Renovating a traditional cottage can be an exciting endeavour. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between the introduction of modern elements and the preservation of the dwelling’s characteristic charm. One of the most common modifications homeowners are drawn to is the creation of an open-plan living space, which can significantly enhance the flow of a house and create a sense of spaciousness. But how can you achieve this without compromising the unique charm of a UK cottage?
This guide will take you through the key components of designing an open-plan room in a cottage, focusing on the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. We’ll explore how you can utilise style, design, and clever uses of space to create a harmonious blend of the old with the new.
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Preserving the Charm of the Cottage Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and when opening up your floor plan, it’s essential to keep this in mind.
The key to designing a cottage kitchen lies in acknowledging the charm and rustic appeal of the existing structure. Instead of completely overhauling the kitchen, opt for an extension that allows for additional space. This extension can take the form of an island or breakfast bar, which not only serves as a dining area but also offers additional storage.
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The choice of furniture plays a vital role in maintaining the cottage feel. Instead of modern, sleek designs, go for traditional English style furniture. These often consist of heavy wooden pieces, which can add warmth and nostalgic charm to the space.
From a design perspective, consider the use of light. Traditional cottage kitchens usually have smaller windows. Enhance these natural light sources by using light-coloured paint or installing light fixtures that cast a warm and inviting glow.
Incorporating the Open Plan Living Area
The living area of your cottage house is the space where you and your family will spend most of your time. Therefore, it is essential to create an open, comfortable, and inviting space.
One of the easiest ways to create an open plan living space is to remove non-load bearing walls. Although this process will require professional assistance, it is a surefire way to create a sense of openness and fluidity between the kitchen and living room areas.
For furniture, go for pieces that are both comfortable and in line with the traditional cottage style. This might include large, plush sofas and wooden coffee tables. However, keep in mind the need for space. Avoid overcrowding the room with furniture – less is more in an open plan design.
In terms of style, try and maintain a consistent look throughout the space. This could mean opting for the same paint colour or using matching fabrics for the furniture.
To design this space, you might find inspiration on websites like Houzz. This platform offers a plethora of images and ideas for open plan living areas in cottage houses.
Designing the Open Plan Bathroom
The bathroom may not be the first room that comes to mind when thinking about open plan designs, but it can significantly benefit from this concept.
An open plan bathroom allows for a seamless transition from the bedroom to the bathroom, adding a sense of luxury and spaciousness to the overall design of the house. This design concept requires careful planning, as you will need to ensure privacy and functionality.
In terms of style, you can achieve a harmonious look by using similar materials and colours as those in the adjacent room. This could mean using the same floor tiles or matching the paint colours.
If privacy is a concern, consider using frosted glass or a half wall to divide the space. This will allow light to filter through while still providing a sense of separation. Alternatively, you could install a sliding door that can be left open when not in use.
Importance of Lighting in an Open Plan Design
Lighting plays a critical role in open plan designs. It not only sets the mood but also helps to define different zones within the open space.
For the kitchen area, consider installing task lights under the cabinets to illuminate the workspace. In the living area, a mixture of ambient and accent lighting can create a warm and cosy atmosphere.
Remember, natural light is your best friend in an open plan design. Large windows or skylights can fill the room with light, making it feel larger and more open. Consider installing light curtains or blinds that can be easily opened to let in as much light as possible.
In conclusion, designing an open-plan living area in a UK cottage requires a careful balance of modern elements and traditional charm. With careful planning and thoughtful design choices, you can create a space that is both functional and in keeping with the unique character of your cottage home.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a space that feels like home – a place where you and your family can relax, entertain, and simply enjoy being together.
Maximising the Use of Natural Light in Open-Plan Spaces
The use of natural light is a crucial element in the design of an open plan space, especially in a UK cottage. An abundance of natural light can make a room feel airy, spacious and welcoming.
Preserving the original windows of the cottage allows you to retain its cottage style; however, it’s necessary to maximise the amount of light they let in. If possible, consider enlarging existing windows or adding skylights in areas that lack sufficient illumination.
When it comes to window treatments, consider light, flowy fabrics rather than heavy drapes. This will allow more sunlight to pour into the room, enhancing the sense of spaciousness in your open-plan living area.
In addition, strategically placing mirrors across from windows can bounce light around the room, further brightening the space. The presence of plants can also accentuate the natural ambiance, as they thrive in sunlight and add a touch of freshness to the room.
The choice of paint colours can dramatically influence the perception of light within the space. Light colours and neutrals tend to reflect light, making the room feel brighter and larger. If you wish to add a dash of character, consider a feature wall in a bold colour, always coordinating it with the overall cottage palette.
The Role of Houzz in Your Open Plan Design
Houzz is an online platform that can serve as a beneficial source of inspiration when designing an open-plan living area in a UK cottage. The platform is an image-rich source of interior design ideas, providing an array of Houzz tours that offer an in-depth look into different styles of homes across the world.
The story Houzz feature lets users dive into specific design projects, presenting before-and-after transformations and detailed house tours, including those of cottages transformed into open-plan spaces. This can be useful in visualising how an open plan could work in your own cottage, providing real-life examples of successful renovations.
The platform also includes a feature that allows users to save their favourite images into ideabooks. This can help you create a clear visual plan for your space, allowing for greater consistency in style and colour scheme. You can browse through different categories like kitchen dining, living room, and modern cottage, which might align with your design goals.
Conclusion
Designing an open-plan living area in a traditional UK cottage requires careful planning and a delicate balance between old and new. Retaining the charm of the cottage whilst introducing modern, open spaces can seem like a daunting task. However, by considering the flow of each room, the choice of furniture and decor, the use of natural light, and the clever division of space, you can achieve a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern style.
Remember, the ultimate goal of your renovation is to create a home. It should be a space that is comfortable, functional, and most importantly, a place where you enjoy spending time. By embracing the existing charm of your cottage and enhancing it with open-plan living, you can create a space that is uniquely yours. Whether you are enjoying a quiet evening in the living room or hosting a gathering in the kitchen dining area, your open-plan cottage should be a reflection of your personal style and lifestyle.
The journey may seem challenging, but with resources like Houzz tours, period living inspiration, and the multitude of other resources available, it is more than possible to design your dream cottage home. Just remember to plan, explore different ideas, and most importantly, have fun with the process!
