Some like their kitchen design to be open while others like it walled-off and closed. For years, architects, designers and homeowners have been praising the benefits of an open floor plan. With open concept kitchens being around for a while, for some people, the pendulum is now swinging back the other way. Here are the benefits of both to help you decide which is best for your home:
Open
The idea of the open concept kitchen has been around since the '90s and continues to be a sought-after layout. Homeowners like the idea of integrating family space with kitchens. These are some other advantages to an open kitchen:
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Keeps the family connected by blending meal prep with nearby activities, such as watching TV
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Invites guests into the heart of the home, and facilitates conversation between home cooks and their guests
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Eliminates walls that can block natural daylight
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Adds a sense of depth, especially in smaller homes
Closed
A closed kitchen does not have to mean claustrophobic. It means that access to the kitchen is limited to doorways and that cleanup, as well as food prep, are hidden from view. The most popular reasons for opting for a closed kitchen are:
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Hide messes
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More walls mean more countertop workspace, cabinet storage and room for appliances
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Guests are not inclined to enter the kitchen as they wish and disturb the cook
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Cooking odours are restricted to the kitchen
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A more formal dining experience
The Best of Both Worlds
Ideally, the best kitchen is a compromise between these two options. It is one that closes off smells and mess and also doesn't isolate the cook. Here are some ways you can achieve that ideal mix.
Pass-through window - A simple way to join spaces without tearing out your walls in a closed-off kitchen.
Take out a non-bearing wall - Replacing a non-bearing wall with a half wall or peninsula is the most obvious way to open up a closed kitchen. An architect or designer can make sure the result is what you want.
Folding or pocket doors - These give you the option to separate the kitchen from the living areas by opening when you want continuous flow and closing when you don't. You can use transparent or translucent glass doors to keep light flowing.
Peninsula - Separates your kitchen from nearby living spaces and includes upper cabinets with glass fronts that establish privacy yet let light through.
Add a raised bar or eating counter to your island - Face the raised part toward your living areas, so it blocks views of food prep areas.
A half wall built between the kitchen and living area - It establishes visual and physical boundaries for your kitchen. Put a glass partition on top of the wall to reduce noise, yet allow light to be let in.
A range hood - Ensures your cooking area is properly vented so that odours are kept out of other rooms.
Quality, sound-dampening appliances - They will ensure your meal prepping does not interfere with nearby conversations.
An extra-large, extra-deep sink - Quickly swallows dirty dishes and pans or use a second dishwasher for the same reason.