Open kicthen is an expression that transcends linguistic boundaries and comes to life in the universe of interior design – and on our Pinterest boards 😆
It’s an increasingly used solution in modern homes, where the kitchen, living room, and dining room blend harmoniously to create a larger and brighter space capable of serving multiple functions, such as meals, relaxation, leisure, and moments spent in good company.
However, if you’re thinking about adopting this layout, you’ve likely encountered some doubts: Can I demolish all the walls? Will odors and noises spread throughout the room? What can I do if I need some privacy? How can I integrate the kitchen with the other areas? Should I opt for an island?
These are some of the questions we’ll address in this article, where we offer not only insights from our team but also inspiring examples for you to draw ideas for your projects 🥰. In the end, you’ll have more information to decide whether to embrace this transformation – and how to do it!
So, keep reading and discover all the secrets to create a beautiful and functional open kitchen, with valuable tips from our creative director, Rita 😀
Advantages and Disadvantages of Having an Open Kitchen
Before we start demolishing walls and welcoming an open kitchen into our homes, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. An open kitchen offers advantages beyond modern aesthetics. The sense of spaciousness and the influx of more natural light are positive aspects that can make a difference in a space. Another obvious advantage is space optimisation, especially in small homes, as an open kitchen makes every square meter seem larger. Light travels through the spaces magnificently, making any kitchen even brighter and visually pleasing. Moreover, by opening up the divisions, we immediately create greater flow and freedom of movement, and the environments become more airy, versatile, and informal.
For socialising enthusiasts, both in daily family life and dinners with friends, open kitchens are like a earthly paradise. “The ability to interact while preparing meals is a striking advantage, and if there are children in the scenario, it becomes a way to supervise them more easily,” says Rita. Communication and socialisation reign in this type of space, making all activities more interactive. Remember when you used to be alone in the kitchen while everyone else had fun in the living room? With an open kitchen, those times are over 😄
Of course, eliminating the wall that separates the two spaces can also bring some disadvantages. The challenge of keeping the kitchen always tidy and the odors that spread can be points to consider. The absence of walls means the kitchen is always visible and allows clutter to travel unhindered; therefore, the choice of closed storage solutions, especially kitchen furniture with ample storage space, becomes crucial. But we can always see this obligation as extra motivation to keep the kitchen always organised and presentable 😅
Beyond clutter, we also need to consider the issue that brings perhaps the biggest concern of all: smells and noises. Since the kitchen will be fully exposed, the odors and sounds that were once confined to the kitchen now have an expanded stage. So, investing in an efficient extractor hood is essential, as well as other mechanisms that help control and disguise odors. If you don’t have a good extractor hood, it’s possible that the smell of the dinner you prepared will accompany you to the sofa as you relax and watch your favorite series. Not an ideal scenario, but it can be circumvented with dividing elements between spaces, for example. In glass or wood, fixed or sliding, doors or partitions are useful for isolating odors and noises, contributing to a more harmonious (and less cluttered!) home.
The ability to interact while preparing meals is a striking advantage, and if there are children in the scenario, it becomes a way to supervise them more easily
How to Know if I Can Demolish the Walls?
Opening walls to create an open kitchen requires careful consideration. It’s not just about “the more open, the better.” The idea of an open kitchen with the living room is to ensure that the benefits of the space are truly maximised, but thinking that just demolishing a wall guarantees the advantage is a common misconception, as it’s not enough to have a suitable and functional space. There’s no universal “layout recipe” that works for all homes; each space is unique, and the approach must be personalised to ensure a functional and harmonious result.
Rita gives an example: “Imagine that your house has a dark entrance hall, and one of the problems you’re looking to solve is the natural light in the house. In that case, why not integrate the hall into the open kitchen? It may seem surprising, but in certain cases, it can work.”
Original floor plan and after the kitchen remodel. Both projects carried out by RIMA.
Therefore, consulting an interior design specialist is essential to ensure a smooth transition between spaces and a truly functional layout. The decision between complete openness, creating three openings, or installing an island should be guided by a deep technical knowledge of the house’s plan and structure. “We can mention that in constructions where there are pillars, it is generally possible to demolish all the walls. Usually, this happens in more recent constructions, built from the 1980s onwards, but it’s not a rule.” So, we always advise consulting an interior design and architecture expert before starting any work.
In Which Homes Should You Opt for an Open Kitchen?
All spaces have the potential to be opened up. It is particularly advantageous in small apartments where every inch counts, and the separation wall area between the kitchen and the living room, when converted into a dining area, gains more space through the union of spaces. This space solution is great as long as there are wide corridors for good circulation. “With key points spaced far enough apart to generate functionality, it is possible to have a flow of use that separated areas by walls sometimes do not provide,” says Rita.
However, above all, it is essential to ensure that the chosen layout meets your needs, and this requires a specialised approach. Natural light, the possibility of integrating entrance halls, and careful consideration of doors are factors that should be carefully evaluated. Professional guidance is crucial because it ensures a better result both in terms of design and functionality.
With key points spaced far enough apart to generate functionality, it is possible to have a flow of use that separated areas by walls sometimes do not provide
The kitchen has gone from a strictly functional area to a social space where we cook, eat, and socialize – and the possibilities are even greater in an open kitchen
Coordinate Colors and Materials
Today, the kitchen is not just a meal preparation space but a focal point of design. Rita highlights how this room has evolved over time, becoming the most beloved division in the house: “The kitchen has gone from a strictly functional area to a social space where we cook, eat, and socialize – and the possibilities are even greater in an open kitchen.”
Being the most popular and bustling room in any house, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase our taste and personality through design. But to achieve a harmonious open kitchen, it is crucial to think of this room as a whole, so the trick is to integrate materials and decorative elements in both areas to make the space cohesive. There are no restrictions as long as everything is visually harmonious. According to Rita, “The use of materials doesn’t have to be limited to the kitchen; they can be smartly incorporated into the living room. In decoration, repeating similar patterns and textures is another way to interconnect the spaces subtly. The idea is to think of the space as one in terms of colors, textures, and materials.”
Maintaining a coherent color scheme in both (or three) spaces is equally important and creates a pleasant visual continuity. If the idea of combining various colors seems challenging, or if you don’t want to take too many risks, choose only three colors that easily harmonize between the kitchen and the living room. This way, you’ll always have a balanced palette throughout the space 😊 And remember that the most important thing is to make sure each element represents you!
The use of materials doesn’t have to be limited to the kitchen; they can be smartly incorporated into the living room. In decoration, repeating similar patterns and textures is another way to interconnect the spaces subtly. The idea is to think of the space as one in terms of colors, textures, and materials
Selecting the Ideal Lighting
Lighting plays a vital role in any space, but in an open kitchen, it is even more crucial. Warmer lighting avoids the feeling of an industrial kitchen and allows you to keep the various spaces connected. The goal is to make the kitchen a natural extension of the social areas, and a well-thought-out lighting scheme can help you find this balance.
It’s important to identify areas that need brighter and more functional lighting and those that will benefit from softer lighting. For example, the kitchen area needs to include more focused and functional lighting for cooking and food preparation, while the dining and living areas will benefit from some warmer and softer lighting options for relaxation and creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The key is to adapt the lighting according to the specific needs of each space!
Choosing Flooring for a Smooth Transition
The choice of flooring is crucial in creating an open kitchen – and can be one of the biggest concerns, as on one hand, comfort is sought in the living room area, and on the other hand, maintenance and durability are desired in the kitchen.
As Rita emphasises: “It is very important to standardise the flooring for a smooth transition between spaces. Visual cohesion is fundamental in an open kitchen, but that does not imply forgetting about functionality.”
Therefore, our suggestion is to opt for vinyl floating flooring, which offers the aesthetics of wood with practical advantages such as resistance, ideal for wet and high-traffic areas, and easy application.
If, on the other hand, it is not possible to have the same flooring throughout the space, choosing different options that resemble each other is not the best alternative. Instead, we suggest that the transition between divisions be carefully planned and integrated, placing flooring in the kitchen and using transition spaces to start the second flooring, either through an island or between semi-open walls or doors.
It is very important to standardise the flooring for a smooth transition between spaces. Visual cohesion is fundamental in an open kitchen, but that does not imply forgetting about functionality
Building an Island: Yes or No?
The decision to have an island in the kitchen is not just an aesthetic but also a functional question. The island acts as a transition point that not only increases and optimizes the workspace, allowing the kitchen to face two sides, but also facilitates socialising. It is the ideal place for parallel or L-shaped countertops, making the act of cooking a more social activity. Another factor to consider is the smooth transition between the two (or three) spaces (living room, kitchen, and dining room) that the island allows. Additionally, the island allows for extra storage space and even ‘hides’ the view of the stove if you don’t want it in plain sight.
But there are other layout options that facilitate a smooth transition between the two spaces, such as integrating dividing elements between the areas to create some privacy for the living area. All of this is possible using shelves, vertical elements like screens, or the popular fixed or sliding doors.
In summary, what should you keep in mind if you’re considering an open kitchen project for your homes?
👉 Consider whether the solution suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Are you looking for a more interactive family dynamic? Are you people who enjoy hosting friends and socialising? Do you want to bring more light and spaciousness to your home? If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, then an open kitchen might be an idea to explore.
👉 There are many ways to organise the space to ensure a harmonious and functional open kitchen, but each house is unique, and there’s no universal “layout recipe” that works for everyone. So, we recommend turning to experienced professionals specialising in these transformations to help you find the solution that best meets your needs.
👉 Remember that, to achieve all the benefits of an open kitchen, it is extremely important to plan the space as a whole. Coordinating materials, colors, and decorative elements that complement and flow between the various areas will allow you to create a more harmonious open kitchen.
Did we answer all your questions? If you still have doubts about this change or if you’re already dreaming about your new open-space kitchen, you can get in touch with us 😃
Cover image: @meghan.eisenberg
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