Are you preparing to remodel your kitchen? As a company that has been building luxury kitchens in Sydney for decades, we understand the dilemma of choosing between a closed and an open concept layout. Each option brings its own unique flair and functionality. So, which one is right for you?
Open kitchen layouts offer an expansive, integrated feel with no walls separating the kitchen from other areas of the home, making them ideal for larger spaces. On the other hand, closed floor plans provide a clear separation, with walls creating distinct zones within the home.
However, the decision between a closed or open plan isn’t always straightforward. Most homeowners with existing houses face limitations, as the current kitchen location, the feasibility of removing internal walls, or even the possibility of relocating the kitchen play crucial roles. In contrast, new builds offer more flexibility, allowing homeowners to choose their preferred layout from the start. Apartments, however, present even fewer options due to structural constraints.
By far, the biggest factor is budget. For the 99% of homeowners looking to switch from a closed to an open layout, the extent to which the kitchen can be opened up depends largely on how much they are willing to invest. Even removing a single load-bearing wall and installing a beam across the opening can cost a minimum of $7,000, with costs increasing as the complexity of the project grows.
Let’s explore the following:
- The benefits of an open plan concept & closed concept kitchens
- Side by side comparison of open and closed kitchens
- Dan Kitchens professional tips and how to make a selection
Key distinctions such as these will enable you to make a well-informed decision, ensuring your new kitchen is perfectly aligned with your lifestyle and available space. With over 40 years of expertise in luxury kitchens Sydney, we will guide you meticulously through every step of the process, bringing your ideal kitchen to life with precision.
What is an Open Concept Kitchen?
Open plan kitchen Stanmore
An open plan kitchen eliminates the walls that traditionally separate the open plan kitchen dining and living room areas, creating a single, expansive space. This design fosters a sense of openness and connectivity, making the kitchen the social hub of the home.
Benefits of an Open Concept Kitchen
- Enhanced Social Interaction: Open kitchens allow for seamless interaction with family and guests while cooking, making it easier to entertain and engage in conversations. For parents with young children, an open plan layout provides the added benefit of keeping a watchful eye on the kids while they play nearby. It creates a comforting environment where children feel secure, knowing their parents are always close by.
- Increased Natural Light: With fewer walls, natural light can flow freely, creating a brighter and more inviting space.
- Perceived Spaciousness: The absence of barriers makes the home feel larger and more airy, which is particularly beneficial in smaller homes.
On the other hand, in a larger home, a small closed-in kitchen might feel a bit out of sync with the rest of the space. From our experience, an open kitchen tends to flow much better in a big home, creating a more harmonious and practical living environment.
- Modern Aesthetic: We’ve designed open plan kitchens in a variety of styles, and what truly sets them apart is how they naturally become the heart of the home. These kitchens often take centre stage, with homeowners enjoying the chance to showcase their beautiful spaces to guests.
What is a Closed Concept Kitchen?
A closed plan kitchen is a self-contained space, separated by walls and often a door. This traditional layout prioritises functionality and privacy, creating a distinct boundary between the kitchen and other living areas.
Benefits of a Closed Concept Kitchen
Privacy and Focus:
The enclosed space allows for more privacy, making it easier to concentrate on cooking without distractions from other household activities.
Plus, there’s a practical side to consider. With a closed kitchen, you don’t have to worry as much about keeping it spotless all the time. Think about a dinner party, any mess stays tucked away, out of sight from your guests.
In contrast, an open plan kitchen puts everything on display, which is why many homeowners who choose an open layout also choose for a scullery; a smaller, closed-off kitchen space that keeps the mess hidden while still enjoying the benefits of an open plan.
Containment of Odours and Noise:
Cooking smells and kitchen noises are confined within the kitchen, preventing them from permeating the rest of the home.
Increased Storage:
With more walls available, closed kitchens offer greater opportunities for cabinets and shelves, maximising storage space.
Traditional Charm:
Closed kitchen designs can evoke a sense of nostalgia and cosiness, appealing to those who appreciate a more classic home layout.
Side by Side: Open vs Closed Concept Kitchens
| Feature | Open Kitchen | Closed Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Social Interaction | High – Encourages engagement with family/guests | Low – Isolates the cook from other activities |
| Natural Light | High – Lighter in its look due to fewer walls | Low – Limited light, dependent on kitchen windows |
| Space Perception | High – Feels larger and more open | Low – Can feel more enclosed |
| Privacy | Low – Everything is on display | High – Mess and activities are hidden |
| Odour and Noise Control | Low – Smells and sounds spread easily | High – Contained within the kitchen |
| Storage | Low – Fewer walls mean less cabinet space | High – More walls for cabinets and shelves |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Modern and sleek | Traditional and cosy |
Our Tips for Choosing Open or Closed Concept
The main factors in whether you can have an open plan kitchen often come down to budget, structural considerations, and available space.
Firstly, it’s all about your vision. Choosing between an open or closed kitchen ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
Do you enjoy bustling, interactive spaces where cooking and socialising merge seamlessly?
Or do you prefer a dedicated, private area where you can cook in peace and keep the rest of your home free from culinary chaos?
Here are some expert tips from Dan Kitchens to help you decide on the perfect kitchen layout:
Tip 1: Assess Your Space:
Consider the size and layout of your home. Smaller homes may benefit from the spacious feel of an open kitchen, while larger homes can afford the luxury of a closed kitchen, due to size.
Open Concept Kitchens for Smaller Homes:
- Maximising Space: Creates a sense of openness, making the area feel larger.
- Social Interaction: Keeps the cook engaged with family and guests.
- Natural Light: Utilises light from adjacent rooms for a brighter space.
Case Study Open Concept Kitchen in an Apartment: The design allows the eye to easily glance past the kitchen and out to the views beyond, integrating the other spaces of the apartment and providing a smooth flow with an island for dining and preparation.
Read about the full case study here: Coogee Beach Kitchen
Closed Concept Kitchens for Larger Homes:
- Defined Spaces: Contains cooking smells and noise.
- Organisational Efficiency: More wall space for cabinets and appliances.
- Design Flexibility: Allows for a distinct aesthetic separate from the rest of the home.
Tip 2: Lifestyle Considerations:
Think about how you use your kitchen. If you love hosting parties and family gatherings, an open kitchen might be ideal. If you prefer a quiet, organised cooking space, a closed kitchen could be the way to go.
Further Insights:
Open Concept Kitchens for Entertainers:
- Social Hub: Ideal for those who host parties and family gatherings, allowing the cook to interact with guests.
- Seamless Flow: Integrates with living and dining areas for an open, welcoming atmosphere.
- Example: A family who loves entertaining might select an open concept kitchen with a large island and bar stools, creating a natural gathering spot.
Closed Concept Kitchens for Focused Cooks:
- Quiet Space: Provides a calm, organised environment for focused cooking.
- Containment: Keeps cooking smells and messes out of living areas.
- Example: A couple who values a peaceful cooking experience may choose a closed kitchen with ample storage and high-end appliances, creating a private, efficient workspace.
Tip 3: Storage Needs:
Evaluate your storage requirements. If you need ample storage, a closed kitchen with more wall space for cabinets might be more suitable.
Further Insights:
Closed Concept Kitchens for Maximum Storage:
- Ample Cabinet Space: More wall space allows for additional cabinets and storage solutions.
- Organised Layout: Helps keep kitchen items neatly organised and easily accessible.
- Example: A family with extensive cookware and pantry items chose a closed kitchen with custom cabinetry, including pull-out shelves and a walk-in pantry. For easy access to items with convenient storage solutions
Open Concept Kitchens for Moderate Storage:
- Optimised Solutions: Utilises creative storage solutions like kitchen islands,overhead racks and concealed storage.
- Less Clutter: Encourages a minimalist approach to kitchen essentials.
- Example: A couple with a smaller cookware collection opted for an open kitchen with a large island featuring built-in storage and hanging pot racks to keep essentials within reach.
You can read more about our concealed storage solutions in our valuable article.
Tip 4: Ventilation and Light:
Ensure that your kitchen has adequate ventilation and natural light. Open kitchens generally have better airflow and light distribution, while closed kitchens might need additional lighting and ventilation solutions.
Open Concept Kitchens for Better Airflow and Light:
- Natural Light: Benefit from light flowing in from adjacent rooms, making the space feel brighter and more inviting.
- Airflow: Open layouts allow for better circulation, reducing cooking smells lingering in the space. A good extracting rangehood plays a crucial role here, it’s effective at removing cooking smells, regardless of the layout. Just keep in mind, it needs to be extracting; a simple recirculating rangehood won’t do the job.
- Example: A family home with large windows and an open floor plan ensures the kitchen receives ample daylight, while ceiling fans and range hoods enhance ventilation.
Closed Concept Kitchens for Controlled Environment:
- Ventilation Solutions: Require powerful range hoods and possibly additional exhaust fans to manage cooking fumes.
- Artificial Lighting: Need well-planned lighting fixtures, such as under-cabinet lights and ceiling-mounted fixtures, to ensure adequate illumination.
- Example: A chef’s styled kitchen with a high-performance range hood and strategically placed LED lights creates a well-ventilated and brightly lit cooking area.
Tip 5: Resale Value:
Consider the impact of your kitchen layout on resale value. Homes with open plan kitchens tend to be more desirable, attracting potential buyers and potentially increasing your property’s market appeal.
Open Concept Kitchens for Higher Resale Value:
Buyer Appeal: Open kitchens are often sought after by buyers, making your home more attractive when it’s time to sell.
Timeline: This is especially important if you’re considering selling in the near future, an open layout could give you an edge in a competitive market.
Example: A modern home with an open plan kitchen may stand out to buyers, offering a spacious and inviting environment that uplifts the overall appeal of the property.
Tip 6:Hybrid Solutions:
Consider a semi-open kitchen if you’re torn between the two. Features like half-walls or glass partitions can offer a balance of openness and privacy.
Further Details:
Semi-Open Kitchens for the Best of Both Worlds:
- Half-Walls: Maintain a connection to adjacent rooms while providing some separation for focused cooking.
- Glass Partitions: Allow light to pass through while containing cooking smells and noise.
Examples of Hybrid Solutions:
- A modern home with a semi-open kitchen using a half-wall with built-in shelving provides storage and maintains a visual connection to the living area. A kitchen with a raised breakfast bar, creates a subtle barrier, allowing you to keep items on the kitchen benchtop without them being visible from the adjoining space.
Or
- A kitchen with glass sliding doors, offering flexibility to open up or close off the space as needed.
Dan Kitchens’ Solutions for Open and Closed Concept Kitchens
When deciding between an open or closed kitchen layout, imagine a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle and transforms your home. Dan Kitchens, experts in luxury kitchens Sydney, can help you realise your vision, whether it’s an open, closed, or hybrid kitchen layout.
With over 30 years of experience, Dan Kitchens transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary kitchens, seamlessly blending style and functionality. Our bespoke designs are tailored to your lifestyle, ensuring that every kitchen is a testament to elegance and practical sophistication.
From unparalleled customer service to meticulous project management, Dan Kitchens delivers kitchens that are not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to your needs.
Choosing Dan Kitchens means investing in a kitchen that uplifts your home and lifestyle, adding a touch of sophistication to your Sydney residence. Why not get in touch with Dan Kitchens today to start planning your dream kitchen?