The open vs broken-plan debate is one that consistently divides design experts, but Victoria Beckham may have found a clever middle ground.
In her Victorian London townhouse, Victoria installed crittal doors between her kitchen (designed by Officine Gullo) and dining room, providing the sociability of an open-plan space while creating two distinct cooking and dining zones. It's a happy medium for those who love to entertain while cooking, while still maintaining the privacy they may crave after food preparation is complete.
If you have an open-plan kitchen, you may be used to 'zoning' strategically, whether that's with large area rugs or lighting fixtures that define certain areas for cooking and dining. However, Victoria's critical doors are among the most captivating solutions I've seen to date.
Designed alongside a teak-wood style table and a beautiful pendant light (similar to this one from Wayfair), the dining room feels cozy yet indispitably chic – and these doors are the secret.
Shop the Victoria-Inspired Edit
This glass system features sleek aluminum-framed glass doors, customizable tracks, smooth rolling hardware, and all installation essentials, with bonus door stops and panel parks. Quick, drill-free setup with silicone-secured bottom tracks lets you break up your open plan, instantly.
Inspired by the lighting in Victoria's space, this pendant light is crafted in metal with a polished brass finish and features a clear, hammered glass teardrop shade that beautifully refracts light for a dynamic effect.
I love mid-century modern dining furniture, and this piece is one of my favorites. It blends an elegant hourglass silhouette with smooth upholstery for a retro look. The table’s curved spider-leg base adds a sculptural touch, making it perfect for any dining room (broken plan or not).
These chunky place mats are perfect for year-round use and pair effortlessly with any table setting. Their versatile design makes mixing and matching easy (just look how Victoria styles something similar).
A zoom into Victoria's tablescape reveals a pink glass fruit bowl, similar to this lovely alternative on Amazon. Fill it with seasonal fruits, or any other dessert of your choosing, and place it on your dining table to delight guests at any party.
From casual breakfasts to dinner parties, this lightweight yet sturdy bamboo tray is perfect for serving drinks, appetizers, or desserts, making it a stylish and indispensable tabletop companion.
Hebe Hatton, the head of interiors at Homes & Gardens, is similarly impressed by Victoria's crittal door solution.
'This approach is particularly clever because it finds a rare balance between openness and defined spaces. By installing crittal doors between her kitchen and dining area, she creates a flow that encourages sociability and entertaining, while also giving each space its own identity,' she comments.
'Alongside being a functional solution, these doors serve as a design element that frames the room beautifully. Paired with the sleek table and selection of pendant lights, her space feels both chic and welcoming, showing how thoughtful design can combine practicality with aesthetics. If your home has room for such doors, I'd recommend following suit.'
Victoria's space ultimately reminds us that open-plan living doesn’t have to mean giving up structure or style. Her clever use of crittal doors proves that it’s possible to create spaces that are both sociable and intimate, practical yet effortlessly elegant. For anyone looking to entertain without compromising on design, her approach is proof that thoughtful details can transform the way we live and interact at home.
If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up for our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
