The Once-Loathed Design Trend That's Making A Comeback To Replace Open Kitchens

Some trends can feel so out of place once they've passed, leaving us wondering why we ever liked them. But the funny thing about trends is, they always find a way of making a comeback, even the ones we thought we'd never see again. This is something that happens often, especially in kitchens. At one point, the Tuscan-style kitchen was nothing more than the quirky style no one ever expected to see trend again – but two decades later, it's become a look many feel nostalgic about. No design choice is ever truly dead or immortal, and we're seeing that now with the shifting attitudes toward open-concept kitchens. While open kitchens have been all the rage in recent years, a surprising style is making a comeback and taking its place — kitchens with closed layouts.

The open kitchen style has been quietly growing in popularity since the 1950s and has quickly become a symbol of modernity and sophistication. But as trends change, so do the desires of homeowners. Now, more people are leaning toward coziness and intimacy in their cooking spaces, leaving contemporary, open designs in the past in favor of closed concepts. The closed approach doesn't have to feel closed off — there are plenty of ways to embrace this comeback and all of its benefits.

It's always been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it only makes sense that it should be a defined space. Kitchens with open floor plans have their own set of perks. However, they also lack privacy and separation from the rest of the home, which can cause the space to lose some of its charm and character in such an expansive design scheme. On the other hand, the closed-concept kitchen takes a more traditional approach, keeping the cooking space in its own dedicated area on the other side of a doorway. 

It's a great choice for those who prefer to stay focused while cooking, offering similar benefits of a vintage scullery in a home. You may not get to chat freely with guests hanging out in the living room, but the upside is they won't be exposed to the mess and odors you make when preparing food for dinner parties or get-togethers. Closed kitchens also come with more walls, which means more room for storage cabinets and shelves that can help keep everything organized.

A closed layout truly offers a sense of definition and intimacy, something that is quite rare in modern aesthetics and lifestyles. Homeowners are craving spaces that feel cozy, and this design fulfills this need — transforming the kitchen from an assumed zone in the greater scheme into a clear destination for cooking, baking, and making memories with friends and family.

Whether you're converting your kitchen to a closed-concept design or simply embracing the one you already have, there are many ways to use your space to the best of its potential. Interior designers say the key to this concept is focusing a specific energy within the space, rather than letting it flow through different areas of the home. It's important to identify the kind of energy you want to bring into your closed space — whether that's a sense of coziness, conversation, calm, or productivity. This allows you to get creative with your design, which is why many professionals encourage experimenting with bolder colors and textiles that highlight the room's unique personality.

Aside from determining its focus, keep in mind that your space will be limited, and the best way to make the most of a small kitchen is through smart planning and storage solutions. Before you load up on decor, write a plan for your kitchen centered on practicality and functionality to avoid clutter. Perhaps you need a strong organizational system, or maybe a particular design like a U-shaped layout or L-shaped corner space to maintain efficiency. Once you set a strong foundation for your closed kitchen, it's time to enjoy the aesthetic freedom that comes with keeping the area separate and defined from the rest of your home.