Should a Compact Kitchen be an Open Kitchen?

June 4, 2024

Mrinmoy Dey

The panellists weighed the pros and cons of the open kitchen format for a compact kitchen vis-à-vis the closed kitchen format and how they usually decide on the suitable format for a particular kitchen.

Given the shrinking apartment and kitchen sizes in cities, especially metros, compact kitchens are the next big thing. “However, designing an effective space that balances functionality, aesthetics, and user requirements is challenging. Deciding on the layout and ambience is the first hurdle. Also, the design and definition of the compact kitchen vary depending on the location and user,” opined Sheital Shetty, Editor & Publisher, Kitchen Ideas while setting the tone of the discussion.

Talking about the relevance of compact kitchens in modern-day Mumbai, Samir R. Dharurkar, Principal Architect, We Architects shared, “In Mumbai, especially in South Mumbai, we're designing luxurious buildings with separate servant kitchens and main kitchens to cater to a specific clientele. However, this represents a small percentage of the market. Most developments in Mumbai involve redevelopment, leading to smaller apartment sizes and kitchens. Despite the luxury segment, there remains a strong demand for compact kitchens in the city.”

“In the US or Europe, kitchens often have advanced gadgets like drawer dishwashers or integrated extractor hoods, which are less common and more expensive in India. This affects open kitchen designs since the necessary tech isn't always available or affordable."

Jyoti Bhatia

Partner

Nuovo Ideas

Open vs Closed Format

The Indian cooking styles need a lot of space. We cannot compare that space with the Western cooking styles. So, a compact kitchen could be open or closed. “While it may not offer the level of flexibility that an open kitchen format provides, you get a lot of storage if it's a closed kitchen, like a typical galley layout. You get walls for storage,” stated Dharurkar.

Talking about how she decides on the format of the kitchen, Jyoti Bhatia, Partner, Nuovo Ideas shared, “When planning a kitchen, I start by asking what you cook. It depends on the client's lifestyle—some prefer eating out while others cook daily. The amount of cooking and the client's preferences influence the design, whether it's an open or closed kitchen. Designers suggest options, but ultimately, it’s the client's choice.”

“Lifestyle also plays a role: if the family entertains often, a compact kitchen might not work. In informal settings, like abroad, open kitchens are popular as the kitchen becomes a central gathering area. In India, where settings are more formal, larger homes often need closed kitchens.”

Miloni Sampat

Principal Interior Designer

Miloni Sampat & Associates

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The design of a kitchen depends on the client's needs and budget. Basic appliances are essential, but not everyone can afford high-end gadgets like extractors. For compact kitchens, efficient use of space is crucial. “For example, we designed a very small kitchen for a caterer that required all walls for storage and counter space, making an open design impractical. Lifestyle also plays a role: if the family entertains often, a compact kitchen might not work. In informal settings, like abroad, open kitchens are popular as the kitchen becomes a central gathering area. In India, where settings are more formal, larger homes often need closed kitchens,” reasoned Miloni Sampat, Principal Interior Designer, Miloni Sampat & Associates.

According to Santosh Wadekar, Design Director, StudioSW, the choice between open and closed kitchens is highly contextual. “For a young couple or someone living alone, an open kitchen might suit their lifestyle. However, for a joint family or a traditional household, a closed kitchen is more practical. It depends on the size, geography, and specific needs of the clients.”

"Looking ahead, Mumbai kitchens may evolve to resemble those in Dubai or Hong Kong, reduced to just a platform. Some prominent developers are already seeing positive responses for studio apartments in the western suburbs. Gradually, the definition of a ‘kitchen’ will shift to a simple platform, whether open or semi-open, reflecting contemporary needs."

Samir R. Dharurkar

Principal Architect

We Architects

He further explained, “For instance, a 6’x7’ kitchen in a posh area like Bandra versus Greater Noida would have drastically different layouts. A compact kitchen we designed for a 1-BHK show flat in a Transcon project was measured about 5’x6.5’. Initially, it was rejected by developers as impractical. However, it was later designed keeping in mind the right target audience. It suited young professionals like models or scriptwriters who needed basic cooking facilities and an open kitchen counter that doubled as a bar. This design catered to their lifestyle of late-night parties and socialising, making the kitchen the heart of the space.”

Bhatia rued the lack of advanced, accessible and affordable technology to improve kitchen design. “In the US or Europe, kitchens often have advanced gadgets like drawer dishwashers or integrated extractor hoods, which are less common and more expensive in India. This affects open kitchen designs since the necessary tech isn't always available or affordable. Despite high home prices, modern kitchen gadgets are either outdated, expensive imports or basic models, with few mid-range options.”

While both the open and closed kitchen format have their pluses and minuses, does a semi-open format appear to be the perfect middle ground? Dharurkar responded, “In my personal opinion, a compact kitchen should be semi-open, which can be closed if required. If there is a lot of non-vegetarian food cooking, the fumes and the vapours go out. In that case, some people like the essence, the aroma going throughout the living room, some may not. So, there should be both aspects in a semi-open kitchen; it can be closed, and it can be open also.”

“For a young couple or someone living alone, an open kitchen might suit their lifestyle. However, for a joint family or a traditional household, a closed kitchen is more practical. It depends on the size, geography, and specific needs of the clients.”

Santosh Wadekar

Design Director

StudioSW