When choosing the best kitchen design for you, there is always that difficult choice – whether it should be an open kitchen or a closed kitchen. Some kitchens are used as social areas, besides cooking and serving meals, while others are used solely for preparing and cooking meals and washing dishes.
Before you decide, it is essential to know what these two types of kitchens are, the pros and cons of open kitchen layout and the closed-off kitchen. So, let’s start with the first question.
What is an open kitchen?
An open kitchen has no walls separating the cooking area from the dining and living areas, referred to as “the great rooms.” The open-plan kitchen makes your space appear bigger than it is and facilitates the smooth flow between the common areas.
The open-plan kitchen concept has its advantages (Pros) and disadvantages (Cons), which are listed below:
PROS of an Open Kitchen
- An open kitchen is a smart way to maximize space, as no walls and doors serve as barriers.
- It allows interaction between families and friends, which is prohibited in closed-off kitchens.
- An open kitchen layout can accommodate more people.
- This open layout allows for the installation of a kitchen island.
- You can multi-task in an open kitchen. For example, you can watch TV while cooking and supervising the kids or entertaining some guests.
- More natural light can pass through an open kitchen.
CONS of an Open Kitchen
These are the disadvantages of an open kitchen:
- The open kitchen is always visible to anyone who comes to the house, and it becomes self-evident if you fail to tidy up every time.
- The sound and smell of cooking travels to other house spaces.
- Cabinet space is limited because open kitchens do not have extra walls to place kitchen cabinets.
What is a closed kitchen?
A closed kitchen is a traditional kitchen layout. It is regularly seen in homes until recently. It has separating walls and barriers that differentiate the kitchen from the dining room, living room, and other spaces in the house. If you have a closed kitchen, you must go through a door before entering the space.
PROS of a Closed Kitchen
- You can hide the mess (if you do not tidy up regularly) by just closing the kitchen door.
- You have more storage. You get more options for placing cabinets, appliances and countertops.
- You can focus better when cooking or cleaning. People are unlikely to go out of their way to distract you from what you are doing.
- Cooking noise and smell are limited so that you won’t be disturbing other people in the home.
CONS of a Closed Kitchen
- Air circulation can be challenging unless your kitchen has expansive windows.
- A Closed kitchen usually lacks natural light, so it must depend on artificial lighting.
- The feeling is cramped and closeted, as this type of kitchen layout makes the space considerably smaller and will be crammed with your appliances.
The PROS and CONS of each type of kitchen layout tell the differences between the open and closed kitchens.
Important points to consider when choosing between an open and closed kitchen.
1. A closed kitchen offers more privacy and reduced noise. If you want a more private cooking experience or cooking-related noise to be separated from other areas of the house, your best option would be the closed kitchen design. It is also ideal if you have small children or pets, as you can have more control over your kitchen environment.
2. An open kitchen promotes social interaction. You and your guests can communicate with each other while the food is being prepared. There are no walls that separate the kitchen from the dining, living room and other areas of the house, so your space becomes more welcoming.
Conclusion:
Choosing between an open and closed kitchen should depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Consider your cooking habits and entertaining needs and preferences. There is no wrong or right answer because both kitchen styles have unique benefits and drawbacks.
If, despite the above, you still need help knowing which kitchen style is good for you, don’t hesitate to contact VMS Plus today, and let us talk about your renovation project.
