around the room.

In a recent project, we installed a series of skylights along the spine of the open plan area. The transformation was incredible – even on overcast days, the space felt bright and airy.

3. Zone Your Space

Just because it’s open plan doesn’t mean it should be one big, undefined area:

• Use furniture to create zones: A well-placed couch or bookshelf can define different areas without blocking sight lines.
• Consider different flooring: Changes in flooring material can subtly delineate spaces.
• Play with ceiling heights: Varying ceiling heights can create visual interest and define zones.
• Use lighting to your advantage: Different lighting schemes can help separate areas.

I worked on a home where we used a combination of polished concrete in the kitchen and warm timber flooring in the living area. The change in material created a natural division between the spaces while maintaining the open feel.

4. Don’t Forget About Storage

One challenge of open plan living is keeping the space tidy – everything is on display:

• Build in plenty of storage: Consider floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or hidden storage solutions.
• Create a butler’s pantry: This can keep kitchen mess out of sight.
• Use multi-functional furniture: Ottoman’s with storage or TV units with ample cabinetry can be lifesavers.
• Don’t overlook the details: Things like charging stations for devices can help keep clutter at bay.

In a recent Applecross renovation, we designed a stunning floor-to-ceiling storage wall that housed everything from the TV to the kids’ toys. It kept the open plan area clutter-free while adding a beautiful architectural element to the space.

5. Consider Acoustics

Open plan spaces can sometimes have issues with noise:

• Use soft furnishings: Rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture can help absorb sound.
• Consider acoustic panels: These can be designed to look like art while dampening noise.
• Think about flooring: Carpet or cork flooring can help reduce noise compared to hard surfaces.
• Use plants: Besides looking great, plants can help absorb sound.

I worked on a projec where the homeowners were concerned about noise from their open plan kitchen carrying to the living area. We installed a beautiful green wall between the spaces which not only looked stunning but also helped dampen the sound of kitchen appliances.

6. Make the Kitchen the Heart of the Home

In open plan living, the kitchen often becomes the focal point:

• Consider a kitchen island: It can serve as a prep area, eating space, and social hub.
• Think about the working triangle: Ensure the sink, stove, and fridge are positioned efficiently.
• Hide appliances: Integrated appliances can help the kitchen blend seamlessly with the living space.
• Plan your lighting: Good task lighting is crucial in the kitchen area.

In a home, we designed a stunning kitchen island with a waterfall edge. It became the centrepiece of the open plan area, perfect for casual meals, homework time, and entertaining.

7. Blur the Lines Between Indoors and Out

Australia’s climate is perfect for indoor-outdoor living:

• Consider large sliding or bi-fold doors: These can open up your living space to the outdoors.
• Align indoor and outdoor flooring: Using similar materials can create a seamless transition.
• Think about an outdoor kitchen: This can be a great addition for entertaining.
• Use similar color schemes: Coordinating your indoor and outdoor color palettes can create visual continuity.

I recently worked on a home where we installed floor-to-ceiling sliding doors across the entire back of the house. When open, the line between the living area and the backyard completely disappeared, creating an incredible space for summer entertaining.

8. Don’t Skimp on Heating and Cooling

Open plan spaces can be trickier to heat and cool effectively:

• Consider zoned air conditioning: This allows you to control the temperature in different areas.
• Think about ceiling fans: They can help circulate air and reduce energy costs.
• Use passive solar design principles: Proper orientation and shading can help regulate temperature naturally.
• Don’t forget about insulation: Good insulation is crucial in open plan spaces.

In a recent project, we installed a smart zoned air conditioning system that could be controlled via smartphone. The homeowners loved being able to adjust the temperature in different zones depending on where they were spending time.

9. Embrace Natural Materials

Natural materials can add warmth and texture to open plan spaces:

• Consider timber features: A timber ceiling or feature wall can add character.
• Use stone accents: Stone benchtops or a feature fireplace can create a focal point.
• Don’t forget about plants: Indoor plants can bring life to your space and improve air quality.
• Think about natural fibers: Jute rugs or linen curtains can add texture.

In a Cottesloe beach house, we used a combination of locally sourced timber and limestone to create a stunning open plan space that perfectly reflected its coastal location.

10. Plan Your Color Scheme Carefully

Color can help unite your open plan space:

• Consider a cohesive color palette: This doesn’t mean everything has to match, but colors should complement each other.
• Use color to define zones: Different color accents can help delineate areas.
• Think about the visual flow: Colors should lead the eye through the space.
• Don’t be afraid of white: A crisp white backdrop can make your space feel larger and brighter.

I worked with a color consultant on a project where we used a palette of soft coastal hues throughout the open plan area. The result was a space that felt cohesive yet had distinct zones for different activities.

11. Lighting is Key

Good lighting design is crucial in open plan spaces:

• Layer your lighting: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting.
• Consider dimmers: These allow you to adjust the mood of different areas.
• Think about natural light: Position workspaces near windows where possible.
• Don’t forget about night lighting: Consider how the space will look and function after dark.

In an apartment, we installed a smart lighting system that allowed the homeowners to create different ‘scenes’ for various activities – from bright and energizing for meal prep to soft and cozy for movie nights.

12. Future-Proof Your Design

Open plan living should be adaptable to your changing needs:

• Consider multi-functional spaces: A study nook that can be hidden away or a guest room that doubles as a home office.
• Think about aging in place: Wide doorways and level flooring can make your home accessible as you age.
• Plan for technology: Include plenty of power points and consider built-in charging stations.
• Allow for flexibility: Moveable partitions or sliding doors can allow you to close off areas when needed.

I worked with a young family in Nedlands on an open plan renovation that included a flexible space that could serve as a playroom, home office, or guest room as their needs changed over time.

13. Don’t Overlook the Details

It’s often the small touches that make a space truly special:

• Consider architectural features: Things like exposed beams or a feature staircase can add character.
• Think about your window treatments: These can have a big impact on the look and feel of your space.
• Don’t forget about hardware: Door handles, light switches, and tapware all contribute to the overall aesthetic.
• Consider built-in features: Things like a window seat or built-in bookshelves can add charm and functionality.

In a recent Claremont project, we restored the original ornate ceilings and paired them with modern finishes in the open plan space. The juxtaposition of old and new created a truly unique and personalized home.

Wrapping It Up

That’s inside scoop on creating a stunning open plan living space from some of the city’s top builders. Remember, open plan living is more than just knocking down a few walls.

It’s about creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, maximizes your home’s potential, and brings people together.

While open plan living can create a wonderful sense of space and connection, it’s crucial to plan carefully.Consider how you’ll use the space, how to define different zones, and how to manage practicalities like storage, acoustics, and temperature control. And don’t forget about the details – it’s often the finishing touches that turn a good space into a great one.

One of the best things about open plan living is its flexibility. As your needs change over time, your space can adapt with you. That family room might become a home office, or that dining area might transform into a homework zone.

The key is to create a versatile foundation that can evolve with your lifestyle.

Remember, every home is unique, and what works for one family might not work for another. That’s why it’s so important to work with experienced professionals who can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of open plan living.

They can help you create a space that’s not just beautiful and functional, but also truly reflects your personal style and way of life.

Here’s to creating spaces that bring us together, make the most of our beautiful light, and adapt to whatever life throws our way. Happy renovating!