Is An Open Concept Kitchen For You?

THE PROS

Inclusiveness — An open design allows for the kitchen to become more inclusive. The kitchen not only functions as a place for food preparation, but it can also be a place where children do homework while being supervised.

During gatherings with family or friends, the kitchen becomes a place for people to socialize while including the host/cook. This is one of the main reasons why the open concept kitchen remains so popular. It promotes a central hub where everyone can interact with one another and create lasting memories.

Visual appeal — Without walls blocking light coming in from other rooms, the kitchen becomes a brighter, more spacious place. This is a real benefit for owners of smaller homes who want the appearance of their homes to be more spacious and inviting.

Resale value — Despite some people not being fans of the layout, an open kitchen plan is more attractive to many potential buyers than a closed kitchen. This modern and flexible layout aligns with current homebuyers' desire for versatility.

THE CONS

Cooking issues — Closed-in kitchens are more conducive to creating elaborate meals that require concentration, away from the distraction and noise of everyday life in other parts of the home. This kind of meal preparation tends to get messy, and if you care about a visible mess, then you might want to keep the kitchen space separate. Another consideration is cooking smells wafting into other parts of the house. A separate room can help mitigate traveling odors.

Structural modifications — In most cities and towns (and many condo communities), you will be required to apply for building permits if you are making changes to your walls. Consider how long you plan on staying in your home and whether this design would appeal to potential buyers when selling. There are some other modifications that can be made to create the illusion of spaciousness in a closed room. For example, adding skylights, glass doors or a bank of large windows will help to open up the kitchen.

Heating and cooling concerns — It may be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature in the house when the kitchen becomes warmer while cooking. This can affect the comfort of adjacent living areas.

Appliances and storage — The placement of kitchen appliances and storage units is somewhat limited in a kitchen with less wall space. The design needs to be carefully planned to make sure the kitchen is aesthetically appealing and functions well.

The advantages and disadvantages of an open kitchen should help you decide whether this design is right for you given your individual lifestyle preferences.

Contact us for more suggestions when planning a kitchen remodel - or if you'd like to hunt for a new home with an open concept!