When dreaming up your brand new designer kitchen, does an open kitchen or closed kitchen come to mind? As interior design experts, we know that both have their benefits; the former best suited to modern, contemporary, German-made kitchens and the latter best suited to more traditional designs. In today’s blogs, we’re revealing the perks of both designs – helping you decide which of the two is best for you.
In recent years, the open kitchen design has grown in popularity. An open plan design is a great look in brand new homes and older, farmhouse-style properties, which benefit from plenty of space.
The benefits are endless, but some of the most popular reasons for choosing an open plan kitchen design include:
Open plan kitchen designs allow productivity and entertainment in one space. At social events or dinner parties, there’s no need to shut friends and family away in a separate living space. The versatile living space is also ideal for families with young children. Parents can get on with cooking and food prep while watching over children playing in the same room.
Laid-back, relaxed living spaces are on-trend right now. An open kitchen design creates that exact vibe, with an ideal traffic flow and space to socialise. Soft furnishings are very much a part of an open plan kitchen design too, which adds to the relaxed feel of the room. Guests and family can relax on sofas or at the breakfast bar – rather than sitting at a formal dining table.
One of the best things about open plan design is the lack of walls. Walls close down a space, making a room feel smaller and darker. An open plan kitchen, on the other hand, will benefit from lots of light thanks to more windows in the kitchen space.
Before open plan designs became a trend, all kitchens featured the traditional closed kitchen design. While they may not be first choice for modern homeowners today, the closed kitchen does appear to be making a bit of a comeback.
The benefits include:
While some love the sociable and laid-back feel of an open plan kitchen, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Many prefer the feel of a formal dining room and separate kitchen area – with the latter also offering more privacy for the cook.
For many, the lingering smells from the open plan kitchen is a real turn-off. For those that prefer to leave smells and mess behind, a closed plan kitchen provides the perfect solution. While a good vent hood can minimise lingering smells, it can still be a problem with open plan kitchen designs.
With an open plan kitchen, you do have to compromise a little on functionality – but you benefit from a connected and sociable space as a result. Closed kitchens usually boast a better layout thanks to the presence of walls. What’s more, the correct plumbing, electrical and structural work is already in place and it’s simpler to switch furnishings and update the overall look.
Still not decided on which one works best for you? Read about how to blend freestanding and fitted designs over on our blog to get the best of both worlds.
Do you have a preference? Whether you love modern, open plan kitchens or prefer the traditional closed kitchen design, we’d love to know your thoughts. Leave your comments below or tweet us @ModernKitchens
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
Kitchen Design Centre is proud to feature on George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds which features Katherine and Andrew’s Manchester build this Thursday 11 June , 8pm, CH4
We can’t wait to watch it!
Who doesn’t love a peek into someone else’s kitchen?
Visit our showrooms to explore our stunning display kitchens in person. Pop in for a browse—we’ll have the kettle on, or you can try out our instant hot taps!
Book A Free Design Appointment
