Bringing purpose to open-plan living: why bespoke internal doors are the answer to zoning in the home

The interior design world is full of vibrant micro-trends. From vintage revival to bold maximalism, pattern drenching to extreme minimalism, quirky colour palettes to calming neutrals – each reflects our evolving tastes in what is now an undeniably experimental era. While it’s certainly exciting to embrace new expressions of style and creativity, many of these trends can be short lived.

But no matter which way the tide turns, one design concept ages gracefully through them all: open-plan living. Here, we explore how bespoke internal doors can add timeless style while carving out flexible, functional spaces that enhance how you experience your home.

Open-plan living goes far beyond the absence of walls. To truly elevate your home and inject drama while enhancing the functionality and flow of each area, it’s important to balance layout and technicalities with the character and intent of each space.

This is where zoning comes in. By splitting a large, multi-functional space into smaller, distinct areas for specific purposes or activities, you can create a haven that’s both functional and aesthetically exquisite. Whether it’s a cosy reading nook to bury your nose in a gripping page turner, a serene home office that blends productivity with creativity, or an inviting dining area perfect for hosting family and friends, zoning allows you to tailor your home layout to fit the unique needs of your lifestyle. It should make every square foot work as hard as possible, without sacrificing the spacious, breathable, and light-infused feel that defines open-plan living.

A range of thoughtful elements can be used to define each space, with furnishings such as sofas, cabinets, islands, and bookshelves offering an effective way to differentiate zone functions. Meanwhile, varied textiles and décor – think plush rugs, statement lighting, and carefully selected paint colours – can add warmth and personality to shape the character of each space. And with DIY architectural elements, including partitions made from drapes, foliage, and even glass panels, it’s easy to create a subtle divide while maintaining flow.

But for discerning homeowners seeking a more sophisticated solution – one that transcends mere separation to not only define a space but enhance it – truly bespoke internal doors prove to be a valuable investment. From beautiful bi-folds to perfect pockets, these exquisite features provide structure, elegance, and purpose in a way other elements simply can’t control:

By adopting a concertina style, where panels fold neatly against each other and tuck delicately against a wall, bi-folding doors require limited space for opening and closing. Similarly, pocket doors glide neatly into a wall cavity instead of swinging outward and stealing floor space.

With either composition, homeowners can enjoy a large, unobstructed area that flows seamlessly between rooms when parted, or revel in the privacy of a more intimate and partitioned space as desired. When every detail is carefully considered and crafted, from sleek frames and premium quality panels to whisper-quiet tracks, hidden hinges, and magnetic latches, your space gets the best of both aesthetic elegance and flawless functionality.

Privacy should never compromise the flow of natural light. Designed to balance openness with intimacy, our bespoke glass internal doors range from contemporary Gio Glass and Trem Glass to our opulent Vetro style. Our variety of flat, tinted, frosted, and embossed glazing options allow daylight to softly diffuse through every panel, casting an ambient glow while maintaining discretion. Whether framing an entryway with a floor-to-ceiling design or incorporating subtle details for added elegance, we also give you the option to add glazed laterals and transoms to any design.

Open-plan homes are designed for flow and cohesion, while maximising the use of available space. But they also present an unmissable opportunity to make a unique design statement. Whether punctuating an area with the warmth of natural wood, creating a bold focal point with mesmerising metallics, or layering in texture with luxury leathers and designer fabrics, bespoke internal doors are an architectural feature in their own right. With structure and artistry, homeowners, architects, and interior designers can define zones with a sense of purpose while adding a striking visual impact that stops guests in their tracks.

With custom-painted finishes that can be tailored on either side, bridging different design narratives has never been simpler. Your doors won’t detract from the sense of cohesion – instead, they’ll allow each space to imbue rich character while maintaining a harmonious flow through different zones.

A well-zoned, open-plan home should flex with the rhythms of everyday life, and bespoke internal doors make this transition feel effortless. Whether keeping a space open and inviting to facilitate sociable gatherings or creating a secluded retreat for work and relaxation, they offer unmatched flexibility to shape your environment on demand. While balancing aesthetic excellence with precise measurements and superior craftsmanship, each piece delivers flawless style and perfect performance through every defining detail. So, no matter how you use your space, zoning is never restrictive – only ever enriching, allowing your home to match your lifestyle needs exactly.

Bespoke internal doors can breathe life into open-plan zoning, but their impact relies on careful selection and strategic placement. From choosing the right style to ensuring seamless integration with your décor, you can maximise aesthetic excellence, superior performance, and flawless functionality that endures for decades:

Your doors should complement both the layout and purpose of your zones. So, naturally, many configurations won’t be suitable for this design concept. While traditional, single-leaf doors bring comfort and space efficiency to enclosed spaces, they can feel obstructive in an open-plan setting, interrupting flow instead of enhancing it. Double-leaf doors offer a more balanced solution, fuelling a sense of grandeur while allowing for wider openings when needed. However, they can take up valuable floor space, which can feel intrusive.

For a truly seamless transition between zones, sliding, pocket, and bi-fold doors are ideal. With their fluid motion, effortless operation, and unmistakable visual appeal, these configurations bring a sculptural element to zoning while maximising flexibility in multifunctional spaces. In the right location, floor-to-ceiling doors can work well with this concept too, reinforcing spatial division while enhancing the sense of height and light.

Strategic placement is essential, ensuring doors enhance both the flow and functionality of your space. Position doors to frame key sightlines, naturally guiding movement and interacting with furniture layouts and walkways, while preserving a sense of openness. By balancing accessibility with defined separation, different zones feel effortlessly intentional rather than painstakingly forced.

Aside from using premium materials, the technical details of a bespoke internal door must be carefully considered when it comes to zoning, meeting UK Building Regulations for safety, accessibility, and comfort. Examples of this include:

• If a door separates a kitchen from an escape route,  it may need to be FD30-rated under Approved Document B, providing 30 minutes of fire resistance.
• For accessibility, Approved Document M sets minimum width requirements to enhance movement between zones – typically 750mm, increasing to 900mm in certain cases. Although, since the goal of open-plan living is to maximise space, you’d expect to be integrating a door much larger than this anyway. 
• Approved Document E also adds guidance for sound insulation, covering parameter sealing and a minimum mass per unit. 
• With ventilation also a key concern, Approved Document F requires sufficient airflow between zones, achieved with a 10mm undercut to facilitate natural ventilation.

Your doors should never disrupt the flow of your space. Instead, they should enhance it, imbuing awe-inspiring character that matches your unique taste and architectural vision. Whether through complementary materials, tonal continuity, or contrasting finishes that create deliberate focal points, bespoke designs can be tailored to harmonise effortlessly with your existing interiors. No matter how bold your ideas, we have the expertise and experience to bring them to life.

Zoning an open-plan home is a delicate art form. One that demands meticulous precision, expert insight, and an eye for mastering the balance of function and beauty. Rooms should feel cocooned but not confined. Free flowing, yet intimate. And above all else, they should take your at-home experience to unparalleled heights.

At Deuren, we’ve spent more than 20 years perfecting the craft of bespoke doors, creating masterpieces that don’t just divide a space, but define it. Backed by Grand Designs Magazine Premium Partner status, we have the reputation to back it up too. From our Yorkshire workshop, our expert engineers take care of every detail, crafting each door with seamless precision, architectural integrity, and flawless functionality that endures beautifully for years to come.

Keen to experience the Deuren difference firsthand? Visit our workshop and showroom to explore the finest materials, innovative mechanics, and bespoke finishes that set our standard apart. Or get in touch to discuss how we can transform your open-plan home.