Our kitchen sits in the heart of our home. When we first bought the house, the kitchen was a fairly large but closed-off space. We decided to remodel it into an open concept kitchen, and we couldn't be happier with the result.
The fully covered, double-layered top cabinet minimises dust accumulation, crucial for a kitchen environment. A shallow lower-tier top cabinet prevents our head from getting hit while cooking, and keeps spices within easy reach, while a deep upper-tier top cabinet maximises storage for larger, less frequently used items. We've installed LED strip lights on both tiers of the top cabinet for kitchen illumination and safety, also adding visual interest by highlighting the cabinet layers.
We opted for an induction cooker for its sleek look and easy cleaning. Additionally, it allows us to safely install a ceiling fan in our kitchen (which is particularly important given Singapore's weather), without concerns about gas leaks if a flame were to be extinguished by the wind.
Some background story, we actually sectioned off part of the kitchen to create a service yard for laundry. We wanted to keep the balcony uncluttered and fairly empty, and the guest bathroom door was positioned in the kitchen area, which felt awkward. Converting this space not only solved that issue but also kept the bathroom separate from the kitchen. However, this left the kitchen too small for our needs, as both of us love to cook and occasionally bake. To make more room, we shifted the wall, reducing the size of the study to expand the kitchen.
We then also hacked down a large wall that had previously separated the kitchen from the living area. This allowed us to place our dining table in that spot, creating a visual divider between the spaces while preserving the open, airy feel.
After much comparison and our previous experience with stainless steel sink, we decided to go with a granite sink. It fits our aesthetic and complements the overall design with its sleek, durable finish, while also offering excellent scratch and heat resistance for everyday use.
We went ahead with premium ceaserstone quartz top for our counter and backsplash as we preferred a seamless, organic and natural look, and we believe a good grade one will stand the test of time.
Another flipper door for hide our other appliances like rice cooker. We requested having electrical point in the cabinet so we don't have to move the appliances around to use it. Pull-out tray to prevent steam from damaging the top.
Our always place our fresh flower at this spot as we don't cook daily!
We know many people who has concern about open kitchen, here are some of the common concerns and our thoughts to them:
Cooking Odors: Without walls to contain them, smells from cooking can spread more easily throughout the home
Our solution: Induction cooker with powerful hood, plus living room is further away
Lack of Privacy: Since the kitchen is exposed, any mess or clutter is visible to everyone, which can be a concern for those who prefer a more private or tidy environment
Our solution: Lots of close door storages. Privacy doesn’t concern us for this space, in fact we love the openness that allows us to connect and monitor our young children even with cooking.
Noise Issues: The noise from cooking, dishwashing, and appliances can easily travel into the living or dining areas, potentially disturbing others
Our solution: Living room is further away, and bedroom on another level
Heat and Smoke: Open kitchens might struggle to contain heat or smoke, especially if there's inadequate ventilation or range hoods
Our solution: Get a strong hood with a chimney plus induction cooker
Storage Limitations: Losing walls can mean losing storage space, especially in smaller homes, making organization a challenge
Our solution: We have enough space to install ample storages even after hacking down one wall
Visual Clutter: With an open concept, maintaining a sleek, uncluttered look can be difficult when the kitchen is in constant use
Our solution: Install lots of closed door storages to hide all the clutter
Style Cohesion: The kitchen design needs to flow with the rest of the open space, which can sometimes limit decor choices or personal style preferences
Our solution: The look and style of our kitchen fits the rest of the house
This is our two cents on kitchen design, hope these sharing helps to inspire and guide you in creating a functional and stylish space that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle!