Why Your Kitchen Needs an Open-Concept Remodel Now

Photo credit: Hikesterson

Are you starting to think that your kitchen might benefit from a renovation? While recent trends have tended toward open-concept homes complete with open kitchens, this doesn’t seem to be a fad that will be passing anytime soon. Open kitchens are beneficial in nearly every home, helping establish a space that is airy and feels much larger than one that is closed off from the rest of the house.

So the question is: is an open kitchen a good fit for your home? Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you determine the answer.

Why Keep It Closed?

Cost: The kitchen is often the most expensive room in your home to update, and choosing to knock down walls just adds to that cost. If you want to keep home renovation costs down, consider leaving the kitchen closed off, but make sure you update the countertops, cabinets, and fixtures in the space so it’ll still look nice. As long as you take the time to update the kitchen and make it look nice, keeping it closed can be okay.

Privacy: Do you have a hard time getting your dishes done in a timely manner, or seem to constantly have a messy kitchen? If you prefer to keep this mess hidden from your guests, maintaining a closed kitchen might be the best fit for you. This way, your cluttered kitchen is kept out of sight and out of mind while you entertain guests.

Why Open It Up?

Add Space: Opening your kitchen even the tiniest bit can have a huge impact on the space, allowing more natural light into the space, and improving the flow in that portion of your home. If the cost to remove walls is too high, consider opening up a pass through or bar to give the room a more open feel while maintaining functionality at a fraction of the cost. Knocking down the wall between your kitchen and dining room or living room opens both rooms up and can make a large difference in the airy feel of your house.

Welcoming Feel: Open kitchens tend to feel more comfortable and welcoming since they’re not boxed in and cut off from the rest of the house. With an open kitchen, you can usually fit more seating areas in the space, making it more of an entertaining area where guests can gather during a party, which in turn makes it possible for anyone working in the kitchen to feel less cut off from the action.

Kitchen Placement

Before making your final decision whether or not to open your kitchen, consider the placement of your kitchen in regards to your home’s layout. If the kitchen is situated in a back corner of your home, opening it up may leave it looking awkward and unfinished. A centrally located kitchen situated beside the dining room, living room, or family room is ideal for the open concept layout since opening it up to these rooms won’t throw off the flow of the home.

Decide for Yourself

Are you ready to make the decision between an open or closed kitchen? With the help of Rules of Renovation, you can find the best fit for you.

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Rules of Renovation

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Rules of Renovation is a real estate course that was co-founded by HGTV star Hilary Farr.

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