The Rise of Broken-Plan Living: A More Thoughtful Take on Open Spaces
The living room of Elwood Residence. Photo: Shannon McGrath. Architecture: Manna Architects
For decades, open-plan living has defined modern homes. It promised connection, light, and a sense of spaciousness that made homes feel more inviting and social. But as lifestyles have evolved, so too have our needs, and with that, a new design approach has emerged: broken-plan living.
From Open-Plan to Intentional Living
Open-plan layouts gained popularity from the 1980s onward, reflecting a cultural shift towards informality and togetherness. Removing walls between kitchen, dining, and living zones allowed families to connect more easily and made entertaining feel effortless. These layouts also maximised natural light and made even smaller homes feel larger and airier.
But with openness came new challenges. Noise travelled easily. Privacy became limited. And without visual barriers, clutter could dominate the space. As these realities became more apparent, broken-plan living began to take shape, offering a solution that combined the best of both worlds.
Designing for Flow and Function
More and more clients are seeking homes that still feel connected, but allow for moments of calm and separation. A great example is our Elwood Residence project, where the architecture and interior design work together to create subtle transitions between spaces.
In the extension designed by Manna Architects, ceiling height has been used to define the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Lowering the ceiling over the kitchen and dining areas brought a sense of intimacy and focus, while a dramatic lift over the living zone introduced a feeling of lightness and openness.
We carried that language through the interior choices, too. A low pendant over the dining table creates a soft, intimate glow. In the living area, a sculptural Akari pendant draws the eye upward, highlighting the room’s volume. The placement of the sofa helps to delineate the living zone without interrupting flow, and a textured rug adds another layer of subtle separation and comfort.
Material continuity also plays a key role in holding the space together. A long brick wall runs through the entire extension, visually linking the zones, while joinery in the living space mirrors the kitchen cabinetry, reinforcing that sense of cohesion.
What makes this project successful is how it balances openness with intention. Every area feels distinct but connected — designed not just to look good, but to live well.
The open (broken) plan living, dining and kitchen of Elwood Residence. Photo: Shannon McGrath. Architecture: Manna Architects
How to Create a Broken-Plan Space at Home
If you're considering this approach in your own home, start by thinking about how you want to feel in each part of your space. Do you want your kitchen to feel social and energetic? Would you prefer your living room to feel grounded and calm? From there, you can begin to layer elements that support those feelings.
Some practical ways to create broken-plan zones include:
Shifting ceiling heights to change the mood of a space
Using different flooring materials or levels to signal transitions
Adding partial walls, open shelving, or joinery elements that define without enclosing
Furniture placement can also help guide movement and define areas. A sofa, bench or console table can act as a visual divider, while rugs help anchor each zone. Lighting is another powerful tool — think pendant lights for ambience, and task lighting for focus.
The goal isn’t to close things off, but to add enough variation and depth that each space feels purposeful.
A More Nuanced Way to Live
Broken-plan living is not a trend. It’s a natural evolution of how we want to live: with more flexibility, more comfort, and more control over how we use our spaces.
It allows for connection without chaos. Lightness without exposure. Flow without losing function. And most importantly, it gives homeowners permission to shape their spaces in a way that reflects their own rhythms, needs, and personalities.