Interior design trends shift toward functional and semi-open kitchen layouts

Home design and real estate trends are shifting away from traditional open-concept layouts and certain decorative elements in favor of functionality and timeless aesthetics.

In the realm of interior design, experts suggest removing nine specific elements to ensure kitchens remain stylish for decades. Recommendations include avoiding overly trendy cabinet details, bulky decorative range hoods, and excessive use of open shelving, which can create visual clutter. Designers also advise against an all-white color palette, suggesting that textures like wood or brass are necessary to prevent a space from feeling sterile. Instead, functional items like ceramics and cookbooks are preferred over purely decorative pieces.

Simultaneously, the real estate market is seeing a move away from the fully open kitchen. While open layouts were once highly desirable, buyers are increasingly requesting semi-open kitchens or glass partitions. This shift is driven by the desire to contain noise, cooking odors, and visual clutter—issues that have become more prominent with the rise of remote work. A Houzz study in France indicated that while nearly 48% of owners still prefer open layouts, over one-third have already transitioned toward semi-open solutions.