There was a time when everyone was knocking down walls in favour of open plan living spaces – but in recent years, things seem to have taken a turn, with broken plan layouts on the rise.
So, what does this look like? Well, instead of leaving your kitchen, living and dining spaces completely open plan, they’re separated using features such as room dividers, shelving units, sliding doors or mezzanine-style designs. The rooms are still connected, but they have clear boundaries.
Below, with the help of interior design experts, we explain how to get a broken plan layout spot-on for your needs.
What is broken plan living?
"When we talk about broken plan living, we are essentially opting for a layout that could be open plan – however, areas have been 'zoned' by semi-permanent structures, such as shelving and bookcases," explains Claire De Pons, founder of AbFab Designer Interiors.
In recent years, there's been a clear shift towards this type of layout, which Francesca Leat of Francesca Leat Interiors says reflects the way we're using our houses differently – spending more time at home and working remotely.
In some cases, multiple family members will be using the house during the day, making the need for privacy and calm more important than ever. After all, no one wants to hear the TV blasting while they’re trying to work, or the noise of Zoom calls when they’re chilling out on their lunch break.
"People want homes that work harder for them, whether that’s carving out a quiet workspace or creating a more intimate living area," interior designer Katie Malik explains. "Therefore, fully open spaces are being softened with clever design features like glazing, joinery or subtle partitions. It’s about balance now, not just openness for its own sake."
Claire describes herself as "a born interior designer." Having spend her youth rearranging her parents' home, she left school and opened an estate agent before becoming a property developer. Finally, Claire became an interior designer with a lovely showroom….her true vocation.
Katie Malik is the founder and creative director of Katie Malik Design Studio, based in Cambridge. She originally studied at Cambridge University as a linguist, then retrained in Interior Design at Chelsea College of Art in London and the National Design Academy. Katie launched her own business in 2014 after gaining previous experience at high-end London design studios.
Francesca Leat is the Owner, Director and Head Designer of Francesca Leat Interiors, a boutique studio renowned for crafting timeless, elegant residential spaces that balance beauty, comfort and functionality.
What are the pros of broken plan layouts?
While open plan spaces can work really well for those designing a sociable home, created to allow complete freedom of movement between spaces as well as a clear line of vision, they do have their drawbacks.
Open plan floorplans can feel lacking in personality and can be rather difficult to heat too from a practical perspective. They can also be noisy and give you nowhere to escape for a little peace and quiet – essential if you work from home.
"While sociability with other household members can be a positive thing, totally open plan spaces can completely eliminate the option of access to privacy in the home," say experts at Resi, an architectural practice specialising in extensions. "Whether you need a quiet moment to catch up on emails or your kids are having friends over and have taken over the kitchen, there will be moments in family life when you simply need a sense of privacy and separation."
Shreya Vohora, Co-CEO of Interiors With Art, also points out the dilemma of indoor air quality, which is harder to manage in an open plan living space (unless you want the extractor fan blaring in the background while you’re trying to relax).
All of these problems can be solved with a broken plan layout, while offering a sense of openness.
Shreya Vohora is Co-CEO of Interiors With Art and founder of the AI-powered platform Right Shop. Working with ultra-high-net-worth clients, including founders, athletes and royal families, she is known for creating homes that integrate design excellence with health, well-being, and sustainability.
What are the cons of broken plan layouts?
While this kind of layout is incredibly flexible and can be adapted to suit, it might not be for everyone.
"The downside of broken plan interiors is, that without any proper organisation, the introduction of partial barriers and furniture can lead to a cluttered or cramped feel, and partial divisions may not provide sufficient soundproofing, leading to noise transfer between zones," warns Juliette Thomas, director of Juliettes Interiors.
"In addition, building partial walls, adding level changes, or integrating built-in elements can increase construction costs and complexity compared to a completely open plan layout," continues Juliette.
Juliette Thomas is the founder and creative director of the London-based interior design and luxury furniture retail company, Juliettes Interiors. Juliette has been designing and offering unique exclusive interiors and furnishings since 2005.
How do I appoach a broken plan layout?
There are many different ways of approaching a broken plan layout, and usually a combination of techniques works best for most people. The key lies in thinking about how you want to use the space and the needs of everyone in the household.
"Identify the different functions or areas within the space, such as living, dining, kitchen, workspace, etc. and decide if you would like to introduce physical barriers such as partial walls, half walls, shelves or some room dividers to subtly divide the space without closing it off entirely," advises Juliette Thomas. "A lot of decisions will come down to your ideal use of the property and privacy."
If you are self-building or building an extension, you will have a little more freedom when it comes to tailoring a broken plan layout than those working with existing spaces.
In this case, it can be useful to look at how your floorplan can incorporate quiet spots, such as a reading nook or a small home office, without too much in the way of distraction.
How do I create a broken plan layout?
1. Invest in multipurpose furniture or a room divider to screen off areas
One of the best ways to create a broken plan layout is to position items of furniture, such as freestanding shelving, to act as room dividers.
"Shelving and screens can help block off areas of your home, enabling you to create new nooks for studying, working or relaxing," say Resi's experts. "What’s more, these items can also be removed, so you don’t have to commit straight away."
This kind of furniture can be bought ready-made or bespoke.
Shop these clever room divider ideas
This stylish divider will zone your space without compromising light and flow – and it doubles as a handy storage unit.
Can’t decide between open and closed plan? This sliding door divider gives you the best of both worlds.
2. Let light flow with internal windows
Internal glass doors and windows are a brilliant way to separate spaces within a broken plan area without blocking out the flow of light.
"Many of our clients want to be able to see and interact with the rest of the family while preparing meals. For some homeowners, the noise and cooking smells can be a distraction and create sensory overstimulation when relaxing," explains Keith Myers, director of The Myers Touch. "Custom glass sliding doors still offer the comfort of visual connectivity while also reducing the impact on our other senses."
3. Using changes in floor level
If possible, varying the floor levels within an broken plan space is a great way to create distinct zones.
"If it’s feasible, subtle floor level changes between zones is a super way to zone the areas without using physical partitioning," explains Juliette Thomas.
4. Install a double-sided fireplace
Not only will a double-sided fireplace provide an instant focal point in an otherwise open plan space, but it will also inject some warmth and character – plus, it can make a great room divider with a purpose.
5. Install half walls as permanent divides
Half walls are a really popular way to provide a physical divide in a broken plan space.
"Half walls are the perfect way to achieve two separate rooms without completely closing them off from one another," agree Resi. "They work particularly well in separating a living room from a kitchen, or even a living area from a study."
Shreya Vohora concludes that while open plan layouts aren’t going anywhere, they are changing, and that “the romance of one big sociable space is starting to meet the practicality of how families really live." That's where broken plan layouts are coming in.
For more advice and inspiration, browse these stylish kitchen diner ideas or learn how to design a successful open plan kitchen extension.
