For a while, the open-concept kitchen felt like the only option on the kitchen design block. Then, many homeowners realized they missed some of the benefits of a more traditional kitchen layout or didn’t like having their formal dining room exposed to the kitchen or family room area.
Today, most of our clients are split 50/50 between designing open-concept or traditional kitchen layouts. However, it’s essential to figure out which one you want before you start a major kitchen remodel.
And, don’t forget, there are ways you can modify the open-concept design so it still offers privacy or seclusion where you want it.
Deciding Between Open-Concept & Traditional Layouts
Here’s the thing about design trends: with a few exceptions, what’s outdated now will become popular in another couple of decades.
Unless you plan to sell your house in the next few years, designing a kitchen has far more to do with how you use it, how you plan to use it in the future, and personal style preferences with a timeless—rather than trendy—aesthetic.
1. Are you a Communal Cook or Entertainer?
Some people take a “the more, the merrier” approach to meal prep and hosting. Others prefer to be left alone in the kitchen to minimize distractions. As you can imagine, the former thrive in open-concept kitchens, while the latter get caught between being irritated and playing gracious host(ess).
If you prefer that the kitchen remain “off limits” when you’re in the heat of the cooking moment, a more traditional kitchen layout with some separation between you and the crowd is probably best.
Stat Worth Noting: If you are an entertainer on the fence about traditional vs. open kitchens, recent housing market research found that only about 12.4% of those polled said they actually entertain in their kitchens. An open concept makes sense if you belong to that small group. If not, a hybrid or traditional layout may be best.
2. What If We Could Enlarge Your Galley or Three-Sided Kitchen?
If you prefer a more private kitchen space (read: the guests can’t see all the dirty dishes), let’s consider ways we can open that up for you without making you feel too exposed.
If you have a smaller kitchen space, it’s time to think about how we can work with the adjacent rooms to create a larger galley or three-sided kitchen so that you get the best of both worlds.
3. Do You Miss Your Formal Dining Room?
This is one of the most common laments we hear from people who have jumped on the open-concept design train only to find they have missed their formal dining room. For many families, the all-open living space concept is evolving into a partially-open version instead.
For example, we can recreate a separate dining room space – or den – providing additional living areas free from kitchen clutter, odors, and chaos or give people options depending on whether they want to participate in the larger group or have more quiet, intimate options.
4. Would Pocket or French Doors Support Multiple Needs?
Adding features like a pocket door or French doors can work wonders for evolving households. Options like this give you lots of possibilities depending on the moment. You can keep things wide open while also benefiting from the luxury of closing a room off from view as needed.
Other things you can do to create a feeling of separate spaces without completely cutting off the view include:
- Installing pony walls.
- Using upper cabinets above a peninsula (with glass doors).
- Use plant dividers with a partial view between the foliage.
Busy families are wise to design spaces that allow everyone to be together or to enjoy moments of separation and quiet as needed. This is especially helpful if you have multiple children.
Re-Imagine Kitchen Layout Possibilities With Details Construction Group
Deciding between an open-concept or more traditional kitchen design doesn’t have to be an either/or scenario. Still, it does require thinking carefully about how the kitchen and living spaces function for your family now – and how you envision them serving your household in the future.
When you work with Details Construction Group, we take the time to listen to how you live and use your kitchen and living spaces. Then, our experienced design-build team provides expert insight and craftsmanship to design a remodel you’ll love for years to come.
Contact us to schedule your first design consultation. We look forward to helping you re-imagine the kitchen and living spaces to accommodate your household’s ever-changing needs.
