Last updated on November 13th, 2023
Browsing through home décor websites showcasing classy open-plan kitchens can be a painful affair when you have a sturdy wall restricting movement in your tiny kitchen. The most fascinating part of these kitchens is the island and the freedom to move around it, making your cooking experience a joy.
We understand. You would like nothing better than to pick up a hammer and knock off the wall. But, hey, before you start planning, it’s best to get your facts right. Let’s take the plunge into the world of open kitchens and check out the pros and cons.
What is an Open-Plan Kitchen?
Open-plan kitchens are an extension of the living space, where one area gracefully merges into another. Factors such as lighting and kitchen islands give the illusion of space division. Dining tables are often used to divide the two spaces, adding an interesting dimension to the design. While a closed kitchen hides your prep work mess and a sink full of dirty dishes, an open-plan kitchen needs to be pristine as it is a part of the living space.
Why Open Kitchens Make Sense
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With the kitchen merging into your living space, your home looks airy and spacious. Also, it’s very pleasing to the eye if it’s designed well.
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The open living room and kitchen windows allow air circulation and plenty of natural light, something that can’t be achieved in closed-off spaces.
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You feel part of the conversation when you have guests, even when you are cooking.
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With no walls to block off the space, you don’t have to miss out on your TV serials when you are cooking.
It’s Not a Bed of Roses; There is a Downside Too
Our lifestyle is a lot different from that of the Western world, where these kitchens took birth. Frank Lloyd, an architect, paved the way for this concept in the 1950s and the idea picked up speed in the 1980s. But Indian culture is a lot different from the Western way of life, and that’s the crux of the matter. Let’s examine the downside of this amazing kitchen plan in the Indian context:
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We use a lot of spices and oil in our food. The smoke from the tadka can be disturbing, more so when we are entertaining. Yes, you have a chimney, but it can do only so much.
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With a variety of items in a normal meal, chaos will reign until the cooking is over.
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Most times, our sink is overflowing with dirty dishes as the househelp does the washing.
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Whether you are entertaining or watching TV, the clatter of dishes being washed can be exasperating at the best of times.
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While the pressure cooker and the blender are noisy, no matter the décor, the walls cushion the sounds to a certain extent. So, expect tempers to fray if Virat Kohli hits a sixer and your partner can’t hear the commentary because of the noise.
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The heat from the cooking can increase your room temperature. Again, the AC isn’t a magic wand. It has its limitations.
How to Make it Work
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Proper ventilation is essential. So, large, open windows are a must. Exhaust fans and chimneys are vital too.
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If you want to have your cake and eat it too, install sliding doors between the spaces. You can shut off the space when the dishes are being done or when you are cooking.
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Glass partitions can give you the best of both worlds. But again, you will have to maintain a clean countertop as the space will be visible from your living room.
Our Thoughts
When it comes to home décor, everything that looks good isn’t necessarily for you. It’s best to be practical and forego an idea if you know you won’t be able to maintain a standard of cleanliness. For innovative ideas, it’s best to call in the experts, who will examine your space and decide what you can do to achieve your heart’s desire. And who is better than homebliss.in to get the job done? Contact us or log in today.