Open Kitchen Versus Closed Kitchen – Which Works Best for You?
Some people like their kitchen open while others like it close and private.
What’s an open kitchen?
An open kitchen gives you the convenience of being able to talk to your family or guests even while preparing a meal.
What’s a closed kitchen?
A closed kitchen gives you privacy, especially if there are guests in the living room!
If you are in two minds about which kitchen type will suit your way of living, read below on the pros and cons of having both types.
Once you get an idea of what you can expect from an open and closed kitchen, you will be in a better position to make an informed decision.
Open kitchen
An open kitchen is usually located in the heart of the house adjacent to the living room or dining room.
Such a kitchen is open from all three sides, and any activity from inside the kitchen can easily be seen from the adjacent rooms.
The concept of the open kitchen is comparatively new, and it started with studio apartments initially. However, the concept has gained a lot of popularity over the past decade and is now a favoured choice for all kinds of house owners.
Pros
- An open kitchen is naturally brighter and well-ventilated.
- It imparts a sense of space to the house and makes your house look bigger and spacious.
- You can get involved in the conversation or watch your favourite TV program even while cooking. Cooking time doesn’t have to be boring with an open kitchen.
- Proud of the latest kitchen equipment and hardware you installed in your kitchen? An open kitchen makes it easier to show off your fabulous kitchen décor to your guests.
- You can keep an eye on your kids or help them with the homework even while you cook.
Cons
- It lacks privacy, and whether you like it or not everything inside your kitchen is on display.
- It increases the pressure of keeping the kitchen clean and clearing the mess as soon as the cooking is over.
- From the gruelling noise of the mixer grinder to the sounds of kitchen appliances, any noise from the kitchen can be heard from every corner of the room.
- Fewer walls mean lesser space for cupboards and kitchen cabinetry.
Closed kitchen
As the name suggests, a closed kitchen is closed from all sides with wall and is isolated from other areas in the house.
Pros
- If you consider cooking as your private time without being disrupted by anyone, then the closed kitchen is perfect for you.
- You can take your time cooking and clean it whenever you wish to. There is no pressure of keeping the kitchen spotless all the time.
- All the smell and kitchen noises are confined to the kitchen.
- There is more space for bigger countertop, cabinets, and cupboards in a closed kitchen. The number of walls means you can have more storage area in your kitchen.
- Planning a surprise becomes way easier when you have the privacy of a closed kitchen.
Cons
- When cooking in a closed kitchen, you become isolated from rest of the house. That means you need to find time out only for cooking.
- Keeping the guests entertained and cooking food for them at the same time becomes difficult.
- Closed kitchens may cost you more than open kitchens, especially if you are planning for a lot of cabinets and wall fixtures.
How about the middle path?
You don’t have to be stringent about sticking to any one type. You can have the best of both the worlds by choosing the middle path. These simple kitchen tips may come handy:
- Use sliding doors for your kitchen, which can double up as walls whenever you wish to convert your open kitchen to close.
- A glass partition can help keep the noise and the cooking odours in the kitchen while still allowing the outside view and natural light into the kitchen.
- You can install a table in your closed kitchen so that you guests or your kids can accompany you in the kitchen.
- Instead of keeping all the walls closed or open, you can have one side close, and one side open in your kitchen. This means you can still get the space and the natural light without compromising on your privacy.
