Open plan living isn’t just a trend, it’s a smarter way to live. Since the 1970s, this design approach has reshaped how Australians use their homes, creating spaces that feel larger, lighter and more connected. At BESA, we’ve seen first-hand how the right floorplan can completely transform a home and create a new way of living.
As Brisbane’s custom home building specialists, we know that every block, budget and family is different. That’s why we work with you to design layouts that remove physical barriers and bring people together. Whether it’s opening up the kitchen so you’re not cut off from the action, or blending dining and lounge areas into one seamless social space, our open plan designs are built around how you actually live.
This guide shows how open plan living can turn your home into a brighter, more flexible and more social place to be and how BESA can help you bring that vision to life.
At BESA, we build more than homes. We create open, light-filled spaces that elevate daily living. Open plan design is at the heart of many of our custom builds, and with over 20 years of experience across Brisbane, we know how to get it right.
Every BESA home is tailored to suit your block, lifestyle and vision. Our team works with you to design flowing, multi-functional layouts that maximise space, natural light and connection, whether you’re entertaining, cooking, or relaxing with family. No pre-set templates, no rigid plans. Just thoughtful design that reflects how you want to live.
We bring together architectural insight, interior design know-how and construction expertise to deliver homes that feel as good as they look. And because we manage every stage from design and approvals to the final build, you get a seamless experience without the stress.
At BESA, we design homes that feel open, bright and inviting, because natural light doesn’t just look good, it changes how you live. Our custom open plan layouts are carefully designed to let sunlight move freely through your space, reaching areas that traditional walled rooms would keep in shadow.
With more than 20 years of experience building homes across Brisbane, we know how to capture and amplify natural light, even on narrow or sloping blocks. We don’t just remove walls; we design around your block’s orientation and surroundings to make the most of every ray.
Better light means better living. Natural light changes how your home feels and makes spaces look bigger and more welcoming. Your furnishings show their true colours, your home feels more welcoming, and your well-being benefits too, with increased sunlight linked to better sleep and higher serotonin levels. At BESA, it’s not just about design, it’s about creating a healthier, happier home.
At BESA, we design open plan homes that breathe. By removing unnecessary walls, we create spaces where air flows freely, delivering balanced temperatures and eliminating stagnant pockets.
This thoughtful design means your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard, reducing energy use and lowering bills. You’ll enjoy fewer hot or cold spots and greater comfort throughout your home, particularly during Brisbane’s milder seasons, when you might rely less on fans or air conditioning.
Good airflow also means cleaner indoor air, which benefits everyone, especially family members with allergies or respiratory issues. With BESA’s expertise in custom Brisbane homes, you get a healthier, more comfortable living environment designed just for you.
At BESA, we specialise in open plan designs that seamlessly blend your indoor living with the natural beauty of your outdoor space. Large glass sliding doors not only flood your home with natural light but create an effortless flow between your garden and living areas.
This connection makes your rooms feel bigger, invites the sounds and scents of nature inside, and fosters an open, airy atmosphere that suits modern Brisbane lifestyles. It also provides excellent opportunities for cross-ventilation, keeping your home fresh and comfortable year-round.
We ensure your indoor-outdoor spaces work together by matching floor levels and coordinating materials for a cohesive look. Adding features like extended rooflines over patios makes your outdoor area feel like a natural extension of your home.
Space illusion remains one of the most compelling reasons why homeowners love open plan layouts. Homes feel remarkably more generous and welcoming without walls that act as visual barriers.
We understand how open floor plans instantly transform a home’s feel by removing visual barriers that traditionally segment living spaces. Instead of closed-off rooms, your home becomes one seamless, flowing environment where movement is natural and effortless.
By designing continuous sight lines across your living, dining and kitchen areas, we create the illusion of greater space, making even modest footprints feel expansive. When thoughtfully planned, the ‘negative space’ between furnishings becomes a design asset, avoiding the cold, disconnected feel often found in traditional segmented layouts.
Today’s modern Brisbane lifestyles demand this kind of spatial flexibility. Open floor plans let you define zones by function, not walls, while eliminating cramped hallways and barriers. The result? A dynamic, relaxed living experience tailored to how you and your family actually live.
At BESA, we know that smart design details make all the difference in creating spacious, inviting open plan homes. One of the simplest ways to enhance flow and make your space feel larger is by using a consistent flooring material throughout your living areas. This seamless transition avoids the “patchwork” look that multiple flooring types can create and keeps your home visually connected.
When changes in materials are needed, we recommend coordinating similar colours or tones to maintain harmony and continuity. A carefully curated, limited colour palette, typically around three complementary shades starting from a neutral base, maximises the sense of openness. Light and bright hues such as warm whites, soft greys, and natural finishes create welcoming spaces filled with light.
Ceiling height also plays a crucial role in shaping how spacious your home feels. At BESA, we often design ceilings slightly higher than the standard 2,400mm (up to 2,550mm) to create an immediate sense of airiness and openness. Higher ceilings also allow for larger windows, flooding your home with natural light. For added character, raked ceilings that slope upward bring a sense of volume and style without the cost of raising every ceiling.
Square metres matter more than ever as many people live in smaller spaces. Open plan designs shine in compact homes by creating multi-functional areas for various purposes. Success depends on:
Mirrors bounce light around the room when placed strategically and create an illusion of additional space and depth. Modular furniture proves valuable in smaller homes because its components can be rearranged to adapt to changing needs.
Modern families do better in spaces that encourage interaction. Open plan living creates ideal conditions that deepen their commitment through shared daily experiences. More households now prefer this setup to connect better with family members.
The days of isolated cooking are over. Open plan designs create a central family space by removing walls between cooking, dining and relaxation areas. Activities flow together naturally in this setup. You stay connected to conversations and activities throughout the space while cooking meals. This helps build a stronger feeling of togetherness.
Open plan layouts give parents clear practical benefits. You can watch your children play in the living room while you cook in the kitchen, thanks to better visibility throughout your home. Parents feel more at ease as their kids stay within sight. Kids also learn by watching food preparation. They can join kitchen activities safely too.
Open plan living turns regular activities into chances to connect. Family members can do homework at the kitchen counter, enjoy movie nights during meal prep, or chat across different areas easily. The design removes physical barriers that used to keep family members apart. Hosting becomes more fun and inclusive since you don’t have to hide away in a separate kitchen. Everyone can be part of the gathering.
Modern lifestyles need living spaces that can adapt just as easily. Open plan designs give you flexibility that you won’t find in traditional homes with separate rooms. These layouts work for everything from home offices to entertainment spaces without getting pricey to change. Best of all, they let you adjust as your family’s needs change, which makes them a smart investment for the future.
Smooth transitions between activities make open plan living perfect for today’s households. A space without walls serves multiple purposes throughout the day. Your dining table works as a remote work desk or homework station. Later, it becomes the perfect spot for evening get-togethers. Families find this setup incredibly useful, especially when they have work and personal life sharing the same roof.
Clear zones matter even in open spaces. Here are some smart ways to arrange your space:
Open spaces look messy quickly without good organisation. Built-in cabinets, furniture with hidden storage, and smart shelving help keep that clean look that makes open plans so attractive. Storage that goes from floor to ceiling uses vertical space well and creates clean lines.
Open plan living is more than a design choice, it transforms how your family connects and lives. By flooding your home with natural light and improving airflow, open layouts make even smaller spaces feel bright and spacious.
At BESA, we know what it takes to bring your vision to life. Partner with our expert custom home team to create a premium, open plan home tailored to your lifestyle and built with the highest standards of quality.
Contact BESA today to start your dream build with Brisbane’s trusted leaders in luxury custom construction.