Small Space, Big Dreams: Open Kitchen Design On A Budget

The Open-plan Kitchen Option

There was a time, not too long ago, when South African home owners were not overly concerned about the dimensions of their rooms. Nowadays, with construction costs – indeed all costs – spiralling, the emphasis is on the compact, and on an internal arrangement that makes optimum use of every available square centimetre.

Up until the 1970s, the most common type of kitchen was a separate room, totally enclosed except perhaps for a serving hatch, with one door leading out to the service yard and the other into the dining area, Although some larger kitchens of this kind had space for a breakfast nook, they could not be described as ‘open-plan’ in the correct sense of the word.

Open-Plan

Open-plan, a basic design concept much in vogue today, really does save space. Moreover, it helps to create the illusion of space, which is extremely important in the smaller home.

A great deal depends on the kind of family you have, and the type of cook you are: bear in mind that an open-plan configuration involves loss of privacy. If you regard the kitchen as your exclusive domain; a functional place which enables you to get on with your work without disturbance; or if the other members of the household need space for their own individual pursuits, then the enclosed kitchen would probably be your choice.

The Open-plan kitchen is for the family that mostly enjoys doing things together, unless, of course, the home has additional, special purpose areas: study, TV/family room, a master bedroom with space for sitting, or children’s bedrooms fitted out for play and homework. In broad terms, there are two categories of open-plan living:

Cooking and Eating

Here, we are not talking of a table in the corner of the kitchen that does duty for casual meals, with a separate, more formal dining room elsewhere, but of the incorporation of a proper eating arrangement into the kitchen area. The room needs to be large; firm demarcation of the working and eating areas is a matter of preference.

A counter or some other form of room divider allows a degree of privacy, for instance, but if yours is a particularly close-knit family, a free flow between the two sections would afford maximum sociability. A counter can also double as a breakfast bar.

Cooking, Eating and Living

Here, the three activities should be clearly separated, perhaps by the arrangement of fixtures and fittings, and bearing in mind that the combined area needs to be especially spacious.

Storage is particularly important since the kitchen and all it contains will be on permanent show. The work centre’s decor will have to harmonise with the rest of the living area, so colour and style are vital considerations.

In Addition About Open-plan kitchens

An open-plan kitchen is a type of kitchen design that incorporates a living or dining area into the kitchen space. This design allows for a more communal and social atmosphere, as well as improved functionality and increased space.

One of the main benefits of an open-plan kitchen is increased natural light. Without walls blocking the light, the kitchen and surrounding areas are filled with brightness and warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, open-plan kitchens often feature large windows or sliding doors, further enhancing the connection to the outside world and bringing in even more natural light.

Social Interaction

Open-plan kitchens also encourage social interaction, as they provide a space for family and friends to gather and cook or eat together. With the kitchen open to the living or dining area, it is easier to engage with others while cooking or preparing food, and it allows for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Another advantage of open-plan kitchens is the increased functionality. The open design allows for a more efficient use of space, as there is no need to navigate around walls or doorways. This increased functionality can also be enhanced with the addition of a kitchen island, which provides additional counter and storage space, as well as a place for people to sit and socialize.

Better Ventilation

The open design of an open-plan kitchen also allows for better ventilation and air flow. Cooking can often generate a lot of heat and steam, and an open-plan kitchen allows for these elements to dissipate throughout the space, rather than becoming trapped in a confined kitchen area. This not only makes the space more comfortable to use, but it can also help to prevent moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold and mildew.

Open-plan kitchens can also be highly customizable to suit the individual needs and preferences of the homeowner. For example, it is possible to install cabinets and countertops in a variety of styles and materials, from traditional wood to sleek and modern quartz. The open design also allows for the integration of high-tech appliances and smart home technology, such as smart refrigerators and integrated lighting systems.

The Downsides

However, it is important to consider the potential downsides of an open-plan kitchen before making the switch. For example, the open design can be noisy and disruptive to other areas of the home, particularly if the kitchen is located near a living or sleeping area. Additionally, an open-plan kitchen can be more difficult to keep clean, as cooking and food preparation can generate mess and odors that can spread throughout the space.

In conclusion, an open-plan kitchen is a versatile and functional design that can bring many benefits to a home. With increased natural light, improved social interaction, enhanced functionality, and the ability to customize the space to suit individual needs, an open-plan kitchen can be the perfect choice for homeowners who want a modern and comfortable space for cooking and entertaining.