Don't Pass Up the Kitchen Pass-Through
A carved-out opening in a kitchen wall can increase spaciousness, make an architectural statement and improve social time
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
If you're looking to open the space between your kitchen and an adjoining room but reluctant (or unable) to remove a wall, take a different tack: a good old kitchen pass-through. These peekaboo openings, originally designed to provide a way to serve food from the kitchen while concealing any cooking mess, are as important for decorative appeal as they are for functional purposes. Here are eight ways to open up.
Framed by cabinetry and moldings, this Craftsman-style pass-through creates the impression of a piece of freestanding furniture.
A simple pass-through adds a functional dimension and architectural interest to what otherwise would have been a big, blank wall, and enhances seating space to boot.
Not only does this pass-through connect the kitchen and dining area, but it also offers a glimpse of vibrant blue cabinetry that wakes up the neutral palette. The effect is almost like a piece of artwork in the center of a white frame.
by Jeanne Finnerty
»
An arched surround lends a graceful note to this pass-through and offsets the boxiness of the cabinetry that frames it.
A recessed pass-through like this one would be a cinch to add between wall studs. It makes compact kitchen and dining areas look larger than they really are.
Pass-throughs not only provide a link between the kitchen and another space, but they also can help to balance a room's architectural profile. This one offsets the open doorway on the right and smoothes out the flow.
For extra flexibility, think about outfitting a pass-through with windows that you can open and close as your needs demand.
by Shannon Malone
»
Orienting the range in this pass-through allows the homeowner to chat with guests while stirring and sautéing.
More:
How to Remodel Your Kitchen
Yes, You Can Remove That Wall
More:
How to Remodel Your Kitchen
Yes, You Can Remove That Wall
Comments
Montana Ruark Modern homes have adapted an open style floor plan as well as defined architectural elements. Adding different angles of architecture to wall openings gives your home a lot of character and attracts buyers eyes to naturally look throughout each space.
12 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
olldbobbi I like the idea of the pass-through with windows, it gives a more "finished" look.
12 months ago · Like
· 1
1
myezek My suggestion, as the owner of a kitchen-to-dining room pass through, is to make the ledge higher than the counter height. This will block the view of the mess from cooking as you sit at the dining room table. My current pass through is about 39 inches deep and forms a breakfast bar on the dining room side, the entire depth is 36 inches from the floor and level. I sit with my back to the kitchen so I don't have to see the clean up that needs to be done while I eat. Additionally finding stools that are the right height for the bar is problematic. Next year we're replacing the counter/bar top and making it bi-level.
12 months ago · Like
· 4
4
dancingfish So many great ideas shown here
12 months ago · Like
patscats2 Very nice. I love the one with what looks like little French doors. So decorative.
12 months ago · Like
· 1
1
DOWN UNDER FAUX No. 2 and 3 are a tie for me. I don't like the last one, only because of the position of the stove, I personally would consider that dangerous.
8 months ago · Like
· 1
1