Architects identify shift toward semi-open kitchen designs

Architects Xavier Taulé and Paula Tapiz, founders of the Spanish studio Cala Estudi, have identified a shift in interior design trends regarding kitchen layouts. While fully open kitchens have been a dominant trend due to their ability to maximize light and create a sense of spaciousness in small apartments, a new preference for semi-open kitchens is emerging.

This shift is driven by the practicalities of daily use. While open designs facilitate social interaction, they also leave utensils and daily clutter exposed. Semi-open kitchens offer a middle ground, utilizing glass enclosures, sliding doors, mobile panels, and large openings to maintain visual connection with the living area while providing privacy and order when needed. This approach allows for greater flexibility, enabling spaces to remain integrated for light or separated for functionality.