And the Walls Came Tumbling Down

April 19, 2024

The concept of open kitchens has revolutionised the world of home design.

The idea of open kitchens is not only here to stay, but is fast outpacing that of closed ones.

The decision of whether to opt for a closed kitchen or an open kitchen really depends on the user’s lifestyle and choices. City living is about space crunch, smaller families and more social entertainment. The choice therefore does lean towards the open version of the kitchen, especially in modern residences.

With one of the main drivers being an upswing in the number of residential projects, the model has caught on in metros, particularly those where the price of real estate is high, resulting in compact living spaces. Though the trend is primarily limited to nuclear families and predominantly apartments, an increasing number of people are also using this design in their second homes.

No longer tucked away in a corner, it is now considered an active part of the home. This concept has now brought the kitchen centre stage in the design of the layout of the residence. Today, there are wide range of open kitchen models in the market, the vendors being Godrej & Boyce, Oren Kitchen Appliances, Sleek International, Häcker, Poggenpohi, Scavolini Kitchen Designs and Nolte Kitchens among others. However, as the price range of branded models is on the higher side, people often opt for personalised designs offered by local carpenters, eating into the market of the organised segment.

Though the trend is primarily limited to nuclear families and predominantly apartments, an increasing number of people are also using this design in their second homes. Photo Courtesy: Freepik

Design Parameters

Space is one of the key factors to be taken into account. Ideally, the plan should be one that allows ease of movement. The design of the kitchen’s layout can either be C-shaped, L-shaped, parallel or U-shaped. The positioning of the sink, cooking area and refrigerator is critical as it helps create an efficient workspace.

Rupesh Baid, Principal Designer, And Design Co says, “If an open kitchen has the space, I would prefer to use a triangular layout for the workspace, sink and fridge (and other electronic gadgets), as it facilitates comfortable movement of at least two people in the area.”

The lifestyle of the client is also of paramount importance. “We designed a studio apartment or a one-room kitchen for a young couple some time ago. Their lifestyle involved very little cooking at home as they largely ate outdoors, so the layout allowed for the counter to double as the dining table. This allowed for more space in the living area, making the house look bigger,” says Baid.

Another factor to be taken into account is that the area should be well-illuminated with enough light, both natural and artificial

"One aspect that cannot be ignored is that most families today hire domestic help for cooking, increasing the possibility of clutter. Here the hygiene factor has to be taken care of by having finishes that can be easily wiped off and good waste disposal facilities.”

Anjali Lovekar

Principal Architect,

Lovekar Design Associates

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The Pluses

The design comes with advantages other than efficient utility of space -- you can design the entire kitchen in an area of ten feet – like increased communication, connectivity, ease of use and the modern label appeal.

Abbas Contractor, Proprietor, Midas Kitchens says, “One of the positives of an open kitchen is that it allows more interaction between family members, bringing them closer.”

Now you can whip up a meal, watch your favourite TV programme and help your kids with their homework at the same time. “Increased connectivity to the rest of the house allows for multi-tasking while in the kitchen,” says Sacheen Pai Raikar of Pai Raikar & Associates.

Another plus is that homeowners don’t have to be extra careful while operating in this kitchen as the hardware - counter tables, sinks, hobs, chimney, shelves, cabinets, drawers and panels, are designed to make working easier. The right kitchen hardware and fittings also ensure the longevity of appliances and improved functionality. For example, the material used to make cabinets and drawers allows for them to open completely with little effort, hydraulic hinges permit smooth and easy opening of shutters and cabinets with folding doors are easier to access.

These kitchens are also pretty to look at, as they are designed in a way that appliances, electrical gadgets and utensils are easily accommodated. Units and cabinets are available in a variety of materials, colours and finishes.

“We designed a studio apartment or a one-room kitchen for a young couple some time ago. Their lifestyle involved very little cooking at home as they largely ate outdoors, so the layout allowed for the counter to double as the dining table. This allowed for more space in the living area, making the house look bigger.”

Rupesh Baid

Principal Architect,

And Design Co