Opening Up Your Kitchen: Open Floorplans and Pass-Throughs

As we look ahead to 2024, one kitchen design trend we expect to continue trending is the open-floorplan kitchen. With its convenient open layout and ability to connect multiple living spaces, open floorplan kitchens, and to a lesser extent pass-through kitchens, are an appealing remodel option for many Connecticut homeowners seeking to update their homes.

Below, we’ll explore what exactly a conversion to an open floorplan kitchen entails along with the benefits, features, design considerations, and associated costs. Whether you’re renovating your dated galley kitchen or building a new home, a pass-through kitchen just may be the modern, multifunctional heart of the home you’ve been looking for.

What is an Open Floorplan Kitchen?

An open floorplan kitchen refers to a kitchen that is openly connected to adjacent living spaces, like the dining room and living room, without walls separating them.

What is a Kitchen Pass-Through?

A pass-through kitchen refers to a kitchen design where the kitchen space openly connects to adjacent rooms, such as the dining room and living room through an open window, often adjacent to a counter or working surface. It gets its name from the passageways or openings created between the kitchen and other spaces. These pass-throughs were formerly popular in restaurants, colonial homes, and butler kitchens, and are seeing a resurgence alongside open floorplans as comfortable entertaining becomes a larger priority for homeowners.

Pros of Open Kitchens and Passthroughs

Open Aesthetic – Both passthroughs and open floorplan kitchens are popular for bringing an airy, spacious feeling to rooms and adding natural light.
Easy Communication Between Rooms – Without walls obstructing sightlines, a pass-through kitchen makes interacting with family and guests seamless. The open design allows you to cook, entertain, and monitor kids all from one central spot.
Convenience and Accessibility – Pass-through kitchens also offer convenience and accessibility benefits. Moving between rooms becomes easier without doorways getting in the way, and meals and dishes can be passed through passthroughs directly from adjacent dining areas. With appliances, tools, and pantries nearby in the open kitchen or reachable through a passthrough, cooking and prep work feels more streamlined.

Features of a Pass-Through Kitchen

To take full advantage of a pass-through kitchen layout, there are some key features to include:

Island or Peninsula

Islands or peninsulas are must-haves, providing extra prep space that can be easily accessed from connected rooms. They also tend to serve as natural gathering spots.

Adequate Counter Space

Make sure to maximize work surface area with a spacious countertop. This will keep your pass-through kitchen functional.

Sleek Appliances

Clean lined appliances like stainless French-door fridges and slide-in ranges give a polished look. They won’t obstruct sightlines between rooms.

Design Considerations for a Pass-Through Kitchen

When remodeling your kitchen into a pass-through, there are some design factors to consider:

Measurements and Layout – Carefully measure your space and map out an efficient layout. Account for work triangles between the sink, stove, and fridge to optimize workflow.
Sound Dampening – To prevent echoes and noise from carrying, incorporate design elements like area rugs, curtains, and acoustic tile to absorb sound.
Lighting and Ventilation – Proper lighting and ventilation are essential, especially with the removal of walls. Add statement light fixtures and be sure to install top-quality vent hood systems.

Cost of a Pass-Through or Open Floorplan Remodel

What can you expect to budget for a pass-through kitchen remodel? Here are some insights:

National Average Cost

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value report, the average major kitchen remodel cost is $70,195. Pass-through kitchens tend to fall on the higher end of kitchen remodels. This cost generally includes demolition of the room and a complete rebuild, including labor and materials. Depending on the scale of your remodel and scope of work, your job may be significantly lower or higher than this price.

Minimal Pass-Through Install

While costs can vary depending on the location of your intended passthrough and the layout of existing walls, a minimal install for a pass-through window generally ranges from $3,000 – $6,000. These costs include demolition of the existing wall, creation of a new pass-through window, and aesthetic finishings such as trim or metal profiles.

Factors That Impact Cost

Specific factors like the inclusion of luxury appliances and finishes, structural changes, plumbing and electrical work, and size will affect overall cost. Professional installation and custom cabinetry will also increase price, but help ensure optimal function.

With their spacious, open concept designs and ability to seamlessly connect living areas, pass-through kitchens are rising in demand. In 2024 and beyond, look for more Connecticut homeowners to embrace this functional, on-trend kitchen layout. To determine if a new pass-through kitchen is right for your remodel, consult a reputable contractor to review your home’s layout, create a customized plan, and provide a cost estimate. They can help you bring this popular kitchen design trend to life.

[fusion_faq filters=”” number_posts=”-1″ post_status=”” cats_slug=”” exclude_cats=”” orderby=”date” order=”DESC” featured_image=”” type=”” inactive_icon=”” active_icon=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” boxed_mode=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” hue=”” saturation=”” lightness=”” alpha=”” background_color=”” hover_color=”” divider_line=”” divider_color=”” divider_hover_color=”” fusion_font_family_title_font=”” fusion_font_variant_title_font=”” title_font_size=”” title_line_height=”” title_letter_spacing=”” title_text_transform=”” title_color=”var(–awb-color8)” icon_size=”” icon_color=”” icon_boxed_mode=”” icon_box_color=”” icon_alignment=”” fusion_font_family_content_font=”” fusion_font_variant_content_font=”” content_font_size=”” content_line_height=”” content_letter_spacing=”” content_text_transform=”” content_color=”var(–awb-color8)” toggle_hover_accent_color=”” toggle_active_accent_color=”” /]

About the Author: David Perrotti

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, is a Bestselling Home Improvement Author on Amazon, and constantly seeks to reinvent the remodeling industry. As a veteran of the Army and Air Force, Dave operates his business, Fine Home Contracting, on the core army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

By David PerrottiPublished On: September 18th, 2023Categories: Interior Design, Kitchen Remodeling Tips0 Comments