Those looking to create more space in their kitchen should take advantage of open-plan designs, it has been claimed. Writing for 234next.com, Lolade Ajai described food preparation zones as one of the essential areas of living and stated that defining these parts of the house is particularly important. She noted If you love the openness of a space such as this, but still want a place of seclusion where you can just be by yourself, a partition would work.According to Ms Ajai, it is also vital to harmonise colour schemes in dining places to ensure they balance well with both living rooms and furniture. Homeowners were advised that whatever hues are used in a property, the flooring is better off in a darker shade than the walls. Michael Holmes, from Channel Fives I Own Britains Best Home, recently said that extending joining kitchen with dining rooms can boost a residences value.