Open with the living room? No. Open with the family room? Yes. If family room and living room are one and the same then I guess it depends on how much you entertain and how much of a mess you make in the kitchen.

I have the open kitchen/living room/dining area combo. While I can't say I dislike it, there are many times I wish the kitchen wasn't always THERE. No matter what I may be doing in the 'great room' I can't get away from seeing the sink, fridge, counters, etc. I've come to think open concept is appealing as long as there is at least one other room to use as living space - sunroom, sitting room, den, - one can go to for a bit of privacy.

Here is a link to a blog article you might enjoy:
http://justmewith.com/2012/01/11/an-argument-against-the-open-floor-plan/

I love my "open concept" kitchen, dining and great room. We are building a house and will repeat the design. I don't see kitchen clutter because our kitchen island is 2 tiered and the bar height side hides all.