Social, bright and well-connected, there's lots to love about open-plan kitchens, but keeping them warm isn't always easy – especially when it wasn't a consideration during the design process.
"Comfort and warmth need to be considered from the outset," says Trevor Brown, founder and director of Holme Tree. "Open-plan spaces can present particular challenges because you're effectively heating a much larger area, often with different functions and requirements within it."
Below, our experts reveal the five biggest factors to keep in mind when designing (or correcting) an open-plan kitchen, helping to ensure the space stays at the perfect temperature all year round – without any nasty cold spots.
1. Install an extractor fan (correctly)
The best kitchen extractor fans are essential for removing excess moisture and eliminating odours, but choosing the wrong size or running one incorrectly can cause your home to feel the chill.
Since there are no doors to separate your cooking space from the living area, Martyn Fowler, founder of Elite Renewables, says you're likely to notice the breeze more in an open-plan kitchen.
To find out whether your extractor fan is working properly, Martyn recommends checking that it has a working backdraught shutter. "That shutter should close when the fan switches off to stop cold outside air coming back through the ducting," he explains. "If it's missing or not closing properly, you've effectively got an opening to the outside."
Next, take a look at where the ducting enters the house and whether there are any gaps around the extractor housing that could let cold air in.
"The easiest way to check is to turn the extractor off and see whether you can feel air coming through the fan or around the duct opening. If you can, I'd get the backdraught shutter, duct connections and external vent checked," he adds.
Another common mistake is installing a kitchen extractor fan with too high an extraction rate, which can cause cold replacement air to be drawn in through gaps around windows and doors.
Available in two sizes and colours, this cooker hood looks sleek and stylish, hiding discreetly in your worktop when not in use.
Founder of Elite Renewables, Martyn Fowler is one of the UK's leading renewable technology experts, working with heat pumps for the last 2 decades. His passion for decarbonisation matched with a deep technical experience of the technology make him one of the industry's go-to experts for all things renewable.
2. Don't forget about window treatments
Did you know that windows are estimated to be responsible for around 20% of a home's heat loss? That's why Lisa Fowler, energy efficiency expert at Hillarys, stresses the importance of getting them right for both comfort and efficiency.
"When people think about making their homes more energy efficient, they often focus on insulation or upgrading their heating system, but window treatments can play a really important role too," says Lisa.
While large windows, bi-fold doors and patio doors are a wonderful way to bring natural light into your open-plan space, Lisa warns that they are also renowned for letting warmth escape. That's where choosing the correct window coverings becomes more important than ever.
"Cellular blinds are one of the best options available," she says. "Duette blinds are designed with a unique honeycomb structure that traps pockets of air within the blind, creating an insulating barrier at the window. I like to think of it as an extra layer of insulation that helps keep warmth where you want it, inside the home."
"Look for well-insulated glazing," adds Oliver Meggs, Building Fabrics Trade Manager at Aspect. "Double glazing traps a layer of air or gas between two panes, which slows the transfer of heat and reduces heat loss. For windows that get a lot of sun, tinted or solar-control glass can cut glare and solar heat."
Made with energy-efficient double-cell technology, these honeycomb blinds trap twice as much air as a regular blind to retain warmth in your home.
Lisa Cooper is an expert in energy efficient window coverings and home comfort. With extensive experience developing innovative shading solutions, she helps homeowners understand how the right window dressings can keep homes cooler in summer, warmer in winter and more comfortable all year round.
Oliver Meggs is Building Fabrics Trade Manager at property maintenance company Aspect. With over 12 years’ experience, he leads a team handling refurbishment and building maintenance for homes and businesses.
3. Select the correct radiator heat output
If you decide to install radiators in your open-plan kitchen, you'll need to ensure they have the correct heat output, explains Patrick Garner, Gas Safe engineer at Heatable.
Heat output is usually shown in kilowatts (kW), which tells you how much heat a radiator generates per hour. However, you may also see this displayed in BTUs, which is simply an older unit of measurement.
As a quick guide, a higher BTU generally means the room will heat up faster, but you can work this out using a BTU calculator (like this one from B&Q).
If you decide you need a quick boost of heat from one of the best portable heaters, Laura Bradbury, an expert at Vonhaus, recommends looking at its heat output and the manufacturer's recommended room size.
"You need to consider the full connected area, including ceiling height, insulation and large windows or external doors, rather than just the spot where the radiator will sit," she adds.
On the topic of heating, Oliver Meggs says it's wise to create zones within your open-plan kitchen by connecting radiators to the best smart thermostat, so you can control them independently. Just make sure to position it away from cooking appliances, as these can affect the accuracy of its temperature readings.
Available in a range of sizes and colours, this designer radiator will bring the heat to your open-plan kitchen.
Patrick Garner is a seasoned Gas Safe certified engineer and the dedicated leader of the heating system installations team at Heatable, with extensive experience in boilers, heat pumps, and home energy solutions.
Laura Bradbury is Head of eCommerce at online homeware and garden retailer Vonhaus, and is responsible for developing and growing the brand.
4. Choose your flooring wisely
You might be tempted to splash out on gorgeous natural stone or porcelain flooring, but Oliver Meggs says it might not be the best choice if your priority is keeping this space warm in winter.
"Flooring type makes a big difference to how warm a space feels, especially if you like walking around in bare feet. A cold floor, no matter how pretty it looks, isn’t very welcoming for guests either!" he says.
"Wood, LVP (luxury vinyl plank), cork and laminate tend to feel warmer than natural stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles. This is because tiles pull heat away from your feet much quicker than other materials, creating a surface that’s cold to touch."
However, due to their high thermal conductivity, Oliver says stone, porcelain and ceramic pair beautifully with underfloor heating, so this could be a way to get around the issue if your heart is set on them.
He also suggests zoning your space with a cosy rug in the living area and practical tiles in the cooking space.
Imitating the richness and character of oak flooring (without the cool feel), these SPC planks will add style to your open-plan kitchen.
5. Consider underfloor heating
When it comes to producing even, energy-efficient warmth, underfloor heating is king – and it's a particularly good choice for open-plan kitchens, where you may not have as much wall space for radiators.
"There are two types of underfloor heating," explains Oliver Meggs. "Water-based systems circulate warm water through pipes under the floor and are better for large, open-plan areas. Electric systems are generally used in smaller spaces."
These small yet important considerations will have a huge impact on how warm your open-plan kitchen feels in winter.
For more advice, read our guide on how to design a successful open-plan kitchen extension or compare open-plan vs broken-plan kitchen extensions.
