Open concept vs closed concept kitchen design: Which layout suits your lifestyle?

Summary: When planning a kitchen renovation, one of the first and most influential decisions you will make is the layout. The debate between an open plan kitchen and a closed concept design is not simply about walls, it is about how you want to live.

An open concept kitchen can create flow, light and connection, blending cooking, dining and living into one cohesive space. A closed kitchen offers separation, privacy and the ability to contain noise and clutter. 

Both layouts can be beautifully executed, but the right choice depends on your home’s architecture, your lifestyle, and how you entertain.

What is an open plan kitchen?

An open plan kitchen design removes physical barriers between the kitchen and adjoining living room or dining areas. Instead of being enclosed by walls and doors, the kitchen becomes part of a larger, integrated space.

In many contemporary Perth homes, especially new builds and renovations, open concept kitchens are the architectural norm. They often feature:

• A large kitchen island as a central hub
• Integrated appliances for a streamlined look
• Seamless flooring throughout kitchen and living zones
• Minimal visual interruption between spaces

These elements combined help create a kitchen that feels expansive, social and connected.

What is a closed concept kitchen?

A closed concept kitchen, sometimes referred to as a traditional kitchen layout, is separated from other living areas by walls, doors or defined partitions.

This does not mean it is dated or dark. In fact, a closed kitchen can feel incredibly refined and purposeful. It is a dedicated culinary space, designed with focus and function in mind.

Closed kitchens may include:

• Full-height walls and a single entry point
• Pocket or sliding doors for flexibility
• Defined zones for cooking, prep and storage
• Increased cabinetry and concealed storage opportunities

Open plan kitchen design: The advantages

Open floor plan kitchens come with their own set of distinct advantages that appeal to modern living. These include: 

Seamless entertaining

If you love hosting, an open concept kitchen naturally encourages connection. Guests can gather around the island while you prepare food, creating a shared experience rather than isolating the cook.

If you are envisioning a kitchen that feels intentional and impressive, an open plan kitchen can become a showpiece. By adding luxury features such as premium stone benchtops, integrated appliances and curated lighting, the kitchen is on display and designed to be admired.

Increased natural light

Removing walls allows light to travel freely throughout the space. In Perth, where indoor-outdoor living is part of our lifestyle, an open kitchen design can enhance that airy, coastal feel.

Large sliding doors, clerestory windows or skylights work particularly well in open plan layouts, amplifying brightness and spatial flow.

A sense of scale

Open kitchens often feel larger, even if the square metreage remains the same. The visual continuity between rooms eliminates boundaries, creating a generous and expansive atmosphere.

Open plan kitchen design: Key considerations

As with any layout, there are important considerations to ensure the design works well for your lifestyle.

Managing sound in open spaces

Without walls to contain noise, everyday sounds from rangehoods, dishwashers and appliances can travel more freely throughout the home. For households with young children, shift workers, or those who value peaceful evenings, this is worth considering early in the design process. 

Maintaining a refined aesthetic 

In an open-plan kitchen design, the space is visible from adjoining living spaces and dining areas. If you are someone who prefers minimal aesthetics, this means storage must be exceptionally well considered.

Integrated appliance cupboards, concealed pantries, deep drawer systems and carefully limited open shelving all help maintain a clean, curated look. With intelligent cabinetry design, your open kitchen can remain effortlessly organised and beautifully clutter-free.

Ventilation and airflow

Open concept kitchens allow cooking aromas to move more freely through the home, which is why it is important you consider investing in high-performance ventilation solutions.

Premium rangehoods, downdraft extraction systems and well-planned airflow ensure your kitchen remains fresh and comfortable. 

Closed concept kitchens: The advantages

Closed concept kitchens offer a sense of privacy, control and purpose, creating a dedicated culinary space that feels both refined and highly functional.

Concealed preparation zones

One of the most compelling benefits of a closed kitchen is containment. You can close the door on dishes, preparation mess and noise.

For families who cook frequently or enjoy elaborate meals, this layout provides freedom to work without worrying about encroaching on adjoining living areas.

Enhanced storage potential

Walls are valuable real estate in kitchen design. A closed concept layout often allows for more full-height cabinetry, overhead storage and dedicated pantry space.

This can be particularly beneficial in renovations where maximising functionality is key.

Defined purpose

A closed kitchen can feel intentional and grounded. It creates a psychological separation between cooking and relaxing, which some homeowners find appealing. 

In character homes across Perth, particularly those with heritage elements, maintaining a more traditional layout can also respect the architectural integrity of the property.

Closed kitchens: Key considerations

Closed concept kitchens offer privacy and purpose, but as with any layout, thoughtful planning ensures the space feels balanced and connected to the rest of the home.

Creating connection between spaces

Because closed kitchens are separated by walls or doors, sightlines and interaction with adjoining living areas are naturally more defined. If your lifestyle revolves around open entertaining or keeping an eye on children while cooking, this is an important consideration.

Design solutions such as internal windows, wider openings or servery windows can help maintain a sense of connection while still preserving the benefits of separation.

Maximising light and spatial feel

A closed kitchen relies more heavily on its internal design to create a sense of openness. Without careful planning, the space can feel more compact than an open plan layout.

Strategic lighting, reflective surfaces, lighter colour palettes and considered layout planning all contribute to a bright, welcoming environment. 

When designed well, a closed kitchen can feel just as spacious and inviting as an open concept design, while offering greater privacy and control.

Lifestyle considerations: Which kitchen layout suits you?

When weighing up open plan kitchen design versus a closed concept kitchen, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you entertain frequently?
• Is noise control important in your household?
• How comfortable are you with visible surfaces?
• Does your home’s architecture support structural changes?
• Are you planning for long-term resale value?

Either layout can feel timeless if designed with precision, premium materials and considering the home’s kitchen style and architecture. 

The hybrid approach: The best of both worlds

In many Perth renovations, we are seeing a rise in flexible or semi-open solutions.

These include:

• Crittall-style glass partitions
• Sliding or pocket doors
• Half-height walls
• Butler’s pantries behind the main kitchen

This approach offers visual openness while retaining the option of separation. It is particularly effective in luxury kitchen renovations where both aesthetics and practicality are equally important.

A well-designed butler’s pantry, for example, allows the main open kitchen to remain pristine while housing preparation mess and secondary appliances out of sight.

Architectural considerations in Perth homes

Not every home can seamlessly convert to an open concept kitchen. Structural walls, ceiling bulkheads and load-bearing elements must be assessed carefully.

Our kitchen design process ensures all key factors are addressed, including:

• Structural feasibility
• Plumbing and electrical relocation
• Ventilation requirements
• Natural light access
• Flow to alfresco and outdoor entertaining zones

By handling the kitchen design, cabinetry, and stone installation in-house, we can manage these details efficiently, ensuring your kitchen looks beautiful and works perfectly for your home.

A layout that works today and tomorrow

Open kitchen designs have dominated in popularity for years, but layout should never be chosen purely because it is popular.

The key is intentional design. Proportion, storage, appliance integration, lighting and material selection all influence how successful your chosen layout will be.

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, we believe the kitchen is the heart of the home. Our role is to ensure it supports your lifestyle, enhances your home’s value and lasts well into the future. 

How we design the right layout for you

Every kitchen renovation with The Maker Designer Kitchens begins with understanding how you live.

We discuss:

• How many people use the kitchen daily
• What the foot traffic flow is like in your kitchen
• Your lifestyle and routine
• Your cooking habits
• Entertaining style
• Storage requirements
• Noise sensitivities
• Aesthetic preferences

From there, our experienced and qualified kitchen designers develop a layout that balances beauty and function. Because we design, manufacture and install in-house, we maintain quality control at every stage.

When you work with our team, your space will always be tailored, not templated.

If you are exploring layout options for your upcoming renovation, we invite you to visit our Bassendean showroom or to get in touch to book a design consultation. 

Frequently asked questions

Is an open plan kitchen better for resale value in Perth?

Open plan kitchens are popular in many contemporary Perth homes and can appeal to a broad market. However, resale value depends more on design quality, materials and execution than layout alone. A beautifully designed closed kitchen can be equally desirable.

Can I convert my closed kitchen into an open plan kitchen?

In many cases, yes. However, it depends on structural walls, plumbing and electrical placement. A professional assessment is essential before removing walls.

How do I manage clutter in an open concept kitchen?

Prioritise concealed storage, integrated appliances, deep drawers and appliance cupboards. A butler’s pantry can significantly reduce visible clutter in open kitchen designs.

Are closed kitchens outdated?

Not at all. Closed kitchens can feel sophisticated, purposeful and architecturally appropriate, especially in character or heritage homes.

What if I cannot decide between the two?

A hybrid solution, such as sliding doors or a semi-open design, may provide the flexibility you need.