Open-plan kitchens are now the unofficial “national layout” of Sydney homes. From modern apartments in Zetland and Olympic Park to renovated Federation homes in Haberfield and Artarmon, families want kitchens that flow freely into dining and living areas. An open-plan kitchen feels bigger, brighter and friendlier — but it only works well when the cabinetry is carefully planned.

Without proper cabinetry design, an open-plan kitchen can quickly turn into an open-plan mess: clutter, noise, awkward circulation and no proper storage zones. The good news? Smart cabinetry fixes almost all of these problems.

Below is your complete guide on how to plan cabinetry for open-plan kitchens, with practical tips, case studies and Sydney-specific considerations to help you create a functional, beautiful and long-lasting space.

Why Cabinetry Matters Even More in an Open-Plan Kitchen

In closed kitchens, you can hide clutter behind a door.
In open-plan kitchens, everything is on display.

This means your cabinetry must do three things:

1. Provide organisation for daily chaos

Because your living room guests will see everything.

2. Blend seamlessly with the adjoining room

The cabinetry must match your home’s wider design language.

3. Support smooth cooking, dining and entertaining

Good storage = fewer trips across the room and smoother workflow.

A well-planned open-plan kitchen feels easy to live in — no matter if you’re cooking dinner, hosting a party, or helping kids with homework at the island bench.

1. Start with Zoning: The Secret to a Successful Open-Plan Kitchen

Open spaces can feel overwhelming, which is why zoning is crucial.

Cabinetry helps establish the invisible lines between:

• Cooking zone

• Prep zone

• Cleaning zone

• Entertaining zone

• Storage zone

• Dining zone

In suburbs like Pymble, St Ives and Castle Hill, where many homes have wide open spaces, cabinetry zoning keeps the kitchen organised and prevents “kitchen creep” into the living room.

How to Zone Using Cabinetry

• Use tall cabinets to anchor one side of the kitchen

• Use island cabinetry to define the cooking/entertaining boundary

• Add pantry cabinets for vertical division

• Use open shelves in social areas and closed cabinets in utility zones

• Use different cabinet depths to subtly separate zones

A well-zoned open-plan kitchen feels effortless — it’s the difference between a room you live “in” and a room you move “through.”

2. Integrated and Seamless Cabinetry: Keep the Look Clean

In open-plan areas, cabinetry shouldn’t look like bulky kitchen furniture.
It should look like part of the home.

Key design choices for integration:

• Full-height cabinetry to elongate walls and hide clutter

• Appliance integration (dishwasher, fridge, microwave drawer)

• Flush-panel doors that match the living room palette

• Handleless cabinetry for a sleek, minimalist appearance

• Timber or laminate finishes that tie the kitchen into the lounge

Sydney Trend:

In Mosman, Randwick and Alexandria, homeowners prefer cabinetry with soft timber tones combined with matte poly doors for a warm, contemporary feel.

3. Plan Storage That Supports an Open-Plan Lifestyle

You’ll want your kitchen to stay tidy even on your busiest days.

Essential storage types for open-plan kitchens:

Deep Drawer Banks

More efficient than cupboards because:

• You see everything at once

• Less bending

• Better for pots, pans, appliances

Pull-Out Pantries

Perfect for narrow homes in Newtown, Redfern and Paddington where width is limited.

Hidden Appliance Garages

A must in open-plan settings — no one wants to stare at the toaster.

Utility Folders / Paper Drawers

Highly useful for homes with kids.
This stores school notes, bills and mail out of sight but within reach.

Dishwasher Drawers

Great for small apartments in Macquarie Park, Chatswood, Epping where space and water usage matter.

Under-Island Storage

Double-sided islands are useful for storing seasonal items, games, books or extra tableware.

4. Consider the Sightlines: What People See Matters

In open-plan spaces, the view from the sofa or dining table matters just as much as the view from the cooktop.

How to optimise sightlines with cabinetry:

• Hide sinks from living areas by using a raised or dual-level island

• Place tall pantry cabinets at the back wall

• Keep the fridge off main sightlines (less visual clutter)

• Use symmetrical cabinetry layouts to create harmony

• Avoid uneven cabinetry heights unless part of a design theme

Pro Tip:

In homes in Drummoyne, Five Dock and Rhodes, open-plan kitchens often face the balcony or water views — cabinetry placement should protect the view, not block it.

5. Multi-Functional Islands: The Heart of Open-Plan Cabinetry Design

The island is the anchor of an open-plan kitchen — it connects cooking, living and dining.

Cabinetry Considerations for Islands:

Dual-side Storage

Inside for kitchen items.
Outside for:

• books

• tableware

• children’s supplies

• wine racks

Overhang for Seating

Choose a supported overhang for comfort and circulation.

Powerpoints Inside the Cabinetry

Perfect for charging laptops, blenders or kids’ devices.

Drawer Organisation

Divide drawers into:

• prep tools

• serving plates

• cutlery

• cooking gear

Sydney Trend:

In areas like North Sydney, Waterloo and Zetland, homeowners favour wide island drawer banks paired with sleek stone tops.

6. Noise Control Through Cabinetry Selection

Open-plan kitchens can get noisy — dishes, appliances, conversations all echo in one big space.

Cabinetry can help reduce this.

Choose:

• Soft-close hinges to reduce sound

• Acoustic cabinet panels on islands

• Textured finishes (timber, matte surfaces) that absorb noise

• Integrated appliances (they are generally quieter)

This is especially helpful in apartments around Wentworth Point, Mascot, Wolli Creek, where open layouts amplify sound.

7. Lighting and Cabinetry Must Work Together

Lighting can elevate cabinetry design and highlight zones.

Combine:

• Strip lighting under overheads

• Recessed lighting in tall cabinets

• Pendant lights over islands

• Warm lighting for the social side of the room

A well-lit cabinet becomes a feature, not a storage box.

8. Material Choices: Durability Meets Aesthetic

Open-plan kitchens need materials that look good but can handle real life.

Best cabinetry materials for Sydney homes:

• Moisture-resistant MDF (painted or laminated)

• Plywood (strong, durable, premium)

• High-pressure laminates

• Polyurethane finishes

• Timber veneers

• Anti-fingerprint matte finishes (super popular in busy households)

Sydney Trend:

Homes in Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, and Strathfield lean toward warm oak finishes paired with light stone to soften the open-plan layout.

9. Planning for Technology and Future Needs

Don’t forget tech integration.

Include in cabinetry design:

• hidden charging stations

• space for smart speakers

• built-in power strips

• USB-C ports

• data cable access if needed

Modern homes — especially in The Hills, Ryde and North Shore — often need cabinetry that can evolve with gadgets.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Open-Plan Cabinetry Planning

Avoid these at all costs:

• Not enough concealed storage
  Open-plan living demands fewer visible items.

• Oversized appliances in small kitchens
  They dominate the room visually.

• Too many open shelves
  Dust collectors — use sparingly.

• Poor island positioning
  If it interrupts the circulation flow, the layout will feel cramped.

• Ignoring the dining and lounge palettes
  Cabinetry must blend with the entire space.

11. Real Sydney Renovation Examples

Example 1: Bondi Apartment

Challenge: Tight open-plan area
Solution: Wall-mounted full-height cabinets + deep island drawers + integrated fridge.

Example 2: West Pennant Hills Family Home

Challenge: Large open area but cluttered layout
Solution: Zoning through tall pantry towers and a multi-level island.

Example 3: Glebe Terrace Home

Challenge: Narrow width
Solution: Slimline cabinetry, pull-out pantries, and wall-hung shelving aligned with living furniture.

Conclusion: Cabinetry Is the Backbone of an Open-Plan Kitchen

Open-plan kitchens look simple — but the cabinetry behind them must work overtime. Good planning ensures your kitchen stays organised, visually clean and enjoyable for years, regardless of your cooking habits or family size.

Think of cabinetry as the bridge that connects the kitchen to the living room. When done well, the whole home feels unified, spacious and naturally balanced.

For more design ideas, expert guidance and custom cabinetry solutions for Sydney homes, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore kitchen renovation and bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.