Few projects say as much about the
lifestyle of a house as the kitchens. It can be a
space for coexistence or reserved for concentration, functioning as a meeting point on weekends or as a refuge for those who love to cook in silence. Therefore, the format of the kitchen —
open or closed — goes far beyond aesthetics: it is directly
linked to the habits and routine of the residents.
Andréa Magalhães Arquitetura - Casa Bem Vivida Electrolux. Projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2025. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)
When it comes to planning a project, this choice often generates indecision. While
open kitchens favor the integration of the projects and bring a
sense of spaciousness,
closed kitchens offer more
control, privacy, and isolation. Each proposal has its charms and challenges, what matters is to understand which one makes more sense for your day-to-day life.
Carlos Navero e Melissa Camargo - Reflexos da Tradição. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
Open kitchens: integration and dynamism
The open kitchen,
also called an American kitchen, connects with other spaces in the house, especially the living or dining room. This
integration transforms the room into a
protagonist — an invitation to socialize, cook together, and participate in the routine, even while on the move.
Ideal for those who love to host
Open kitchens facilitate circulation and allow those cooking to continue interacting with guests.
Central islands and countertops help compose the project, functioning as a
support and meeting point.
Cardoso Fattori Arquitetura - Cozinha Semente das Memórias. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2025. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)
Sensation of openness
For
compact apartments or houses with an integrated layout, the open kitchen
visually enlarges the space and makes better use of natural light. The result is a light, airy project with fewer visual barriers.
When it may not work:
For those who cook frequently and prepare more intensive meals, the
lack of isolation can be a problem. Food odors spread easily, and clutter remains visible — which requires more
attention to organization and exhaustion.
Studio Roca - Casa Brastemp. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)
Closed kitchens: focus and functionality
Traditional and versatile, the closed kitchen is still a preference for many projects
– especially in houses where
gastronomy has a more technical role. With it, it is possible to create a
separate space for kitchen tasks, without interfering with the other rooms.
Privacy and control
Closed kitchens
allow keeping noises, smells, and vapors contained in one place. For those who enjoy cooking with concentration, or prefer to "hide" the dishes from lunch while receiving visitors, this format may be more comfortable.
Verónica Paz - Loft Esencia. Neste ambiente, cada elemento foi cuidadosamente escolhido para criar um ambiente que inspira introspecção. Os tons suaves e envolventes, juntamente com texturas que evocam materiais naturais, geram uma atmosfera de serenidade. Verónica Paz concebeu este projeto como um refúgio íntimo e poderoso, onde as paredes texturizadas, as esculturas com narrativas próprias e a presença de plantas aludem ao crescimento interior e aos sonhos que ainda não floresceram. É um lugar para habitar e também uma experiência que honra a resiliência humana, com ênfase na força das mulheres. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)
Organization apart
The physical separation between the kitchen and the living room facilitates the
creation of independent dynamics. This is especially useful in homes with small children, pets, or larger families, where space usage needs to be more
sectioned.
When it may limit
Isolation can make the project
less inviting for gatherings and hinder interaction during meal preparation. Moreover, the space tends to seem smaller — which is why the project needs to take good advantage of lighting and
natural ventilation.
dlp Arquitetura - Cozinha de Estar. Projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2025. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)
How to decide between open or closed kitchens?
There is no ideal formula, the most important thing is to
observe the lifestyle of the house and how the kitchen can follow this dynamic smoothly.
Think about the routine
If the kitchen is used for
quick meals and socialization is a priority, the open model may make more sense. On the other hand, if food preparation involves more
time, equipment, and concentration, the closed environment offers practicality.
Amanda Xavier e Debora Borkoski - Casa Manacá. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Matheus Procopio/CASACOR)
Evaluate the available space
In small properties, integration is often an
intelligent resource to optimize the layout. On the other hand, larger kitchens or those with a
separate pantry gain more
functionality when well defined.
Consider hybrid solutions
Sliding doors, glass panels, cobogó designs, and hollow dividers enable the creation of
semi-closed kitchens, integrating and isolating as needed. This flexibility is an interesting alternative for those who want
the best of both worlds.
Bezerra Panobianco - Conviver Deca. ConViver Deca, a cozinha de 56,75 m² captura a essência do elo entre o homem e a natureza, com elementos que permeiam a arquitetura biomórfica, vernacular e contemporânea. Projetado por Expedito Bezerra e Lucas Panobianco, o espaço propõe uma experiência sensorial, com formas orgânicas no teto que remete às dunas de areia — símbolo de fluidez e renovação. A paleta de cores sóbrias reforça a serenidade do espaço, que é aberto, integrado e pensado para múltiplos usos. Mais que um ambiente funcional, a cozinha convida à convivência e se revela como um refúgio acolhedor e adaptável ao tempo e às relações. (Edgard César/CASACOR)
CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. 
