For most of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where friends and family gather, where memories are made, and where our favourite meals are prepared. It therefore needs to be practical as well as chic, with enough room to accommodate everyone. A semi-open plan kitchen design can be a great option for modern day homes, bringing the best of closed and open layouts to create bright, functional kitchens that encourage socialising. Read on to find out why semi-open kitchens are increasingly popular, and to see some of our recent projects.
Semi-open kitchens for a balanced living space
One of the biggest advantages to a semi-open plan kitchen is how easy it makes moving through different parts of the house. Unlike a closed kitchen, which can feel separated from the rest of the home, this layout retains a visual link to other living areas, whilst limiting the circulation of sounds and smells. The semi-open plan kitchen layout is an ideal compromise for those wanting to have an elegant open space without sacrificing privacy and comfort.
Semi-open plan kitchens are also suitable for smaller spaces or flats which have been designed with closed kitchens in mind. Thanks to elements like glass partition walls, the kitchen retains its primary function whilst matching the rest of the interior.
Optimising space and light with a semi-open plan kitchen
Semi-open plan kitchens allow natural light to be pulled in from elsewhere, making the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious. The partial opening of the kitchen allows light to spread across different areas of the home, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Half open kitchens: ideal for socialising
Semi-open plan kitchens are ideal for socialising, as they allow open communication between the kitchen and living areas. Guests have the space to sit and relax, but the host can still be involved with conversations.
This type of semi-open plan kitchen living room layout is therefore particularly suited to families or people who like to host. By partially opening the kitchen onto the living or dining room, hosts can join in with the socialising rather than be isolated in a closed kitchen, creating a better ambiance for everyone.
Infinite possibilities for personalisation
There's plenty of scope for different design options with semi-open plan kitchen installations. Materials and colours can be chosen to match the rest of the house and still bring out the best of the kitchen. High-quality materials like marble and wood, for example, can be used to subtly contrast elements of a neighbouring room.
Elements used to divide the space, like glass partition walls, sliding doors or pony walls, can also be used for storage or to add decoration, offering another opportunity to personalise a space. Partitions can be unique whilst still feeling aligned with other areas of the home.
Inspiration: our semi-open plan kitchen projects
A semi-open plan industrial-inspired kitchen
With its industrial sliding door and glass partition walls, this Cashmere kitchen benefits from all the natural light coming from the living room, but can be closed when needed to keep cooking odours contained.
A semi-open plan kitchen dining layout
The kitchen of this Parisian apartment has panelled tinted glass doors which open onto the dining room. Designed with minimalist lines, and warm, light colours, the kitchen makes the most of the natural light and, with the doors open, allows the rest of the house to benefit from it.
A grey kitchen with an Art Deco-inspired glass partition wall
This kitchen, installed in parallel, is a beautiful example of a semi-open plan layout that doesn’t use a sliding door. The base units, sitting underneath an Art Deco-inspired glass partition wall, separate the living area from the kitchen, with plenty of room for movement on either side.
The semi-open plan kitchen is an ideal option for those looking for a practical space that elevates the look of their home. This layout is unbeatable for those searching for a kitchen that brings together comfort, practicality and design. If you’d like some guidance on designing a semi-open plan kitchen for your home, get in touch with the eba team.
