Help needed with this large open plan space

To be clear there’s no plan to add a TV at the moment as the space will be strictly used for music/podcast….correct?

Do you want to be able to isolate any section of the space meaning only have audio in a particular section without having to use a volume control to quiet an area but still have the ability to group the areas together for whole space coverage?

Are portable speakers an option that might be considered?

Would you like a dedicated listening area for optimal stereo separation using two speakers?

Is a sub a consideration?

Answering the above will give members a better idea on how to proceed without having to comeback asking the same questions.

A tv will be mounted in the media unit, so tv is a consideration (edited original post) but no cinema like experience required surround speakers just behind the sofa. A sub is a consideration but more likely to be added in later.

Ability to isolate sound to tv and in the kitchen area will be useful so can listen to music whilst kids watch tv.

The core problem (in my head at least) with this space is beyond being sat on the sofa, there is no dedicated space to sit + with kids sat for hours listening to albums in one chair is a thing of the past 🤣

I’ve used your budget of 1800 pounds and exceeded it slightly. I’nm in the US so I changed my browser on Sonos to Great Britain. For overheads in-ceiling using Sonos 6 inch Architectural speakers by Sonance and Sonos Amp below is the cost.

Following that is an approximation diagram I had ChatGPT draw using the measurements you provided that shows the recommended placements of the speakers for optimum coverage. It also allows for isolation of the area containing the sofa. 

Note: Highly recommend installing wall mounted volume controls to avoid having to use the App at all times 

I would recommend setting the Sonos Amp to produce a mono sound versus stereo so that the listener hears the same audio no matter their position in the space. Of course you can experiment with stereo sound as well.

Exceeding your budget (even more) the Sonos Amp can actually drive six (6) Sonos Architectural speakers; as well as the larger 8 inch speakers for better coverage in a four (4) or six (6) speaker configuration.

I’m sure some other members will bee chiming in shortly with options and suggestions; now that I’ve laid the ground work (or not) 😂😂😂

Jokes aside; please come back with your thoughts and questions.

Edit:

As you are not overly concerned with cinema sound for TV at this juncture; I’d recommend the Sonos Beam Ultra and Sub Mini for optimal sound sans surround speakers. Later you can add Era 100’s or Era 300’s for surround. The nice feature is that you can also enjoy your streaming services and group the Beam Ultra with the in-ceiling speakers. Music can be played at full stereo. Do not group speakers when using TV audio as there will be a 75ms delay creating an echo effect.