Open vs Closed Kitchen Layouts: What Works Best in Melbourne Homes?

It’s the age-old renovation question:

Do you open up the kitchen — or keep it contained?

Here’s how to decide what layout works best for your lifestyle, space, and Melbourne home.

🍽 Open Kitchens: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• More natural light

• Social and connected to living spaces

• Ideal for entertaining

• Great for small homes — feels bigger

Cons:

• Less wall space for cabinetry

• Cooking smells spread

• Noise travels

• Can feel cluttered if not well-designed

🚪 Closed Kitchens: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• More storage and bench space

• Better at containing mess, noise, and smells

• Can feel calmer and more focused

• Ideal for serious cooks

Cons:

• Feels less spacious

• Cuts you off from the action

• Can look dated if not modernised

👇 So, Which One’s Better?

It depends on:

• Your floor plan (small space? Open might help)

• How you use the kitchen (serious chef or quick meals?)

• Who’s in the house (young kids? noise control matters)

• Your storage needs (closed = more cabinetry options)

💡 Bluestone Insight

Some of our favourite builds combine the best of both:

• Semi-open layouts with sliding doors or nib walls

• Butler’s pantries to hide the mess

• Kitchen islands that anchor open space without feeling too exposed

You don’t have to go fully open or fully closed — the smart move is finding the layout that fits you.

👉 Book a consult and we’ll walk you through the layout that makes the most sense for your lifestyle, block, and budget.