Are You Open to an Open Floor Plan?

As designers, we’ve witnessed the transformation of kitchens from the place where meals are prepared to the epicenter of the home. Designs have become grander, space has become larger, and the look and feel has become more personal because the kitchen has been transformed into a place of pride that is intended to project a personal statement of style. Many of our clients want their new kitchen to serve multiple functions ­– central gathering place, meal preparation area and entertainment center among other roles. We often suggest open-concept floor plans, where the kitchen flows through to other living spaces such as family room or dining room, to create a more communal, connected and multifunctional space.

open concept living room and kitcheb

©Jamie Harrington-Image Ten Photography. All Rights Reserved.

According to a recent Houzz.com study, open-concept plans are featured in more than 70% of kitchen renovations [pdf]. Open-concept floor plans offer a good solution for small-space living. Knocking down walls to open up small homes is a popular way of creating a feeling of space. An open floor plan can also promote indoor-outdoor living. Imagine increased natural lighting streaming into your home and a kitchen that seamlessly opens out to covered patio for alfresco dining.

open concept dining room and kitchen

©Jamie Harrington-Image Ten Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Of course, open concepts are not limited to kitchen footprint and design. Many of our clients favor open shelving to display cookware, art, vessels and mementos. Open shelving works well with glass front, interior lit cabinets that provide the look and feel of an open, airy, spacious and welcoming room that you want to spend a lot of time in.