Broken plan living is about having the best of both worlds. It’s about keeping the big open plan space you love, along with the clever use of zones to create personal hubs, quiet areas for work or study and spaces for family time. These distinct areas can be permanent so things like changes in level, glazing or even full and half height walls can be used, all of which require expert builders of course – and can prove expensive when adapting an existing space.

Or they can be semi-permanent – think rugs, furniture and screens – all solutions that are more cost-effective and allows the flexibility to zone and re-zone at speed.

Things like open or free-standing shelves are also a great way to divide space and add a little privacy. They have the added benefit of storage and don’t need to cut out light – they can be half-height, or if full-height, shelves can be left open. Even things like plants can be useful in dividing spaces.