OPENING UP

The future of the open plan kitchen is evolving

South Africans love their space, and over the last few years so many of us have embraced the trendy open-plan floor dining area, and living room was the perfect way of fashioning out expansive open space at the heart of the home and bringing everyone together for casual living and entertaining.

Then came a global pandemic and suddenly the way we live, work, and use our homes changed considerably. We are spending more time indoors now and as a result space is becoming premium. The dining room table is especially taking a hit - not just being used to eat but is also doubling up as a school desk and makeshift home office too.

Combining open plan living with the work-from-home lifestyle is proving quite a challenge, with many of us now longing for clearly divided spaces that allow for privacy and flexibility.

Kim Williams, a top interior designer in Cape Town and creative behaviour strategist reveals the three main questions you should be asking yourself when deciding whether an open or closed kitchen is right for you, your home, and your lifestyle.

What kind of host are you?

The kitchen has always been a place where people come together so a good starting point is to think of how your kitchen will work during family dinner times, or a social event like a party or casual weekend braai.