Lookbook: Ideas for a Flexible and Functional Semi-Open HDB Kitchen

Design ideas for the best of both worlds.

Love the idea of an open-concept kitchen but want to keep the cooking fumes contained within? Semi-open kitchen designs offer the perfect middle ground — giving you visual connectivity with the rest of the home, while still allowing the space to be enclosed when needed.

Whether it’s with swing glass doors, sliding partitions, or creative openings that let light and conversation flow freely, these kitchen layouts combine style with practicality. We’ve rounded up some semi-open HDB kitchen ideas in this lookbook — so you can cook, host, and unwind your way.

1. Add sliding glass doors to partition the space

Want the openness of a modern kitchen without dealing with lingering cooking smells? Glass sliding doors might be the most straightforward way to do that.

Semi-open kitchens with sliding glass doors let the space appear completely open — while still giving the flexibility to section things off when needed. The see-through panels keep sightlines clear, allowing natural light to flood through and making the entire home feel larger and more connected.

You can also play around with the materials and use fluted or frosted glass doors to add a layer of privacy (say, if your kitchen is messy and don’t want guests to see it) while still letting light through.

Whether tucked neatly to one side or used as a design feature, these doors add a sleek, functional touch that blends form and utility effortlessly.

2. Use foldable partition doors for easy access

Foldable doors are another clever solution for homeowners who want the option to enclose their kitchens. These space-saving panels can be tucked away neatly when not in use, and quickly extended to minimise smells from heavy cooking.

Whether it’s bi-fold, tri-fold, or accordion-style, foldable doors offer partitioning flexibility without compromising brightness and airflow. Unlike sliding doors — which always leave at least one panel’s width obstructed unless recessed into the wall — foldable doors stack neatly to the side, allowing for a wider, more open entryway.

It’s also worth noting that foldable doors tend to be cheaper, partly because sliding doors cost more to install – especially if you want it to slide into a wall and completely out of sight. This makes folding doors an attractive option for those seeking budget-conscious, semi-open kitchen partitions.

Plus, with the wide range of finishes available and the option of designing custom folding doors like the ones above, it’s easy to find a style that matches your home’s aesthetic.

3. Go for the half-window, half-door configuration

A half-wall setup with windows and a door strikes a perfect balance — offering just enough structure to zone the kitchen without making it feel boxed in.

A built-in counter in such cases isn’t just functional for extra prep space and storage — it can also double as a casual breakfast bar or serving area when the kitchen is left open.

Likewise, building a half-wall is also a handy solution for families with young children. The indoor windows let you keep an eye on them in the living room, while the partial visual barrier discourages them from running into the kitchen when you're cooking — more so than fully transparent glass doors.

Plus, the wall height, window frames, and door panels can all be customised to suit your home’s aesthetic — whether you’re going for sleek and modern, or playful and retro.

4. Leave one side open and have foldable windows at the counter

While this might not be achievable unless your layout allows for it, it’s a chic way to maintain visual openness while still allowing the kitchen to be enclosed when needed.

By keeping one side of the kitchen open and installing foldable windows along the countertop, you can enjoy easy interaction between spaces — whether it’s passing food through or entertaining guests.

Beyond function, this setup adds charm and character. The windows double as a design feature, lending a café-like feel to the space while offering the flexibility to switch between connected and contained.

5. Separate the dry and wet kitchens

If your HDB layout doesn't permit a fully open kitchen — due to structural walls on the long stretch or other layout constraints — separating the wet and dry zones is a smart workaround.

As with examples we explored earlier, you can enclose the wet kitchen while still maintaining a sense of openness with the help of sliding/foldable glass panels.

The dry kitchen then becomes a versatile extension of your living space. It’s perfect for housing a pantry for your water dispenser and coffee machine, and your fridge for easy access when hosting. You can also use it as additional counter space when prepping meals, light cooking, or even baking.

With everything kept tidy and mess-free, this semi-open kitchen concept ensures that the space remains functional while still looking effortlessly stylish.

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