First, an important caveat for you before choosing a kitchen renovation plan: do what feels right for YOU. If you’re planning to sell soon and want to capitalize on a hot new trend, there are certainly some good design options. But if you plan to stay in your home for a while, think about how your renovation is going to work best for you and your family.
Trends come and go and are often cyclical. So in the time it takes for a trend to peak, fade, and then re-emerge as ‘new’ again, you may have already enjoyed years of satisfaction with your own design choice!
With this in mind, there are some new kitchen designs that deviate from the open-plan concept that has been popular for some time. Open kitchens are appreciated for their bright, airy feel, and the way they bring people together. By blending the kitchen with living and dining areas, they create a communal hub for family and entertaining.
Yet as lifestyles evolve, so do design preferences. Open kitchens—while still popular—are starting to become less prominent. The lack of separation between the kitchen and living room can lead to issues like lingering smells, background noise, and a mess of dishes in clear sight.
But again – what’s most important is to choose the design style that’s right for you and your family. Trends often only appeal to certain sections of the population, and you need your home to be right for you first and foremost.
With that in mind, here are some up and coming kitchen layouts to consider when you meet with our Design Team at All Canadian Renovations.
1. Broken-Plan Layouts: A Balanced Approach
A broken-plan kitchen offers the best of both worlds: openness and defined zones. This layout retains the open sightlines and flow, but introduces non-obtrusive boundaries using features like glass partitions, half walls, freestanding shelving, distinct seating areas, or even changes in ceiling height or flooring.
The result is a space that feels connected, but a little more purposeful—ideal for households that want some separation without completely blocking off distinct rooms.
2. Back Kitchens: Hide the Mess, Not the Style
Love the social aspect of an open kitchen but not the clutter? A back kitchen—sometimes called a scullery or ‘dirty kitchen’—could be a solution. Back kitchens are often partially concealed behind doors or visually set apart by a framed opening. In older homes, you might renovate an underused butler’s pantry, and in newer builds it may be possible to steal space from a closet or part of a hallway. Essentially these ‘semi’ hidden spaces can be used as extra prep or cleanup zones and can include sinks, dishwashers, ovens, and generous storage.
If this sounds like a good option for you, our Team at All Canadian Renovations will come to your home to find a space solution that works.
3. Invisible Kitchens: Style That Disappears
If you’re working with an open-plan kitchen that already functions well, but you’d rather not see appliances and clutter from your couch, try going ‘invisible.’ This design strategy conceals kitchen elements so they blend into the surrounding space.
Flat-panel cabinets without hardware, hidden appliances, and a palette of colors and materials consistent with the main living area have the effect of blending two rooms into one. Extend cabinetry to the ceiling for a clean finish, or eliminate upper cabinets entirely in favor of sleek, under-counter storage.
4. Multifunctional and Flexible Islands
Large, fixed kitchen islands provide valuable working space and naturally become a social gathering place, but there’s growing interest in some adaptable solutions. Instead of installing a massive block in the centre of your kitchen, consider a movable island on wheels, a compact curved design, or even a worktable-style island.
Make the most of your existing island by adding practical features like integrated sinks, appliances, or built-in storage. The goal is flexibility without sacrificing function.
5. A Return to Classic Kitchen Layouts
An open floor plan isn’t the right choice for every home – or every homeowner. Classic kitchen layouts—such as galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, or partially enclosed designs—are gaining renewed popularity. These configurations often provide great storage options, reduced noise, and well-defined work zones.
In many cases, distinct spaces offer greater functionality without sacrificing style.
Final Thoughts
Open kitchens are still a great option—but they’re certainly not the only option. Before removing a wall, consider whether a more traditional layout might serve your lifestyle better.
And if you currently have an open design but are considering change, something like a semi-private layout or a return to tradition might fit your lifestyle and family needs.
We know – it can be confusing and even a little overwhelming to make such a big decision and investment; that’s why we’re here. No pressure, no hard sales, no unnecessary upgrades – just honest recommendations from our Team based on your vision, on the way to creating a kitchen that will give you years of function and satisfaction.