Do you like open-concept kitchens?

12 years ago

Do you like open-concept kitchens? Or do you welcome a few walls and doors to keep them separate from the rest of the house?

Featured Answer

Douglas Clark

12 years ago

After over 150 residential clients since 2001, I would say the overwhelming majority of new and remodel home design clients expressly want an open kitchen design. The most popular configurations tend toward having both a center island for food prep, plus a peninsula for casual dining seating. Please be aware that an open kitchen like this reduces the amount of wall cabinets. So two enhancements are key to such kitchens being effective and satisfying to use. First, please plan on a large amount of pantry storage, in particular we see clients liking the full height roll out pantry cabinets on wheels which allow fast access to stored items, but walk in closet type pantries are great also. Second, since all your in kitchen storage is below counter top height, plan on the larger cabinet also having a pair of drawers, instead of doors. With drawer type base cabinets, you do not have to get down on your knees to look inside and find items placed way back in there, simply slide open the drawer and the access is much easier, less bending, less moving out several items to find stuff ! Good luck with your project!

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Comments (6)

PRO
Dytecture
12 years ago
Kitchens that open to main family and eating area is more ideal for today's casual lifestyle, while having a more 'formal' living room would be great as well.
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PRO
Design Details
12 years ago
Veterans of loft living know that a little mystery is necessary in a successful relationship. When I design a loft I make extensive use of the principal of the unfolding view which is an venerable Japanese tradition.
Most American homes over the last 250 years have relied on individual rooms to provide structure to their buildings and their lives but in the last 75 the walls have started to disappear.
A big influence for me has been the rise of the home chef. Cooking has become a more enjoyable home activity to be shared with family and friends.
I've designed over 100 kitchens so far and almost all have been open concept spaces. The only exceptions have been those based on ethnic tradition and exceptionally large houses fitted with a professional kitchen.
Whether you like open concept kitchens is a matter of taste but the overwhelming majority in the U.S. prefer them.
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Douglas Clark
12 years ago
Very well stated Mr. Cameron! also my wife is Japanese, so your observation on the "principal of unfolding view" is exactly correct. How we achieve that in the open plan great room concept can present challenges. Often as a counter balance, we need to plan for a "quiet zone" as an aside space away from the great room. But the great room with kitchen living and dining co-mingled, is really how Americans like to live and entertain.
PRO
Kitchen Design Partners, Inc.
12 years ago
We agree with the other comments that the vast majority of our clients desire kitchens that are open to breakfast rooms, casual dining rooms, and family rooms. The one consideration not yet mentioned is noise. Cooking and cleaning can be noisy. So, think about your lifestyle and how many people cook and clean while other activities may be going on in the adjoining open spaces. Our clients love large islands also. We see very few two level islands. People prefer a large expanse of countertop that a large island provides for preparation as well as casual buffets. With openness comes a desire for kitchens that have beautiful furniture-looking details. We recommend having a focal point on every wall or area in the kitchen that people's eyes are drawn to. Good luck with your project!
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Randall Lichner
12 years ago
Open kitchen concepts look great... I have one and really like it. But, if you want to sit in the family room and watch television or have a conversation when someone is banging around the kitchen to make a meal, you can forget about it.
User thanked Randall Lichner