3 kitchens that are neither too open nor too closed

 Most mothers have considered the plusses and minuses of open concept vs walled-in kitchens. We want to be able to supervise play, but also don't want to be tripping over toys on the way between the fridge and sink. Over the past few decades, the claustrophobic and lonely kitchens of the previous generations made way for the exposed and dysfunctional show pieces we call the open kitchen.

Here are 3 kitchen layouts with the best of both worlds; they are social, utilitarian, and pleasant. There is an option here for every size of kitchen.

1. An open kitchen plus a butlers pantry. Large new homes are often being built with a butlers pantry, also known as a scullery or messy kitchen. This is effectively a small closed-off kitchen hidden behind the primary kitchen. You essentially have both an open kitchen that is social and aesthetic as well as a secondary closed kitchen where you can hide the clutter of small appliances and dirty dishes.
2. A large eat-in kitchen. Instead of putting your kitchen in a great room, you can create an additional zone in your home to cook and congregate. If you have kids of varying ages, it is great to create an additional semi-private communal area for a different group to do a different activity: imagine teenagers doing homework in the kitchen while littles play a loud game in the living room. If you have the space, a large table can be a great choice instead of an island. They are definitely more comfortable to sit at.
3. A closed kitchen that connects to your living area. If you are living in a small house or apartment, this is the best way to get the benefits of both a social and isolated cooking area. This kitchen can convert into a more open or closed kitchen with a pocket door, or it can perpetually be partially open with a pass though window. Other options that allow for a partially closed feel are an internal wall with windows or a half height wall.
   Another way to connect a small and closed kitchen to your living area is by allowing the kitchen to reach into your living room. For example, if you have a small closed off kitchen with a small passage to your living room, you can add a kitchen island just beyond the walkway, in your living area. This is kind of the opposite of the "butlers pantry + open kitchen" option because in this configuration, your primary kitchen is behind and closed off.