Open kitchens: what you should and shouldn't do
Beauty and functionality in balance
Open kitchens have gained ground as the heart of the home. They integrate with the living room or dining room, offer visual spaciousness, and promote shared living. But they also require more attention to design, because what was once "indoors" is now part of a shared and visible space.
And this is where we often make mistakes. It's not just about having a beautiful kitchen, but also about integrating it coherently into the overall space.
What should you keep in mind when designing an open kitchen?
1. Hide appliances (or integrate them with design)
One of the most common mistakes is leaving the microwave, coffee maker, or even the extractor hood in plain sight, disrupting the overall aesthetic of the living room. The solution? Panel appliances or integrate them into tall cabinets or columns. You can even design a small coffee corner or breakfast bar to hide smaller ones.
2. Take care of the lighting
An open kitchen requires good functional lighting over the work area, but also warm and decorative lighting to blend in with the living room. Pendant lights over an island or peninsula, for example, can act as a visual bridge between the two areas.
3. Smart storage
The more open it is, the more organized it should be. Drawers with dividers, ceiling-high cabinets, pull-out solutions... Everything helps to keep a kitchen clutter-free. And if you can, include a small closed office or auxiliary cabinet to store items you don't want to be constantly in view.
4. Choose materials that are consistent with the rest of the space
An open kitchen shouldn't feel like "just another room." Choose materials that harmonize with the living room: natural wood, neutral countertops, and soft tones. You can even repeat details like handles, lamps, or textures.
5. Create a visual transition
Whether it's a peninsula, an island, a rug, or a subtle floor change, create a transition that connects but also delineates. This way, you'll achieve a sense of continuity without losing functionality.
Thinking about an open kitchen?
Designing an open kitchen is a wonderful opportunity to combine functionality and beauty. But it also requires careful planning to avoid mistakes that can later affect your daily life.
If you're in the process of renovating or designing, I can help you find the solution that suits your space, your style, and your way of life.
📩 Write to me and we'll project it together.