Kitchenette or separate kitchen – which is better?

21.02.2025

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Kitchenette or separate kitchen – which is better?

Are you planning to buy a new home, and the topic of the kitchen comes up in family discussions? Kitchenette or separate kitchen – this is a question many homebuyers ask themselves. Developers offer a wide range of new housing options, from apartments with a kitchenette to modern townhouses with a separate kitchen. But which one should you choose? Which is more functional? What are the drawbacks of a kitchenette, and in what ways is a separate kitchen better? What should you consider when choosing a home to ensure it meets your family's needs? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision when buying a home near Warsaw.

Advantages of a kitchenette – why should you choose it?

1. Optical Expansion of Space

A kitchenette is an increasingly popular solution in modern homes and newly built apartments. Its main advantage is that combining the kitchen with the living room creates the illusion of a larger space. This layout allows for better use of square footage, which can be particularly important in smaller two-room apartments.

2. Closer to Family and Guests

A kitchenette promotes greater interaction with household members and guests. While cooking, you are not isolated from the rest of the family—you can chat with guests sitting at the table, watch TV, or keep an eye on playing children. In a family, every moment spent together matters.

3. More Natural Light

An open kitchen benefits from additional daylight. If your apartment or house has large living room windows, the kitchen will receive more natural light, improving cooking comfort and enhancing overall well-being.

Advantages of a separate kitchen – when is it the right choice?

1. Isolation of Odors and Steam

A key advantage of a separate kitchen is that cooking odors and steam do not spread throughout the home. In a kitchenette, especially in smaller spaces, smells can easily penetrate other rooms, which may not be ideal for everyone.

2. No Mess in Sight for Guests

A separate kitchen keeps the cooking mess—dirty dishes, scattered ingredients, or spice jars—out of sight. If you prefer a clutter-free living space, this option is better for you. In a kitchenette, every dish, pan, or open package is visible from the living room, which may not always be desirable.

3. Dedicated Cooking Space

A separate kitchen offers more storage, better organization, and greater convenience for cooking. This layout is common in larger homes or older apartment buildings. Having a dedicated kitchen allows for more freedom in design, easy placement of essential appliances, and ample storage for kitchen supplies.

Disadvantages of a kitchenette – does this solution have downsides?

1. Odors Spreading

A kitchenette comes with the challenge of cooking smells spreading throughout the home. If you're preparing something with a strong aroma, the entire living space may absorb the scent.

2. Limited Storage Space

Kitchenettes often lack the same amount of storage as separate kitchens. The absence of extra walls limits the number of cabinets, shelves, and pantry space. Finding room for all necessary kitchen accessories can be difficult, leading to a sense of clutter.

3. Visible Mess

One of the biggest downsides of a kitchenette is that everything is on display. Kitchen utensils, dishes, pots, and spices need to be neatly arranged to avoid a messy appearance. In small apartments or houses, this can be a challenge without proper storage solutions.

Disadvantages of a separate kitchen – what to watch out for?

1. Isolation from the Rest of the House

Although a separate kitchen has its advantages, it can also be problematic when it comes to interacting with the rest of the family. While cooking, you are isolated from the household members. Often, those cooking in the kitchen miss out on interacting with those playing with children in the living room or watching TV.

2. Reduced Spaciousness

A separate kitchen in a small house or apartment can limit the overall spaciousness of the interior. This layout is typically better suited for larger spaces where separate rooms can serve their functions without taking away from the sense of openness in the home.

Which to choose – a kitchenette or a separate kitchen?

The choice depends on your preferences and lifestyle. If you value spaciousness, openness, and the ability to spend time with loved ones, a kitchenette might be the perfect solution. On the other hand, if you prefer order, ample storage space, and don’t mind being isolated while cooking, a separate kitchen will be a better choice.

In our new developments, you’ll find both homes with separate kitchens and homes and apartments with kitchenettes.

Check out Novisa Development’s offerings..

FAQ

1. Is a kitchenette a good choice for a small apartment?

Yes! A kitchenette helps visually expand the space, making it an ideal solution for small apartments. However, it's important to ensure proper ventilation so that cooking odors don't spread throughout the entire interior.

2. Will a separate kitchen work in a house?

Yes, if you have a larger area, a separate kitchen can be more functional—it provides more space for cooking and storage, and also better isolates noise and odors.

3. Can a kitchenette be converted into a separate kitchen?

In some cases, yes. You can separate the kitchen with a partition wall, sliding doors, or an open shelving unit. However, it's important to check the ventilation layout and window access.

4. Is a closed kitchen more functional than a kitchenette?

It depends on your preferences. If you cook frequently and need a lot of storage space, a closed kitchen will be a better choice. If, on the other hand, you prefer an open space and interaction with family members, a kitchenette will be more functional.

5. How can you reduce the spread of cooking odors in a kitchenette?

Investing in an efficient range hood is key to quickly removing odors and moisture. Sliding glass doors or room dividers separating the kitchenette from the rest of the apartment also work well.

6. What are some ways to separate a kitchenette from the living room?

You can use:

- A kitchen island
- A bookshelf or shelving unit
- Sliding glass doors
- A decorative partition or screen
- Different flooring colors in the kitchen and living room

7. How to design a kitchenette to make it more functional?

Key elements include:

- Well-planned cabinets – maximizing vertical space
- Quiet appliances – noise can be bothersome in an open space
- Good lighting – such as LED lighting under the cabinets
- Efficient ventilation – a range hood with strong suction power

8. What are the most common mistakes when designing a kitchenette?

Common mistakes include:

- Lack of an efficient range hood
- Insufficient storage space
- Using materials that are hard to clean
- Poor placement of appliances (e.g., oven too close to the fridge)