Interior Design Ideas for Open Plan Living Spaces In Dubai
Open plan living is very popular in Dubai. Kitchen, dining, and living room all in one big space. No walls between them. This creates beautiful, spacious homes. But how do you design open plan space well? Here are simple ideas to make your open plan living perfect.
What is Open Plan Living?
Open plan means large space without walls separating different areas. Usually combines:
Kitchen Area: Where you cook and prepare food.
Dining Area: Where you eat meals.
Living Room: Where you relax and watch TV.
All these are in one big room. You can see from kitchen to living room. Family can talk while cooking and sitting.
Why Open Plan is Popular in Dubai
Many Dubai apartments and villas have open plan design:
Feels More Spacious: No walls makes space feel much bigger. Perfect for smaller Dubai apartments.
More Light: Light flows through entire space. Windows in one area light up whole room.
Better for Families: Parents can cook while watching children play. Everyone stays connected.
Modern Look: Open plan looks contemporary and stylish. Very popular in new buildings.
Good for Entertaining: When guests visit, everyone can be together. Host can cook while talking to guests.
Flexible Use: You can arrange furniture different ways. Change layout easily.
Challenges of Open Plan Living
Open plan is beautiful but has some challenges:
No Privacy: Everything is visible. Messy kitchen is seen from living room.
Noise Travels: TV noise reaches kitchen. Cooking sounds reach living room.
Smells Spread: Cooking smells go everywhere. Need good ventilation.
Hard to Define Spaces: Where does living room end and dining start? Needs careful planning.
One Design for Everything: All areas must match. Can’t have different styles in different rooms.
Temperature Control: Big space needs more cooling. AC must work harder.
Don’t worry! Smart design solves all these problems.
Defining Different Zones
Most important thing in open plan is creating zones. Even without walls, you need to show where each area is.
Idea 1: Use Different Flooring
Change floor material for different zones.
Examples:
- Tiles in kitchen area
- Wood or carpet in living area
- Different colored tiles for dining
Why it works: Your eyes see the change. Brain understands different zones. Very clear separation.
Idea 2: Use Rugs
Put large rug under living room furniture. Another rug under dining table.
Why it works: Rugs create invisible boundaries. Shows where each zone is. Also adds comfort and style.
Idea 3: Different Ceiling Heights
If possible, have different ceiling levels.
Examples:
- Lower ceiling over kitchen
- Higher ceiling in living area
- False ceiling to separate zones
Why it works: Creates visual separation. Makes space more interesting. Defines areas clearly.
Idea 4: Lighting Zones
Different lights for different areas.
Examples:
- Pendant lights over dining table
- Recessed lights in kitchen
- Floor lamps in living area
- Chandelier in one zone
Why it works: Light defines purpose. Dining lights show eating area. Kitchen lights show cooking area.
Idea 5: Furniture Placement
Use furniture to create boundaries.
Examples:
- Sofa back facing dining area
- Kitchen island between kitchen and living
- Console table behind sofa
- Bookshelf as divider
Why it works: Furniture creates natural barriers. Defines zones without blocking view or light.
Idea 6: Different Colors
Use different colors for different zones.
Examples:
- Kitchen cabinets in one color
- Living room wall in another color
- Dining area accent wall
Why it works: Colors help brain recognize different areas. Adds visual interest.
Kitchen Design in Open Plan
Kitchen is visible from everywhere. Must look good!
Keep It Clean and Organized:
Open kitchen must stay tidy.
Tips:
- Close cabinets, not open shelves
- Hidden storage for appliances
- Put things away after use
- Use containers for storage
- Clean counters daily
Choose Beautiful Materials:
Kitchen is on display!
Good choices:
- Nice cabinet fronts – wood or glossy finish
- Beautiful backsplash tiles
- Quality countertops – marble, quartz, granite
- Stylish cabinet handles
- Attractive sink and faucet
Good Ventilation:
Very important! Cooking smells shouldn’t fill whole space.
Solutions:
- Strong cooker hood
- Window in kitchen area
- Good AC circulation
- Exhaust fan
Kitchen Island:
Perfect for open plan!
Benefits:
- Extra counter space
- Storage inside
- Seating for breakfast
- Natural divider between kitchen and living
- Focal point
Popular in Dubai apartments and villas.
Match the Style:
Kitchen must match living and dining style.
If living room is:
- Modern – kitchen should be modern
- Classic – kitchen should be classic
- Minimalist – kitchen should be simple
Everything should flow together.
Dining Area Design
Dining area is between kitchen and living room.
Choose Right Table:
Table is focal point of dining zone.
For small spaces:
- Round table – seats more people
- Extendable table – bigger when needed
- Glass table – looks less heavy
For large spaces:
- Long rectangular table
- Statement table as centerpiece
- Marble or wood top
Lighting is Key:
Dining table needs special lighting.
Best option:
- Pendant lights hanging over table
- Chandelier if you like classic style
- Multiple small pendants in row
This clearly shows dining zone. Also creates ambiance for meals.
Keep Space Clear:
Don’t put too much furniture in dining area.
Just need:
- Table
- Chairs
- Maybe small cabinet for dishes
Keep it simple and spacious.
Add Personal Touch:
Make dining area special.
Ideas:
- Artwork on nearby wall
- Beautiful centerpiece on table
- Nice placemats and napkins
- Fresh flowers
Living Room Design
Living room is relaxation zone.
Furniture Arrangement:
How you place furniture matters a lot.
Best arrangements:
- L-shaped sofa facing TV
- Sofa and chairs facing each other
- Sofa backs facing dining area
- Coffee table in center
Make sure arrangement creates cozy zone. Not just furniture floating in big space.
Focal Point:
Living room needs something special.
Options:
- TV wall with design
- Fireplace (electric in Dubai)
- Large artwork
- Feature wall with different color or texture
- Big window with view
Comfortable Seating:
Choose comfortable furniture.
What you need:
- Good sofa – main seating
- Armchairs – extra seating
- Ottomans – flexible seating
- Cushions – comfort and color
Dubai families spend lots of time in living room. Make it comfortable!
Storage Solutions:
Living room needs storage but shouldn’t look cluttered.
Ideas:
- TV unit with closed cabinets
- Side tables with drawers
- Storage ottoman
- Built-in shelves
- Console table behind sofa
Hide clutter. Keep space looking clean.
Color Scheme for Open Plan
Whole space needs coordinated colors.
Choose Main Color:
Pick one main neutral color for large areas.
Good choices:
- White or off-white
- Beige or cream
- Light grey
- Soft taupe
Use this color on most walls.
Add Secondary Color:
Choose one or two accent colors.
Where to use:
- One accent wall
- Cushions and curtains
- Dining chairs
- Decorative items
This adds interest without being too much.
Keep It Flowing:
Colors should flow smoothly from one zone to another.
Example color scheme:
- Walls: Light beige everywhere
- Kitchen cabinets: White
- Living room sofa: Grey
- Accent color: Navy blue in cushions and artwork
Everything works together!
Popular Dubai Color Schemes:
All White Modern: White walls, white kitchen, white furniture. Clean and spacious. Add texture with different materials.
Beige and Brown Natural: Beige walls, brown furniture, cream sofa. Warm and comfortable. Very popular.
Grey Contemporary: Grey walls, grey sofa, white kitchen. Modern and sophisticated. Add color with accessories.
Neutral with Pop of Color: All neutral base. Add one bright color like turquoise, coral, or emerald. Makes space exciting.
Flooring for Open Plan
Flooring is very important in open plan.
Option 1: Same Flooring Throughout
Use one type of flooring everywhere.
Benefits:
- Makes space feel bigger
- Creates flow
- Looks cohesive
- Easy to maintain
Popular choices:
- Large format tiles
- Wood-look tiles
- Actual wood flooring
- Polished concrete (modern style)
Option 2: Different Flooring for Zones
Change flooring to define areas.
Example:
- Tiles in kitchen and dining
- Wood or carpet in living room
Benefits:
- Clearly shows different zones
- Adds visual interest
- Practical – tiles easier to clean in kitchen
Best for Dubai:
Tiles are most popular. Dubai climate is hot. Tiles stay cool. Easy to clean. Don’t get damaged by humidity.
Choose:
- Large tiles – less grout lines
- Light colors – keeps space bright
- Good quality – lasts many years
Lighting Design for Open Plan
Lighting is crucial in open plan space.
Layer Your Lighting:
Don’t use just one light source. Use multiple types:
Ambient Lighting: General light for whole space.
Options:
- Recessed ceiling lights throughout
- Track lighting
- Ceiling-mounted fixtures
Task Lighting: Lights for specific activities.
Examples:
- Under-cabinet lights in kitchen
- Pendant over dining table
- Reading lamp near sofa
Accent Lighting: Decorative lights that add mood.
Examples:
- LED strips under kitchen island
- Wall sconces
- Artwork lighting
- Floor lamps
Dimmer Switches:
Very important!
Benefits:
- Control brightness
- Create different moods
- Save electricity
- Change atmosphere from day to night
Install dimmers on all main lights.
Light Each Zone:
Each area should have good lighting:
Kitchen needs:
- Bright overhead lights
- Under-cabinet lights for counter work
- Light over sink
Dining needs:
- Statement pendant or chandelier
- Dimmer for romantic dinners
Living needs:
- Soft ambient lighting
- Task lighting for reading
- TV area lighting that doesn’t glare on screen
How to Choose the Right Colors for Home Interior Design In Dubai
Furniture Choices for Open Plan
Choose Cohesive Style:
All furniture should work together.
If you choose modern style:
- Modern sofa
- Modern dining table
- Modern kitchen cabinets
Don’t mix too many styles. Looks confusing in open space.
Right Size Furniture:
Very important in open plan!
Tips:
- Don’t choose too large furniture
- Don’t choose too small either
- Measure before buying
- Leave walking space between furniture
- Think about proportions
Multi-Functional Furniture:
Smart choices for open plan:
Examples:
- Kitchen island with seating
- Storage ottoman in living room
- Extendable dining table
- Nesting coffee tables
Low-Profile Furniture:
Open plan looks better with lower furniture.
Why:
- Doesn’t block views
- Makes ceiling feel higher
- Space feels more open
- Better flow
Choose:
- Low-back sofas
- Slim dining chairs
- Not-too-tall cabinets
Creating Privacy in Open Plan
Sometimes you need privacy even in open space.
Idea 1: Sliding Doors or Panels
Install sliding doors that can close when needed.
Benefits:
- Open usually
- Close when you want privacy or quiet
- Looks modern
- Flexible solution
Idea 2: Curtains or Drapes
Hang curtains from ceiling.
Use when:
- Need to hide messy kitchen
- Want cozy living room
- Need quiet for work call
Pull back when you want open space.
Idea 3: Folding Screen
Portable divider you can move.
Benefits:
- Move anywhere needed
- Fold away when not needed
- Looks decorative
- Lightweight
Idea 4: Bookshelf Divider
Open bookshelf between zones.
Benefits:
- Storage and display
- Doesn’t block light
- Creates gentle separation
- Looks nice
Dealing with Noise
Open plan can be noisy. Here’s how to reduce sound:
Soft Furnishings:
Fabric absorbs sound.
Add:
- Thick curtains
- Carpet or large rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Cushions and throws
- Fabric wall art
More fabric = less echo and noise.
Acoustic Panels:
Special panels that absorb sound.
Where to use:
- On ceiling
- On one wall
- Behind TV
- Above dining area
Available in many designs. Can look very stylish.
Strategic Furniture Placement:
Furniture blocks and absorbs sound.
Tips:
- Large sofa backs facing noise source
- Bookcases full of books
- Cabinets and storage units
Background Noise:
Sometimes gentle background sound helps.
Options:
- Soft music
- Water feature sound
- White noise machine
Covers up other noises.
Decorating Open Plan Space
Keep It Consistent:
Decoration style should be same throughout.
If you use:
- Modern accessories in living room
- Use modern accessories in dining too
- Keep style flowing
Don’t Overdo It:
Open plan can look cluttered easily.
Rules:
- Less is more
- Choose few statement pieces
- Don’t fill every surface
- Leave some empty space
Create Visual Interest:
Add things that catch eye.
Ideas:
- Large artwork
- Statement light fixture
- Beautiful rug
- Interesting coffee table
- Indoor plants
- Textured wall
Use Plants:
Plants are perfect for open plan.
Benefits:
- Add life and color
- Divide space gently
- Clean the air
- Bring nature inside
Good plants for Dubai:
- Large palms in corners
- Snake plants
- Fiddle leaf fig
- Small succulents on tables
Common Open Plan Mistakes
Mistake 1: No Zones Defined: Everything blends together. Looks confusing. Use furniture, rugs, or flooring to create zones.
Mistake 2: Wrong Furniture Size: Too big furniture makes space cramped. Too small looks lost. Measure carefully!
Mistake 3: Pushing All Furniture to Walls: Creates empty middle. Arrange furniture to create cozy zones.
Mistake 4: Same Lighting Everywhere: Boring and not practical. Use different lights for different zones.
Mistake 5: Too Many Styles: Modern in one area, traditional in another. Looks messy. Choose one main style.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Kitchen Mess: Open kitchen must stay clean. Plan good storage. Put things away.
Mistake 7: Forgetting About Sound: No soft furnishings means echo. Add rugs, curtains, cushions.
Getting Professional Help
Designing open plan space is complex. Many things to think about!
Liger Interiors can help you:
They Will:
- Look at your space
- Plan zones correctly
- Choose right furniture and size
- Design lighting layout
- Select colors that work
- Plan storage solutions
- Create cohesive design
- Make space functional and beautiful
Their Experience:
- Designed many open plan spaces in Dubai
- Know Dubai apartments and villas
- Understand family needs
- Work with any budget
- Create stunning results
Why It Helps:
- Avoid expensive mistakes
- Get professional result
- Save time
- Beautiful, functional space
- Increases property value
Your Action Plan
Ready to design your open plan space?
Step 1: Measure Everything Know your space size. How much room for each zone?
Step 2: Plan Your Zones Where will kitchen be? Dining? Living? Draw simple plan.
Step 3: Choose Your Style Modern? Classic? Contemporary? Decide before buying anything.
Step 4: Select Color Scheme Pick main color and 1-2 accent colors.
Step 5: Plan Lighting What lights do you need in each zone?
Step 6: Choose Key Furniture Sofa, dining table, chairs. These are big investments.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches Rugs, curtains, decorations, plants.
Final Thoughts
Open plan living is wonderful when designed well. It creates beautiful, spacious, modern homes. Perfect for Dubai lifestyle!
Remember main points:
- Define zones clearly
- Use consistent style and colors
- Choose right size furniture
- Plan good lighting
- Keep kitchen organized and clean
- Add soft furnishings for sound
- Don’t clutter the space
- Make it work for your family
Open plan needs planning! Take time to design it properly.
Need help with your open plan space? Contact Liger Interiors today. They are experts in open plan design in Dubai. They will create perfect space for your family.
Your dream open plan living is possible!
Need open plan design help? Contact Liger Interiors now! Expert designers for Dubai homes! Free consultation!