Kitchen Design Trends: A Shift in Placement

Expert Insights on Modern Kitchen Layouts

For years, kitchens were tucked away. Now, a design revolution is underway, with experts rethinking kitchen placement for better functionality and integrating them into the heart of the home.

Architectural Vision

Traditionally, Indonesian homes often positioned the kitchen in the back, a practice that architect Denny Setiawan attributes to the kitchen’s sacred status in some cultures. However, a cultural shift is occurring. According to Setiawan, modern kitchens are increasingly integrated into living spaces.

Setiawan suggests placing the kitchen close to the family room. This approach allows easy access to food and beverages for those in the family room, improving the overall flow of the home. He also points out the difference between “clean” and “dirty” kitchens. A “dirty” kitchen is often on the ground floor, near service areas; the “clean” kitchen is close to the living area.

“Ideally (kitchen position) near the family room because activities in the family room can actually be well served by the kitchen,” Denny said.

The primary feature, Setiawan notes, should be access to outdoor ventilation. Homeowners must ensure the kitchen connects to a garden or exterior space.

“So there must be a window. So that the smoke can come out outside the house. But if it is not possible, it is possible by using a device called Cooker Hood,” he said.

Essential Considerations

Setiawan cautions against placing kitchens directly under bedrooms or bathrooms. Direct access from the bathroom to the kitchen is also inadvisable. He further suggests that stoves should not be placed directly beneath sleeping areas. A 2024 study found that 60% of homeowners are now remodeling their kitchens to open them up to living spaces (National Association of Home Builders).

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Setiawan emphasizes that the kitchen’s distance from the family room is a key factor in its ideal placement. Proper ventilation is also critical to a functional and safe kitchen space.