A semi-open kitchen is perfect for compact and spacious homes because it effortlessly achieves the openness of an open kitchen and the privacy of a closed one. Since a semi-open kitchen is partially closed, it cordons off direct views of the soiled utensils and kitchen clutter from the living or dining areas of the home. A clever combination of open and closed kitchens, a semi open kitchen combines their perks just as effortlessly. As the name suggests, this kitchen is one that has at least three full walls with the fourth either partially or completely open.
Check out the different styles of semi-open kitchens and see which one is best suited for your home.
Install A Frameless Glass Partition
Frameless glass walls are perhaps the most minimalistic way to partition the kitchen from the rest of the home, allowing maximum visibility while blocking the cooking fumes or odours from entering the other areas.This is one of the most elegant ways to partition the kitchen from rest of the home. A frameless clear-glass partition with glass doors allows maximum visibility while blocking the cooking fumes or odours from entering the other areas of the home.
Framed Glass Partition
For a minimalist or industrial-themed space, demarcate the kitchen with framed glass panels. These add oodles of character to the interior and ensure that all the clutter, smoke and grime are confined to the kitchen space.Black-framed glass walls is a trendy, characterful touch to the frameless glass partition. Typically, larger panels and thin frames work great if you're after a more minimalist contemporary aesthetic, while chunkier frames work better homes with raw, industrial themes.
Opt For Bi-Folding Dividers
These folding dividers, framed or frameless, give you a convertible kitchen. You can easily close off the kitchen window during meal preparation, or when the air-conditioning is switched on, and open it out when the kitchen is spotlessly clean.Go for bi-folding windows above the countertop and doors across the width of the kitchen to create an semi-open kitchen plan.One can easily close off the kitchen window during meal preparation or when the air-condition is switched on and open it out when the kitchen is spotlessly clean. This is an effective way to conceal the clutter and prevent greasy cooking fumes from entering rest of the home.
Create A Window Cut-out
An ingenious way to adapt the folding dividers on a smaller scale is converting them into windows. Folding windows built on top of counters create a kitchen pass-through that makes serving meals a lot easier and fun.You can also introduce a cut-out within the kitchen wall or hang overhead cabinets to form a serving window, similar to a drive-through or a pop-up cafe. Who says role-playing is only for kids? Introduce a cut-out within the kitchen wall; this will open up the kitchen and make it a cohesive part of the common areas of the home. It will also work as a serving window that creates an interactive space and ensures convenience in passing food to the dining area.
Install A Sliding Door
A sliding door with glass insets will bring lightness into the kitchen. Unlike hinged doors which provide only limited view, the sliding doors comprise three or four door panels which open up the entire width of the kitchen and park on one side of the kitchen. The sliding doors give the flexibility to slide back the panels and create a closed kitchen when needed. Make sure that the doors slide and park on the side that will hide the cooking area and the sink from view.
Include A Breakfast Counter
Breakfast nooks are fun, warm and inviting spaces where you can start your day over a pot of coffee and some croissants. Our top designers give you their best tips on how you can incorporate a charming breakfast nook in your kitchen design. An end of a countertop works well too, preferably the one closest to the entry point. If you have an open kitchen, the ideal spot for a breakfast nook is the counter space between the kitchen and dining areas.This fun-filled breakfast corner is lightweight and quirky. The chalkboard wall alongside lets you quickly scribble notes and to-do lists. It is also perfectly complemented by the patchy grey wall finish behind the table. Potted plants, wicker baskets and mismatched chairs add to the charm.
Build A High Partition
Construct a partition which is high enough to prevent direct view of the kitchen countertop; it could simultaneously work as a breakfast counter. Such partitions should be at least 8-10 inches above the level of the countertop. A half-height brick wall partition visually demarcates the kitchen, creates the feeling of openness and keeps the clutter out of view. Alternately a raised kitchen island also helps in blocking views.A raised counter such as a breakfast or bar counter, when placed at the entrance of your open kitchen, helps to hide your kitchen mess partially when you view from the outside. It’s also a great way to sneak in an extra eating area in your home. However, it doesn’t quite block out unwanted smells or grease.
Widen The Door Opening
This is the perfect option if you live in an older home with smaller rooms or if you need a clear line of sight, but don't want to open up your floor plan completely. Widening doorways to create a cased entry to the kitchen can not only give you a clear line of sight, but it can also improve the flow between rooms. Bring in the feeling of openness within the kitchen by widening the openings. The kitchen transforms into a semi-private space which segregates the kitchen activities from rest of the home.
Separating the wet kitchen from the dry kitchen
Separating the wet zone from the dry zone in a kitchen with a partition in the middle helps to keep the noise and cooking fumes restricted to just the wet area, while still giving you the sense of an open kitchen. You don’t need a physical barrier to make this design work, but it does help to keep unwanted sounds and grease from entering the rest of your home. If you do opt for a physical divider, consider going for glass.The dry kitchen is sometimes used as a pantry, sometimes used to prepare lighter meals. But you can always include a breakfast bar that lets you have casual meals in. It also provides the perfect spot for you to mingle with your guests when you have them over.