Hej! How was your weekend? I hope it was filled with good coffee, great company, and maybe even a little adventure (or a blissful lie-in—no judgment here!).
In Sweden, open-plan designs are hugely popular. I often put it down to light—having less walls works wonders for allowing natural daylight flood into every corner. But while having a space that seamlessly blends the kitchen, dining area, and living room is fantastic in theory, it does come with its own set of challenges (trust me, our ground floor is open-plan, and it still baffles me from time to time!). How do you carve out distinct zones while still maintaining that all-important cosy feel?
Today, I stumbled across Highcliff Cottage perched among the treetops on a hill in Southwest England, and I just had to share it with you. The striking black timber house is cleverly positioned to make the most of breathtaking views that stretch all the way to the Jurassic Coast (if you ever visit the UK, this spot is a must-see!). What really caught my eye, though, is the open-plan living space—it’s a masterclass in blending function and style. The kitchen, dining, and lounging areas melt together beautifully, creating a space that invites everything from morning coffee to cosy evenings by the fire.
This home is all about texture, too—think warm wood, rich copper, soft linen, and cool concrete all working together in harmony. And while it’s a modern build, the furniture brings so much character, mixing rustic pieces with mid-century gems and even a subtle Mediterranean touch.
Fancy a look inside? Let’s explore!
That view is amazing! And I love the textiles in this home. I like open plans in the areas where people gather - kitchen, dining and living rooms -- especially when there are a few strategic design elements to conceal and corral messy spots (!) but prefer bedrooms and bathrooms to offer privacy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely, some spaces should definitely feel private. Having said that, our bathroom is like a circus - there I am trying to brush my teeth and there'll be three others milling around!
DeleteThis house makes you want to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and a book. I love an open floor plan with big windows. Designs that bring nature into a space always make me happy. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love that this is home has been designed to bring in nature - with everything oriented to the view over the hills and coast beyond. Magnificent!
DeleteIt’s interesting that the kitchen isn’t a room, but a wall, making more space for the other two areas of the room. I think it would work if you are very good at keeping up with all the dishes!
ReplyDeleteI have seen this a few times and it's a good use of space. Our kitchen is very open (a little like this one) and on some days it drives me insane–especially when every cabinet door has been left open and there's stuff everywhere. Having said that, it feels really sociable to cook as you can always chat to someone!
DeleteThis is uber cool. It has an industrial edge, but yet manages to feel cozy. I, too, admired the textiles and the bunk beds. I prefer for my kitchen to be a bit more tucked away, but this is a well-done space.
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed this Kris. The textiles are beautiful, I am excited that someone has discovered the source!
DeleteAnyone else notice those beautiful quilts? I like this house and love the view.
ReplyDeleteOf course, those quilts are so lovely :) went and searched for the source of them and apparently they are by Majeda Clarke. All the product photos seem to have been shot in that house.
DeleteBrilliant sleuth work! I am off to check them out. Thank you :)
DeleteThe views! Wow! I love the coziness of this house and all the rustic elements: quilts, old stoneware/crockery and those exquisite primitive tables and stools. The open plan seems to function beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing out all these lovely details. I agree, the open-plan works really well here!
DeleteWhat is the metal material that was used in the kitchen backplate? And how did they treat it?
ReplyDeleteI could be wrong, but it looked like an aged copper sheet. You can buy backsplashes already like this, and they no doubt age beautifully too.
DeleteThe views are spectacular! I loved the use of vintage wooden furniture mixed with new-ish furnishings. The pretty tones of color on the walls and textiles (those quilts fellow reader commented on are beautiful!) soften the edges of the modern architecture. That copper backsplash with its patina is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy that someone found the source for the quilts, they are beautiful! Thank you for pointing out all the other lovely details too.
DeleteI like the dark colours in this house, but I have to say I'm not a fan of open-plan living. I prefer proper zones. I also don't like the kitchen design - the cook would have his/her back to people and the view all the time!
ReplyDeleteI hear you Jane, open-plan is not for everyone. While we live with open-plan, I appreciate my sister's home in London with its cosy little sitting room with a fire. And thank you also for sharing about the orientation of the kitchen, very good point.
DeleteLove the use of Finnish Secto Design pendant lamps in the living/dining/kitchen area.
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing out the source–super helpful. They are indeed lovely!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous view! I often think that, if I were house hunting, I would sacrifice a lot of other features for such a view.
ReplyDeleteI also love the open concept kitchen/living room - that ceiling!
The challenge of designing Swedish open-plan living, like creating distinct zones within a unified space, relates to Fintech Dissertation Topics focused on UI/UX, personalization, and integrating diverse financial services.
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