Open Kitchen Plan

Over the years, the kitchen has changed from a closed-in-room where typically one person did the majority of the cooking to the new social gathering spot. Many kitchens these days house homework or office areas and function as the overall command center of the home. Entertaining styles have changed over the years as well. People enjoy cooking with guests, often engaging them in the process of meal preparation. Everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the wonderful aromas and exciting action. An open kitchen serves this type of lifestyle very well. It allows visual access to other rooms and often a connection to the outdoor spaces. This removal of barriers socializes the entire space and often frees up the cooking centers as now everyone feels connected. Creating an open floor plan recognizes this construct and embodies it in the design.

To create an open plan, professional kitchen designers start with an understanding of how the space is to be used, by whom, looking at ages and various abilities, storage needs, and budget to deliver a plan. From there, it is fine tuned with details.

In this example, the clients wanted a social kitchen set to handle every day meals, as well as small gatherings. Occasionally there would be larger outdoor parties with buffet service. The aesthetic goals were for a transitional kitchen that could stand the test of time, combined with some modern accents. Cherry cabinets in a wide shaker style are the backdrop for cool metal and cobalt blue accents.

The original ceiling line followed the roofline and peaked at one side. This drew the eye up. The new ceiling still followed the pitch of the roof but was leveled off at 10'-6" and now makes the space feel proportionately large. The sink wall serves as a strong focal point and adds appropriate scale to the new ceiling height with the 3 raised glass-front cabinets and cobalt blue glass tiles. The island was designed to be at one level for maximum food preparation and serving space. It houses a 30" range top with a downdraft so the clients can cook and still visit with guests. 

Red glass pendants illuminate the island and visually balance the space. Professional style appliances line the back wall and keep the work triangle compact. Additional serving area is adjacent to the refrigerator and pull-out pantry. A large door system opens up to the outside and allows for maximum traffic flow for small or large gatherings.

This new open kitchen is efficient and expresses the clients’ style. There is now plenty of room for guests and family to mingle and take part in the kitchen activities.

Toni DeWaal, NCIDQ, CGBP, is a designer at Harrell Remodeling (www.harrell-remodeling.com) and the vice president of communications for NKBA, Northern California Chapter. The mission of the NKBA, Northern California Chapter, is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For more information, visit www.nocankba.org or www.nkba.org.