Open Plan Kitchen: The Complete Guide to Knocking Through in 2026

The open plan kitchen is the most requested renovation in Spain right now — and on the Costa del Sol, where apartments built in the 1980s and 90s almost universally have small, enclosed kitchens cut off from the living area, demand is particularly strong. The results are transformative: the home feels larger, brighter, and entirely more sociable.

But before picking up a sledgehammer, it's worth understanding exactly what this type of renovation involves, what it costs, and which decisions will define whether the outcome matches your expectations. Here's everything you need to know.

First: is the wall structural or not?

The most important question — and the one that determines cost and complexity above all else.

• Structural or load-bearing wall: Cannot be removed without an architect designing a structural solution (typically a steel beam). Requires a major works licence (licencia de obra mayor). It's entirely achievable, but it increases both cost and timescales.
• Non-structural partition wall: Can be demolished without structural reinforcement. Typically only requires a minor works licence in most Costa del Sol municipalities. This is the most common situation in the region's apartment stock.

Before any quote is confirmed, a technical visit is needed to determine which you're dealing with. We carry this out as part of our free initial visit.

Why open plan works so well on the Costa del Sol

• The home feels significantly larger: Removing the wall between a 25 m² living room and an 8 m² kitchen doesn't just give you 33 m² — the open volume reads as far more generous than the sum of its parts.
• More natural light: Enclosed kitchens are typically dark. Connecting them to the living area lets in light from the main windows and terrace doors.
• A more sociable space: Cooking stops being an isolated activity. Whoever is in the kitchen can engage with the rest of the household.
• Better value for holiday rentals: Open-plan living consistently performs better on Airbnb and Booking listings — guests actively filter for it.

The three open kitchen configurations

Single run or L-shape against the wall

The simplest option when space is limited. The kitchen occupies one or two walls of the unified space and the living-dining area takes the rest. Works well in apartments up to 70–80 m².

Kitchen island

The island is the most in-demand element. It acts as a visual separator between kitchen and living area without closing the space, adds worktop surface, and can include a breakfast bar. It requires sufficient clearance — a minimum of 90 cm on each side is recommended — and a ceiling extraction point directly above.

Breakfast bar

More compact than a full island. A bar counter separates the two zones with a worktop, ideal for apartments where a full island isn't feasible. Very popular in holiday rental properties for its modern look and functionality.

The main technical challenge: extraction

This is the most important technical aspect and the one that generates the most mistakes. In a closed kitchen, the extractor fan vents directly through the exterior wall via a duct. When the kitchen opens into the living area, that solution remains the best — but the duct route needs to be planned as part of the works.

Available options:

1. Direct exterior extraction (best): the duct exits through an exterior wall or rises through the ceiling and exits to the outside. Needs planning during the works.
2. Recirculating extractor with carbon filter (no duct): filters and returns the air. Doesn't remove humidity or all odours. Only suitable when direct extraction is genuinely impossible.
3. Downdraft extractors (integrated into the hob): extraction downwards, no visible hood. Premium option, less efficient than conventional extraction but visually perfect for islands.

Materials: unifying kitchen and living area visually

One of the keys to a successful open-plan kitchen lies in how the floor and visual transition between the two spaces is resolved.

Continuous flooring

The most impactful option: the same porcelain tile throughout kitchen and living room with minimal grout lines. This creates a visual continuity that makes the space feel even larger. Formats of 60x120 cm or above are the most effective.

If existing living room flooring is being retained, make sure the new kitchen material matches well in tone and format, or plan a deliberate transition strip in brass or steel.

The worktop as a design feature

In an open-plan kitchen, the worktop is visible from the living area — so it matters aesthetically. The most popular materials in 2026:

• Engineered quartz (Silestone, Dekton): wide colour range, no sealing required, highly resistant to heat and impact
• Large-format porcelain: very premium look, particularly in marble or cement effects
• Natural wood or bamboo: warmth, requires periodic maintenance

Kitchen cabinetry

In an open-plan kitchen, the units are visible from the living area. The styles that work best:

• Matt lacquer in white or grey: clean, bright, very versatile
• Walnut or oak-effect with flat doors: warmth without visual clutter
• Two-tone combinations: lower units in a darker tone, uppers in white or vice versa

Avoid units with heavy mouldings or relief detailing: in an open-plan space, clean lines are what works.

What does it cost to open up a kitchen?

Costs depend on whether structural work is needed and the finish level chosen:

| Type of intervention | Approximate cost | |---|---| | Removing a non-structural partition (demolition and making good) | €1,500 – €3,500 | | Opening with a beam (structural wall) | €5,000 – €12,000 + architect's fees | | New kitchen (units + worktop + appliances) | €8,000 – €30,000 | | Continuous floor — kitchen and living room | €45 – €90/m² | | Full project (wall removal + new kitchen + unified floor) | €15,000 – €45,000 depending on size and spec |

The investment has a direct return on property value: a well-executed open-plan kitchen can increase the value of a Costa del Sol apartment by 5 to 12%.

Mistakes to avoid

Assuming the wall is non-structural without checking. This is the most serious and most expensive mistake. Never take it for granted — always have a professional confirm before any demolition work starts.

Installing an extractor without exterior extraction. A recirculating filter hood in an open-plan kitchen is not adequate for normal cooking. Odours and humidity will spread into the living area.

Choosing different floors for kitchen and living room without planning the transition carefully. A poorly executed junction between two materials or tones is hard to fix once in place. A continuous floor is the safest choice.

Running out of power outlets. When the kitchen layout changes, appliances need sockets in new positions. Plan the electrical layout before walls are closed.

Our open-plan kitchen service on the Costa del Sol

At Dekorama, we design and build open-plan kitchens across the Costa del Sol — from Sotogrande and Marbella to Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Málaga city. Our process includes:

1. Free home visit to assess technical and structural feasibility
2. 3D design of the new layout with material selection in our showroom
3. Permit management and liaison with the local authority
4. Full execution: demolition, services, units, worktop, appliances, flooring and finishes
5. Turnkey handover with guarantee

Have an enclosed kitchen you want to open up? Book your free visit and we'll tell you exactly what's possible and what it would cost.