Open-Plan Living, Better Defined In Wokingham, Berkshire
Open-plan layouts are brilliant for light, flow and modern living, but they can also leave homeowners with a familiar dilemma: where does one ‘zone’ end and the next begin? In this Wokingham new build property, our client loved the spaciousness of a combined kitchen, dining and living area, yet wanted clearer separation between cooking and relaxing; all done without closing anything off, or compromising the bright, airy feel.
DAY & KNIGHT was brought in to design and install several pieces of bespoke fitted furniture that would divide the space into distinct areas while keeping the overall look cohesive. The solution centred on four key fitted elements, each tailored to the room’s proportions, daily habits and the clean-lined aesthetic of a contemporary new build.
Simple, But Affective Bespoke Room Divider Partition
The first and most simple piece was a bespoke room divider partition constructed from sectional battens in a rich Warm Walnut effect. Rather than opting for a solid wall or a bulky divider, the client wanted a lighter visual break; something architectural that would separate the living and dining from the kitchen, yet still allow daylight to travel through the open-plan footprint.
The batten design achieved exactly that. It provides immediate definition, creating a clear visual boundary between “kitchen zone” and “downstairs living zone”, while maintaining an open feel when moving around the space. From different angles, it shifts between being a striking feature and a subtle backdrop, helping the home feel considered and intentionally planned.
Custom Dining Room Storage Cabinet With Radiator Cover
With the new dining area established, the next requirement was practicality. The client needed extra storage close to the table for dining essentials, while also finding a neat way to conceal an awkward radiator position that disrupted the clean look of the wall.
DAY & KNIGHT designed a small, bespoke dining room cabinet (sideboard unit) to do both jobs in one. Finished in Carat Beige, it was specified to sit comfortably within the new ‘dining’ boundary and to complement the other fitted pieces planned for the living space. We added Capri doors to keep the look modern and streamlined, aligning the joinery language across the project.
The radiator concealment was carefully considered, ensuring it remained functional while being visually integrated. The result is a piece that looks like it was always meant to be there: tidy, purposeful and smart, with storage that makes hosting and everyday living easier.
Made-to-Measure Wall-To-Wall TV Media Unit With Built-In Fireplace And Full-Height Storage
In the living area, the focal point needed to feel grounded and calm; a place for the television, media equipment, books, games and the many everyday items that can quickly make an open-plan room feel cluttered. The client’s brief was clear: maximise storage, keep it elegant, and make it feel like part of the architecture rather than a separate piece of furniture.
The answer was a large bespoke TV media unit in matching Carat Beige with Capri doors, designed wall-to-wall and full height. This scale of cabinetry immediately elevates the space, giving it a finished, high-end feel while offering generous concealed storage. Full-height design isn’t just visually impressive; it also uses every available inch, ideal for modern households where storage is always at a premium.
A built-in fireplace was integrated into the scheme, adding that extra touch of cosy-warmth that makes the living area feel inviting year-round. It turns the media wall into more than just a place for the TV; it becomes the heart of the room, particularly valuable in an open-plan setting where you want the living zone to feel distinct from the kitchen.
Behind-Sofa Storage Unit With Built-In Drawers & Shelving
At the opposite end of the living space, behind the sofa, we installed a further Carat Beige unit designed to feel connected to the rest of the fitted furniture, while serving a slightly different purpose. This piece was all about adding even more storage without taking away floor space or interrupting walkways.
The unit incorporates a combination of drawers and shelving, providing flexible options for both hidden and open organisation. It can hold everything from throws and board games to books and decorative pieces, helping the client keep surfaces clear and the room feeling calm. Placed behind the sofa, it also subtly supports the ‘zoning’ strategy: the living area gains its own boundary and utility, reinforcing separation from the dining and kitchen spaces.
Integrated Lighting & Cohesive Hardware Finishes Throughout
To bring the furniture to life and ensure it felt as premium in the evening as it does in daylight, we incorporated various integrated lighting features across the installation. Spotlights and LED lighting were used to highlight key areas, brighten practical zones, and add a soft ambient glow that complements the Carat Beige finish and walnut-effect divider.
For hardware, the client wanted a consistent detail across all pieces, so we specified luxury satin nickel knurled knob-style handles. The finish works beautifully with the contemporary colour palette, and the knurled texture adds a tactile, considered touch that suits bespoke fitted furniture.
Fitted Furniture Installation By DAY & KNIGHT In A Wokingham New Build
Sam and Theo, two of DAY & KNIGHT’s awesome fitted furniture installers, completed the on-site works at the client’s Wokingham property. As with many new builds, accuracy and neat finishing make all the difference. Each element needed to align perfectly so the overall scheme read as one joined-up design rather than separate items added over time.
The finished result is a home that retains the openness the client loved, while gaining definition, function and character. With a statement batten divider, smart dining storage, a full-height media wall with built-in fireplace, and an additional behind-sofa unit, the space now works exactly as intended: kitchen, dining and living; distinct, connected and beautifully tailored by DAY & KNIGHT.