Times, they are definitely a changing. With changing lifestyles, of course, well reflected in the changing layout plans of houses too. Walk into any new house or apartment and the feature that stands out most is the concept of open kitchens. Truly functional and stylish, they not only look elegant, but also spell class.

Designed in a manner that makes the kitchen a living space, as lively as the living room itself, open kitchens create the impression of a well loved and lived-in kitchen. Designing an open kitchen is also easy on both, the space available and the pocket, as it only requires a few cabinets to house utensils and cooking accessories. And, of course, a kitchen countertop.

Open kitchens have almost become fashion accessories of modern homes, as against closed, smoky kitchens which were once the order of the day.

In fact, the concept of open kitchens has become so popular that extra care is taken to carefully plan the kitchen arrangement to make it as attractive as possible. After all, it is a part of the living room, showcasing the taste of the homemaker.

The fascination of this kind of kitchen is the practicality and easy accessibility it offers, especially in homes where working couples race against time and handle umpteen tasks at once. Open kitchens are definitely integral to the cool, sophisticated loft lifestyle of those looking for colour, pizzazz and function in their homes.

According to architects, the reason why most people opt for open kitchens is the issue of space. Not only does an open kitchen give the living room an airy feel, it also offers the homemaker the luxury of bonding with her family even when engaged in cooking.

Multipurpose wonder

While most open kitchens end up looking like holes in the walls, they can be made attractive by choosing the right colour for the cabinets and the tiles that cover the walls. Since most modern houses in cities lack the luxury of space, open kitchens almost double up as dining places too, with a small table that can act as a separator between the kitchen and the living room.

In fact, this table in the open kitchen can be made multifunctional as it is quite convenient to do all the vegetable chopping on the table itself, while also monitoring a child’s homework who can, in fact, work at it on the other side of the table.

Fashioning open kitchens has another hidden advantage. You are forced to keep it spic ‘n’ span. You just cannot afford to pile up dirty pots and pans in the kitchen sink. Because, you wouldn’t want anyone to catch your kitchen with blackened saucepans, onion shards, herb-stained cutting boards and splattered grease, ain’t it?

 However, if you feel you cannot always bank on your ability to clean up your kitchen after each operation, then sit with the architect and tell him to plan the kitchen sink in such a way that it is hidden from public view, and yet is a part of the kitchen scene. This way, you can have the cake and eat it too.

Being used to huge, traditional kitchens, if you think open kitchens will not be able to hold all your utensils, instruments and accessories, then you’re mistaken. For, careful planning of the available kitchen space is just enough to accommodate practically anything associated with kitchens. Long shelves in wood, built into the wall, with or without glass doors, can do the trick.

While delicate chinaware can be kept behind glass doors, the not-so-attractive containers that hold the bulk of the kitchen, can be carefully stowed away in the lower shelves that have wooden doors in place. Not to forget the cutlery, which can be placed close to the workplace so that they are always within easy reach.

The beauty of open kitchens can be enhanced with fixtures like electric chimneys and hobs. While designing open kitchens, thought should also be spared to the placement of kitchen appliances like blenders, ovens and refrigerators. They should all be placed in such a manner that they do not clutter the minimal kitchen space available.

Frankly speaking, there is no hard and fast rule as to what should be placed where. Ultimately, it is a personal choice and the more personalised the kitchen is, the better it is for the homemaker.