The Best of Both Worlds: Stylish Semi-Open Kitchen Designs

Combining openness and functionality at the same time

When renovating your home, many homeowners often debate whether to choose an open or closed kitchen. If you want to enjoy the social benefits of an open layout while maintaining a degree of privacy and functionality, consider a semi-open kitchen.

This design incorporates elements like half-walls, breakfast bars, or glass partitions to provide a sense of separation from the living or dining areas. As a result, you can enjoy a spacious feel while effectively concealing mess, reducing noise, or preventing the spread of cooking odours or smoke.

Here are some ways to create an efficient, semi-open kitchen plan that is interactive and functional!

1. Install a bi-folding divider

A great way to create a semi-open kitchen is by installing bi-folding dividers, as demonstrated in this 765 sqft duplex by K&J Design. This method effectively creates a physical barrier to prevent greasy cooking fumes from spreading to the rest of the home. The owner can easily close off the kitchen window during meal preparation and open it when cooking is not in progress.

2. Create a clear-glass sliding door

If you have a kitchen with a wide opening, you can consider installing a clear glass sliding door to separate the kitchen from other parts of the home, as seen in this modern Selangor residence. This design maintains maximum visibility and allows light to pass through, creating a feeling of spaciousness.

3. Add a pass-through window

Another way to create a semi-open kitchen is by incorporating a pass-through window. This design introduces a cut-out within the kitchen wall, forming a serving window akin to a drive-through or pop-up cafe. It makes serving meals easier and more enjoyable, while maintaining a connection between the kitchen and adjoining spaces.

Take design inspiration from this 1306 sqft condo in TTDI, designed by PINS Studio. A wooden ledge extends from the pass-through window, serving as a breakfast counter. On the other side of the kitchen wall, a fluted sliding glass door can be opened or closed as needed, providing flexibility and maintaining a stylish, functional design.

4. Incorporate a frameless glass door or wall

A frameless glass wall or door offers a sleek, minimalist, and stylish solution to block unwanted grease and noise while cooking, while also providing a clear view of the rest of your home, as demonstrated in this 1887 sqft home in Selangor.

Unlike some of the examples earlier, this one does not have a lattice/frame, giving the kitchen an open look even when, in reality, it is closed.

5. Or install a solid black-framed glass door

But if you like the idea of a contrasting lattice/frame, consider a solid black-framed glass door as showcased in this 662 sqft condominium in Kuala Lumpur. It will certainly add an edge to your interior aesthetic.

6. Go for a U-shaped layout

In this 1500 sqft condominium in Penang, Space Up Design has cleverly separated the kitchen from the rest of the house using an U-shaped layout. As the kitchen is located next to the house entrance, the frosted curved glass serves as a screen, offering limited views of the kitchen as guests enter the house.

The island counter with stools not only creates a casual dining spot but also subtly delineates the space, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design of the space.

7. Introduce a half-wall partition with a breakfast counter

Another brilliant idea for creating a semi-open kitchen involves installing a partial barrier using built-ins to delineate the kitchen space from other areas of the house.

Take inspiration from this 2115 sqft home in Kuala Lumpur, where a navy blue partition and breakfast counter help to divide the kitchen and the dining area while maintaining an open feel. This design promotes social interaction by allowing the cook to engage with family members or guests in the adjoining areas, making it ideal for family bonding or social gatherings. However, this design may not be suitable if you frequently cook in the kitchen.

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