Italian homeowners boost energy efficiency with open‑space living

Open‑space layouts that merge kitchen, dining and living areas are becoming increasingly popular in Italy. By removing non‑load‑bearing walls, natural daylight reaches the whole floor plan, which reduces reliance on artificial lighting, lowers electricity bills and cuts the household carbon footprint.

Successful conversion requires a structural assessment to confirm walls are not load‑bearing, after which professionals can design the new space. Homeowners are advised to use visual separators such as kitchen islands, glass panels, bifacial bookshelves, rugs or movable screens to keep functional zones distinct. Energy‑saving measures include multi‑zone LED lighting and high‑efficiency extractor hoods to control kitchen odors while preserving air quality.