Should You Get an Open-Concept Kitchen?

Just about everyone wishes they had a bigger kitchen, but bigger isn’t always better. Instead of opting for raw square footage, there may be another solution to that cramped feeling you get when cooking or that notable lack of usable counter space. That solution is an open-concept kitchen.

While open-concept kitchen designs have been around since the ’90s, their popularity is steadily growing to the point where you’ll commonly find them in recently built or remodeled homes. They have a lot to offer, but are they right for you? Learn about the pros and cons of implementing an open-concept kitchen in your home.

Open-Concept Kitchen Defined

As the name suggests, an open-concept kitchen is one that features an open atmosphere without any of the barriers you’d typically find in a home that makes clear distinctions between the living room, dining room and kitchen. With the lack of barriers and walls, an open-concept kitchen can be considered part of a single great room.

Imagine being able to access the kitchen and the surrounding areas without having to weave around walls and through doorways. While they may not be suitable for everyone, open-concept kitchens can even boost property value.

Benefits

Several factors explain why this kitchen design has gotten so popular. The primary benefit is the sheer size of the space. Without walls in the way, you have more space to maneuver, and your home will look larger aesthetically. Larger families or people who frequently entertain will certainly appreciate the enhanced traffic flow.

You’ll also find that open-concept kitchens can make it easier for people to communicate. Without any walls in the way of the living room, dining room and kitchen, people in all three areas can easily communicate with each other. In addition to the social benefits, the lack of walls also makes it easier for natural light to illuminate the area, making the space brighter and even more welcoming.

Drawbacks

While open-concept kitchens certainly have a lot to offer, they aren’t for everyone. You’ll also find a few drawbacks in their design as well such as noise. Because there are no barriers between the kitchen, dining room and living room, noise easily travels. It’s great if you’re having a party, but inconvenient if you’re trying to watch television while someone else uses the blender.

Walls can get in the way, but they also provide an opportunity for cabinets. When you have an open-concept kitchen, there’s always at least one less wall to put cabinets on, so that could hurt your overall storage space. Storage underneath the kitchen island, however, could be one solution. Additionally, you’ll have to keep your kitchen in top condition all the time, as it’ll always be on display when you have guests over.

Get Your Open-Concept Kitchen

If you think an open-concept kitchen might be right for your home, it’s time to start the transformation process. That’s where Kitchen Solvers can help. Our elite team of experts can implement an open-concept design with the quick and quality service you deserve. Get in touch with our team today so we can start planning your design and get you one step closer to the kitchen of your dreams.

Also be sure to check out our blogs, Is an Open-Concept Kitchen Right for Your Home and Tips for Planning an Open Kitchen for more information on designing your open-concept kitchen.

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