In recent years, open floor plans have been all the rage in kitchen design. Homeowners and designers alike have been tearing down walls to create a seamless flow between kitchen, dining, and living areas. However, in 2024, there has been a shift away from this trend towards closed floor kitchens. This blog post will explore the benefits of closed floor kitchens and provide tips on how to make them stylish and appealing.
The closed kitchen style is on the rise, and it's easy to see why. This rustic-chic kitchen – featuring our Roman Flower Bardiglio & Carrara Marble Mosaic tile- is a perfect example of how such a space can be both stylish and practical. The warm wood tones and neutral colors provide an inviting atmosphere while the closed design of the room gives it a cozy feel that encourages conversation with friends and family. Additionally, the design offers many practical benefits – like less noise!
Why these kitchens are a trending style in 2024
As noted, closed floor kitchens have become increasingly popular in 2024, as many people are recognizing the benefits of this kitchen layout. But why are they trending? Read on to find out!
Here are 6 reasons why these kitchen designs are so hot right now:
Closed floor kitchens can be incredibly bright and airy even with their contained design. A prime example of this? The bathroom above. This is due to the large windows around the kitchen, allowing plenty of natural light in. Additionally, the natural pink marble backsplash tile further contributes to a light atmosphere while adding a stylish touch at the same time. With these features, you can still get plenty of natural light even in this type of layout.
Increased Privacy: If you're an avid home cook who loves to entertain, a compartmentalized floor kitchen might be just the thing for you. Not only does it create a separate food-prep and social space, it also provides increased privacy. If you ever felt pressure to hurry up and get dinner ready because people were peeking in from the living room or dining area, having some privacy will help ease that stress. In addition, it can give your guests more of an intimate gathering atmosphere – perfect for weekend brunches with your closest friends.
Noise Reduction: Want less outside noise? These kitchens also offer a greater degree of noise reduction, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter space. By closing off the kitchen, the sounds of cooking and cleaning can be contained within the space.
Cozy Atmosphere: These designs can create a sense of intimacy and coziness that can be particularly appealing during colder months. With fewer open spaces, the kitchen can feel more enclosed and comfortable.
The contemporary-meets-deco style of the kitchen is ideal for a modern home, with its soft colors and luxurious finishes. Its sleek appliances, marble countertops, and glossy white oven hood provide an airy aesthetic without sacrificing comfort or functionality. The spacious island in the center provides plenty of space for friends to gather around for brunch or dinner parties. With brass shelving, our Emporio Matte Calacatta Gold Tile backsplash, and gorgeous brass accents, the kitchen is the perfect place to entertain guests.
More Wall Space: Having a private kitchen arrangement can be a great addition to any home, offering endless opportunities for customization and personalization. With the additional wall space they provide, you can craft a unique atmosphere with stylish storage solutions, vibrant artwork, or eye-catching décor. Not only that, but you’ll also benefit from plenty of storage space when compared to an open kitchen concept. The versatility and function of a closed off kitchen make it the perfect choice for any style of home.
Conceals Kitchen Clutter: Closed kitchens can also be a great option for those who prefer to keep their kitchen clutter out of sight. By closing off the kitchen, homeowners can easily conceal any mess or clutter that can accumulate during cooking or food prep, making it easier to maintain a clean and organized space.
Easy to Design: These kitchens can be easier to design than open floor plans because there are fewer elements to consider. You can focus on creating a cohesive look for the kitchen without worrying about how it will integrate with the rest of the house. For instance, there’s no need to think about how the floor tile in the kitchen will work against the living room’s flooring, since there will be a breakpoint between the two.
Before designing, consult these helpful tips!
Consult the colors.
When designing a closed floor kitchen, there are several factors to consider, including color scheme, cabinetry, and tile selection. In terms of color scheme, it is important to choose colors that will make the space feel bright and airy. Lighter colors such as white, beige, or light grey are popular choices, as they can make a small space feel larger.
This kitchen brings a whole new level of sophistication to the "moody" style. With its dark metal tile backsplash, sleek modern white cabinetry, and eye-catching man made lighting, there's no denying that this design is top of the line. The tile works in tandem with its steel appliances to create an elegant ambiance indoors, while also making sure your guests feel at home. This space truly has that special something that makes it stand out amongst all others.
Darker colors can also work well, but it is important to balance them with lighter colors or natural wood finishes to prevent the space from feeling too dark or gloomy.
Don’t forget about the cabinetry.
Cabinetry is another important factor to decide on when crafting your space. There are many options available, ranging from classic wood finishes to sleek, modern designs. When choosing cabinetry, it is important to consider the overall style of the space and to choose a design that complements the other elements in the space. It is also important to choose cabinets that offer ample storage space to help keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free.
Consider Lighting
We are head over heels in love with this au natural style closed kitchen plan. The way it’s giving rustic and timeless vibes, we are all about. Look at the way our lighter tone wood look tiles (Japandi Maple Wood 8x48 Tile) play against the stark white oven hood and deep, gray cabinetry. A total chef’s kiss moment if you ask us! Plus, the whole thing ties together with some plant love – a true touch of greenery to make the space extremely inviting. Don’t mind us as we stare endlessly!
Natural? Installed? The choices are endless. Though, it goes without saying that these types of kitchens can sometimes feel darker than open floor plans due to the lack of natural light coming in from other areas of the home. No more extra light from the living room windows to shine on the kitchen, no. Now your kitchen is front-and-center, so you have to work with the space you have. Whether that means considering more floor-to-ceiling windows or considering ample lighting installation throughout the kitchen, including overhead lights, under-cabinet lighting, and accent lighting…the sky is the limit! Or, should we say roof?
Create a Spacious Feeling.
Yes, although closed kitchens are by definition enclosed, you can still create an open feel by choosing lighter colors for the cabinets and walls. This can help make the space feel more spacious and inviting, even if it is physically partitioned off from the rest of the home. While cozy is the ideal, no one wants to feel trap. Make sure that your space is far from cluttered and has a balance throughout that’s appealing to the eyes.
Add Personal Touches
Finally, don't be afraid to add personal touches to your floor design to make it feel like a reflection of your personal style. Consider incorporating statement tiling, unique artwork, decorative plates, or other decorative elements to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. By doing so, you can make your kitchen feel like a true home away from home.
At last, let’s review the types of tile to use in closed floor plan kitchens.
Okay, you caught us! This is our favorite part of the blog – discussing which tiles work best in the space! After all, we are tile experts…can you blame us, really?
Go for a porcelain style for your walls or floors.
This concept is making us wish we could move in! It's bold and beautiful, with luxurious elements like metal accents and our Emporio Gold Nero 24x48 Tile. The art deco vibe is balanced perfectly against the industrial style; a sleek black kitchen island grounds the whole look. Plus, natural wooden cabinetry adds depth and character to this already stunning design. A recipe for success - literally!
When it comes to selecting tile, there are many options available. One popular choice is porcelain tile, which is durable, low-maintenance, and comes in plenty of colors, finishes, and styles.
You can find the right fit for your home – whether you’re searching for something art deco with lux marble looks, or a little more french country with a hint of shabby chic…the options are endless with porcelain tiles.
Plus, porcelain tile is also resistant to stains, scratches, and water damage, making it an ideal choice for a high-traffic area.
Find a sparkle in metallic glass backsplash tiles.
As can be seen here, metallic glass backsplash tiles can add a spark of glamor to any kitchen they are placed in. Their reflective surfaces reflect natural and artificial light, making them a great choice for brightening up any space. In this kitchen, the metallic finish of our White Deco Fan Glass Mosaic Tile adds depth and definition to the walls, creating an eye-catching focal point. Whether you choose a classic chrome-look tile or something more opulent, like gold, as you can see, metallic makes a difference.
Metallic glass backsplash tiles can add a unique sparkle and dimension to any kitchen space. Not only do they create visual interest, but their reflective properties help to make the room feel larger by bouncing light and creating an optical illusion of more open space.
They also have the potential to become the focal point of your kitchen design with their dramatic hues and sophisticated shimmer. Whether you choose a single color metal glass tile backsplash, or go all out and create an entire wall of multi tonal mosaic metallic tiles, there are many ways to make these materials work for your kitchen style.
And the best part? They are super easy to install and maintain – just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to cleaning and upkeep.
Get handmade with ceramic tiles.
Another popular tile option for closed floor kitchens is ceramic tile. Like porcelain, ceramic tile is durable and low-maintenance, but it is also more affordable than porcelain. Ceramic tile is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a versatile choice for any kitchen design.
What’s more, this year, zellige handmade ceramic tiles are trending. Why? They have a high gloss appeal that adds immediate interest to any space and come in a multitude of hues. So, if you’re interested in a ceramic tile backsplash within your closed plan; definitely take a look at these handmade tiles and see if something will strike your fancy. You’ll be on trend all around!
Wrapping it up
To sum it up, closed floor kitchens are becoming more popular in 2023 as homeowners seek a sense of intimacy, privacy, and a greater degree of wall space. When designing a closed floor kitchen, it is important to choose a color scheme, cabinetry, and tile that will create a bright, airy, and stylish environment. Porcelain and ceramic tile are popular tile options for closed floor kitchens, offering durability, low-maintenance, and a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. Here’s to crafting a look that suits you and your home for years to come!
About Lindsay Fluckiger
Lindsay Fluckiger is a shining example of what happens when passion meets expertise in the digital marketing world. With a robust background in social media marketing, contract negotiation, social media advertising, and influencer marketing, she has become an integral part of every team she's worked with.
Her journey in the digital space took a significant leap forward at HGTV, where she served as the digital marketing manager for designer and TV personality Breegan Jane. Here, Lindsay's skills in content creation, social media and brand strategies were pivotal in driving digital transformations and boosting brand visibility.
Previously, Lindsay sharpened her skills at INK Public Relations, a boutique firm representing heavy hitters in the design space based in Los Angeles. Managing the social media presence for high-profile clients such as TRIO Design (Angela Harris) and Brandon Architects, she distinguished herself with her expertise in contract negotiation and social media advertising.
