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How to Bring the Open-Concept Kitchen Into the New Decade
Stay ahead of the game with what’s next for this popular design choice
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Inspiring conviviality and statement-making design, the open-plan kitchen is as irresistible as ever to many. “We’ve been living in the kitchen for a while,” says Daniel Germani, a designer and architect in Phoenix. “It’s an integral part of the living space.” That integral feeling is why so many embrace an open layout. But how can you update this design standby for the new decade? Read on to find out.
Remove All Barriers
Completely open up your kitchen instead of using a large archway or pass-through. The 2020 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study found that 64% of open kitchens are forgoing any wall between adjoining spaces, up 6% from last year. “Opening up the space is a better use of the square footage; it becomes more efficient,” Germani says. Lucia Zapatero, interior design lead at surfaces company Cosentino, echoes this sentiment: “Open designs tend to be more flexible, airier and have more light — they feel larger.”
With such an on-display space, low-maintenance materials are a must. The kitchen seen here features scratch- and stain-resistant ultracompact surfaces. Wine, coffee, markers and even nail polish can all be easily removed. It’s also a good idea to have plenty of storage to hide the inevitable kitchen clutter. Flat-panel cabinets are simple to clean, a boon for when any marinara sauce goes flying.
Completely open up your kitchen instead of using a large archway or pass-through. The 2020 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study found that 64% of open kitchens are forgoing any wall between adjoining spaces, up 6% from last year. “Opening up the space is a better use of the square footage; it becomes more efficient,” Germani says. Lucia Zapatero, interior design lead at surfaces company Cosentino, echoes this sentiment: “Open designs tend to be more flexible, airier and have more light — they feel larger.”
With such an on-display space, low-maintenance materials are a must. The kitchen seen here features scratch- and stain-resistant ultracompact surfaces. Wine, coffee, markers and even nail polish can all be easily removed. It’s also a good idea to have plenty of storage to hide the inevitable kitchen clutter. Flat-panel cabinets are simple to clean, a boon for when any marinara sauce goes flying.
Adopt the Hidden Look
The boundary between the kitchen and living spaces continues to blur. Embrace this integration with sleek paneling that conceals major elements, for a furniture-inspired feel. “A hidden kitchen is a beautiful thing,” Germani says. “In the ’60s and ’70s, kitchens were placed behind closet doors. Now we’re hiding things in plain sight with paneled appliances.” Upper cabinets are also coming down in favor of minimalist open shelving or bare counter-to-ceiling backsplashes.
Select materials that relate to your home’s overall design language for visual continuity. Panel your appliances to complement your living room furniture. Carry your kitchen flooring into the rest of your home. Match your backsplash to the fireplace surround. “The possibilities that materials give you are huge — you can do floors, cabinets and walls in the same material for a seamless look,” Germani says. He favors slim durable cladding, as seen on the backsplash and table in the kitchen seen here.
The boundary between the kitchen and living spaces continues to blur. Embrace this integration with sleek paneling that conceals major elements, for a furniture-inspired feel. “A hidden kitchen is a beautiful thing,” Germani says. “In the ’60s and ’70s, kitchens were placed behind closet doors. Now we’re hiding things in plain sight with paneled appliances.” Upper cabinets are also coming down in favor of minimalist open shelving or bare counter-to-ceiling backsplashes.
Select materials that relate to your home’s overall design language for visual continuity. Panel your appliances to complement your living room furniture. Carry your kitchen flooring into the rest of your home. Match your backsplash to the fireplace surround. “The possibilities that materials give you are huge — you can do floors, cabinets and walls in the same material for a seamless look,” Germani says. He favors slim durable cladding, as seen on the backsplash and table in the kitchen seen here.
Go for Clean Lines and Natural Neutrals
Zapatero recommends simple, clean shapes to keep your open-concept kitchen au courant and simple to integrate. Think crisp Shaker-style or flat-panel cabinetry. As for style, neutral-hued transitional, contemporary and modern looks are reigning supreme in 2020.
Nature is inspiring color palettes, with homeowners opting for unpainted wood and neutral stone-effect surfaces — both are easy to carry through to other rooms. “Natural stone is hard to look after, so designers are embracing engineered materials for usability and practicality,” Germani says. The ultracompact countertops and backsplash seen here were inspired by Patagonia stone but don’t require sealing.
Zapatero recommends simple, clean shapes to keep your open-concept kitchen au courant and simple to integrate. Think crisp Shaker-style or flat-panel cabinetry. As for style, neutral-hued transitional, contemporary and modern looks are reigning supreme in 2020.
Nature is inspiring color palettes, with homeowners opting for unpainted wood and neutral stone-effect surfaces — both are easy to carry through to other rooms. “Natural stone is hard to look after, so designers are embracing engineered materials for usability and practicality,” Germani says. The ultracompact countertops and backsplash seen here were inspired by Patagonia stone but don’t require sealing.
Embrace Island Living
“An island is a great idea, as it will connect the living room with the kitchen,” Zapatero says, and it’s growing in popularity. Install an eat-at version to replace your dining table and maximize square footage. The example seen here has a dining area on one half, leaving the other free for prep work. Its marble-inspired countertop is heat-, scratch-, etch- and stain-resistant, making the island ideal for both purposes.
Homeowners are also making their island a design statement, with one in four islands featuring a contrasting countertop. Whatever style you choose, “look for ways to use all four sides of the island,” Germani says. He suggests a cooktop at one end, seating and kitchen storage along the lengths, and a bookshelf on the other end.
“An island is a great idea, as it will connect the living room with the kitchen,” Zapatero says, and it’s growing in popularity. Install an eat-at version to replace your dining table and maximize square footage. The example seen here has a dining area on one half, leaving the other free for prep work. Its marble-inspired countertop is heat-, scratch-, etch- and stain-resistant, making the island ideal for both purposes.
Homeowners are also making their island a design statement, with one in four islands featuring a contrasting countertop. Whatever style you choose, “look for ways to use all four sides of the island,” Germani says. He suggests a cooktop at one end, seating and kitchen storage along the lengths, and a bookshelf on the other end.
Connect to the Outdoors
Enjoy fresh air and balmy breezes by opening your kitchen to the backyard. Houzz found that 1 in 5 remodeled kitchens opens to the outdoors, with homeowners opting for doors or pass-through windows. If you have the budget, spring for an expansive glass door system to maximize indoor-outdoor living.
Continue indoor design elements into the outdoor space for an uninterrupted look. Germani uses ultracompact surface material — such as the graphite black surface used on the island here — in both indoor and outdoor areas. The durable material is resistant to UV rays and extreme temperature changes.
More: To learn more about the Dekton ultracompact surfaces pictured in this story, visit Cosentino’s website.
See the latest: Explore The Collection, Cosentino’s newest line featuring Dekton’s exclusive colors. Available from selected partners.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Enjoy fresh air and balmy breezes by opening your kitchen to the backyard. Houzz found that 1 in 5 remodeled kitchens opens to the outdoors, with homeowners opting for doors or pass-through windows. If you have the budget, spring for an expansive glass door system to maximize indoor-outdoor living.
Continue indoor design elements into the outdoor space for an uninterrupted look. Germani uses ultracompact surface material — such as the graphite black surface used on the island here — in both indoor and outdoor areas. The durable material is resistant to UV rays and extreme temperature changes.
More: To learn more about the Dekton ultracompact surfaces pictured in this story, visit Cosentino’s website.
See the latest: Explore The Collection, Cosentino’s newest line featuring Dekton’s exclusive colors. Available from selected partners.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
As a global leader in innovative surfaces, Cosentino Group aims to offer high value solutions for the world of... Read More
As a global leader in innovative surfaces, Cosentino Group aims to offer high value solutions for the world of... Read More
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I thought I would like a sink on my island but am very glad that the contractor talked me out of it. I love the long, uninterrupted space for so many things besides eating!