u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eIN THIS BLOG..u003c/strongu003e.u003c/pu003ernu003colu003erntu003cliu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/blog/open-concept-vs-closed-concept-kitchens/#openu0022u003eWHAT IS AN OPEN KITCHEN?u003c/au003eu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/blog/open-concept-vs-closed-concept-kitchens/#closedu0022u003eWHAT IS A CLOSED KITCHEN?u003c/au003eu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/blog/open-concept-vs-closed-concept-kitchens/#tipsu0022u003eTIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT LAYOUT FOR YOUR KITCHENu003c/au003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cpu003eOpen concept and closed concept floor plans are two very different but popular types of layouts in homes across the country. Closed floor plans designate each area of the house as their own separate spaces, separated by walls. Alternatively, open concept layouts eliminate walls between different areas, creating one large space in which different areas coexist. u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eThe differences between open concepts and closed concepts are typically most visible in the kitchen and surrounding areas. In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each so you can decide which layout is best for your home.u003c/pu003ernu003ch2u003eu003ca id=u0022openu0022u003eu003c/au003eWHAT IS AN OPEN KITCHEN?u003c/h2u003ernu003cpu003eThe open concept floor plan has become exceptionally popular in the past decade. In an open kitchen, there are no walls separating prep and cooking space from the living and dining spaces — which are often called the u0022great room.u0022 An open kitchen makes these collective spaces appear more spacious and facilitates smooth flow between common areas. u003c/pu003ernu003ch2u003eWHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF AN OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN?u003c/h2u003ernu003cpu003eWhy is an open kitchen a good option? Here are the distinct advantages offered by an open concept kitchen:u003c/pu003ernu003culu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eSpace maximization: u003c/bu003eA lack of doors and walls removes visual barriers that make a home appear smaller, so an open kitchen is a smart way to maximize space in a small floor plan.u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eSocialization: u003c/bu003eFor those who enjoy cooking but don’t want to miss out on friendly gatherings or family time, an open kitchen allows interaction that a closed off kitchen does not. u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eGroup cooking:u003c/bu003e With an open concept, the phrase u0022too many cooks in the kitchenu0022 becomes less of a problem because it can accommodate more people.u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eIsland space:u003c/bu003e Since there’s no fourth wall in an open concept kitchen, it can accommodate an island. u003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/blog/how-choose-perfect-kitchen-islandu0022u003eIslandsu003c/au003e provide more seating, counter and prep space without interrupting the flow of traffic in the home.u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eMultitasking:u003c/bu003e An open concept kitchen allows you to combine some of the activities of other rooms with cooking. For example, you can follow along with a cooking tutorial on TV and supervise the kids while you go about your duties in the kitchen. u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eBrighter light:u003c/bu003e Without walls to block it out, an open kitchen takes advantage of your home’s natural light. The open concept helps create a bright, inviting space in the great room that closed kitchens can’t match.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/01-Brighter-light.jpgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-full wp-image-13215u0022 src=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/01-Brighter-light.jpgu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u00221200u0022 height=u0022628u0022 /u003eu003c/au003eu003cimg src=u0022https://drive.google.com/a/webpagefx.com/uc?id=18T2lhusQNP_lZh14HcdOEDJ7MNJcxRLIu0026amp;export=viewu0022 alt=u0022u0022 /u003eu003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eu0026nbsp;u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eOpen concept kitchens are ideal for those who want to expand the central hub of the home and increase togetherness. However, they are not without their drawbacks and are not well-suited for everyone. The cons of open kitchens include the following:u003c/pu003ernu003culu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eConstant visibility: u003c/bu003eIf you frequently fall behind on tidying, an open concept kitchen will make it obvious to everyone who enters your home. For some people, this may be an incentive to keep clean, but for others, it can be a deal-breaker. u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eIncreased noise:u003c/bu003e Cooking can be a noisy affair, and open concept kitchens allow all the sound to travel throughout the great room. It’s not fun to hear a blender or other noisy appliance grinding away while you’re trying to watch a movie.u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eReduced cabinet space:u003c/bu003e Since open concept kitchens lack an extra wall, the available space to place cabinets can be significantly limited.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch2u003eu003ca id=u0022closedu0022u003eu003c/au003eWHAT IS A CLOSED KITCHEN?u003c/h2u003ernu003cpu003eThe closed concept kitchen is a traditional layout that was common in homes until recently. In a closed kitchen, you have to go through a door to get into the space — so, typically, only the cook and helpers are present in the room. Closed kitchens are entirely separate from the rest of the house, including the dining room and living room.u003c/pu003ernu003ch2u003eWHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF A CLOSED CONCEPT KITCHEN?u003c/h2u003ernu003cpu003eA closed kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be small and cramped. Many times, closed kitchens are purpose-built for people who take their cooking seriously or who want to enjoy the following benefits:u003c/pu003ernu003culu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eReduced mess stress: u003c/bu003eWith a closed kitchen, you don’t need to worry that each guest or person you open the door to will see any mess left in the kitchen. All you have to do is close the door to hide any untidiness.u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eMore storage: u003c/bu003eHaving four walls means you have more options for placing cabinets, as well as appliances or countertops. u003cimg src=u0022https://drive.google.com/a/webpagefx.com/uc?id=1VHLdF3_czEtYKluceEjOW-iVICuYiE1su0026amp;export=viewu0022 alt=u0022u0022 /u003eu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eBetter focus: u003c/bu003eWhen cooking or cleaning in a closed kitchen, there is less chance that people will go out of their way to disturb you, since the natural flow of traffic is disrupted by the walls. u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eLimited noise and smell: u003c/bu003eWhen something starts to burn, or you need to use something noisy like the garbage disposal, a closed off kitchen will help keep the smell and noise contained to minimize the disturbance to others in the home.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/02-More-storage.jpgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-full wp-image-13216u0022 src=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/02-More-storage.jpgu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u00221200u0022 height=u0022628u0022 /u003eu003c/au003eu003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eu0026nbsp;u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eAlthough these benefits are significant, there are still drawbacks to closed kitchens for many people:u003c/pu003ernu003culu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eIsolation: u003c/bu003eIf you’re not excited about cooking or you enjoy participating in other activities like socializing or watching TV while you cook, the loneliness that comes with a closed kitchen will likely not be appealing to you. u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eSize considerations: u003c/bu003eClosed off kitchens are not typically a good option for smaller homes, as they make the space feel significantly smaller. u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eu003cbu003eReduced flow: u003c/bu003ePutting a barrier between the kitchen and dining room makes it more of a hassle to deliver food and dishes from one room to the other. u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch2u003eu003ca id=u0022tipsu0022u003eu003c/au003eTIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT LAYOUT FOR YOUR KITCHENu003c/h2u003ernu003cpu003eNo hard and fast rule will settle the open versus closed kitchen debate. The answer is different for each home and the people that live in it. It’s a good idea to start with a list of needs, followed by a list of wants. u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eIf, for example, you pride yourself on your collection of kitchen gadgets and need enough space to store them, you may want to go with a closed kitchen design to maximize your cabinet space. If you prioritize socializing with family and friends over privacy during cooking, it makes the most sense to go with an open kitchen plan. The choice between these concepts comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tips-for-Choosing-the-right-layout-for-your-kitchen.jpgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-full wp-image-13217u0022 src=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tips-for-Choosing-the-right-layout-for-your-kitchen.jpgu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u00221200u0022 height=u0022628u0022 /u003eu003c/au003eu003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eu0026nbsp;u003c/pu003ernu003ch2u003eFIND YOUR WOLF HOME PRODUCTS DEALER TODAYu003c/h2u003ernu003cpu003eWhether you’re looking to create the perfect open or closed kitchen, Wolf Home Products has the materials and expertise you need to get the job done right. It’s easy to u003ca href=u0022https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/where-to-buy/u0022u003efind a Wolf Home Products dealeru003c/au003e that can answer your questions and help you get started on the right track. With over 175 years of experience, Wolf Home Products is ready to transform your home with quality products for your open or closed kitchen.u003c/pu003e
