Open Kitchen: Pros and Cons

The kitchen is the heart of domestic life. It is one of the places where the family gathers daily, and it’s one of the most lived-in and frequented areas of a home. For this reason, the kitchen is one of the domestic environments that has changed most radically in recent years, both in terms of functionality and design. As habits and lifestyles change, so does our way of conceiving the kitchen. If kitchens were once closed spaces, often cramped, separated from the dining room, today they become the place for socializing par excellence, where people eat, cook, watch television, and chat. Are you thinking about renovating your home and considering an open kitchen? Let’s analyze the pros and cons together.

Open Kitchen: the Advantages

An open kitchen is certainly a very trendy choice. It offers numerous advantages:

• One of the main advantages of this choice is the gain in space. Homes today are becoming smaller, especially in cities. Tearing down kitchen walls is a very functional way to reclaim space, creating a large environment free from barriers and other structural impediments. Enjoying this extension allows for better personalization of the room, offering greater freedom in furnishing and space management.
• Creating a single space that includes the kitchen and living area undoubtedly promotes socialization and creates a strong sense of community within the home. The person preparing the food is no longer relegated to a separate room but is at the center of the home. From the stove, they can interact directly with those at the table or comfortably seated in an armchair. Parents who are cooking can watch their children playing or doing homework. Everyone can interact, and the atmosphere of conviviality created is unparalleled. An open kitchen is ideal for families, for those who love parties and large dinners. Moreover, the most skilled cooks can impress guests with their culinary abilities.

Open Kitchen: the Disadvantages

Not all homes are structurally designed for an open kitchen. It’s necessary to conduct a structural assessment with a technician to understand how feasible it is to create an open space that includes the kitchen and living area. You should also keep in mind some factors:

• The kitchen is a heavily used environment that tends to get messy. By choosing an open kitchen, everyone will see the state of the room. So no piles of dishes left in the sink or dirty cookware left in plain sight. An open-plan kitchen must always be tidy.
• Cooking odors and vapors remain in the environment. In some cases, they end up permeating fabrics, such as upholstery, curtains, and sofas.
• In the kitchen, noisy appliances and tools are often used. A blender, an oven, an extractor hood, or a dishwasher in operation can disturb other household activities. Those who choose an open kitchen should opt for appliances that are as quiet as possible.

Is a Middle Ground Possible?

Those who want to abandon the old kitchen but are not entirely convinced of an open space solution can choose a hybrid option. For example, you can opt for a low wall that divides the kitchen from the rest of the environment. Another excellent idea could be to separate the kitchen and living area with transparent glass partitions, perhaps favoring sliding doors. This way, you’ll achieve visual continuity between the kitchen and living area, but at the same time a very functional separation of spaces, which hinders noise and the spread of vapors when cooking.

A Kitchen Designed just for You

Last but not least, you should also reflect on your own inclinations. Some see the kitchen as the center of the home and love to cook surrounded by other people, drinking good wine, watching television, or listening to music with roommates and family. Others see the kitchen as a private place to relax and find peace, a “alchemical laboratory” separate from the rest of the house. There are no universal rules for living in a home, there are no solutions that work for everyone: every home should be designed based on the needs and personality of those who live in it. For this reason, before proceeding with the renovation of a space, it is essential to consult expert professionals who can best interpret your needs. Don’t hesitate, contact us now for a free, no-obligation site inspection.