The 100+ Best Open Kitchen Ideas – Kitchen and Home Design
Enjoy the view of your family in the next room while you prepare dinner with these great open kitchen design ideas.
An open kitchen is a perfect layout if you love to entertain. The kitchens can bring different areas of your home together and eliminate the walls that divide the different rooms. This encourages a better flow from one room to the next. It also gives the impression that your home is bigger than it is.
Deciding to have an open concept kitchen is only the first step. You also need to think about what kind of interior design you want your open kitchen to have. These design ideas will help you turn your open layout into a comfortable and usable space.
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1. Modern Open Kitchen Design Ideas
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you can’t go wrong with a modern open kitchen. These kitchens feature clean lines and thoughtful details. There are no hard and fast rules here, so don’t be afraid to mix elements from different kitchen styles.
Colored cabinets are a popular modern trend. While you can’t go wrong with white kitchen cabinets, painting them black, blue, green, or pastel color is also popular. If you’re afraid to paint all your cabinets, then consider only painting the bottom units. The floor cabinets will be your chosen color, and the upper cabinets will remain white. This will inject color into your kitchen while also helping your kitchen to feel bright and open.
Another way to make your kitchen feel modern is to mix metals. Consider using black, gold, brass, bronze, or stainless steel for cabinet hardware. A soft brushed metal looks more modern than a shiny finish. You might choose black for the sink faucet and then gold for the lighting fixtures.
Finally, modern kitchens have plenty of light. Shoot for as much natural lighting as possible, but if this isn’t possible, install enough lighting to create a well-lit space. You should have three types of light; task, ambient, and accent. This will ensure you have plenty of lighting options for different situations.
2. Industrial Open Kitchen Ideas
Industrial is one of those interior design approaches that can work well in almost any style of home. That’s because you can scale it to be more or less industrial based on your tastes. To create the industrial look, focus on using metals, wood, and concrete.
Going all out with industrial can feel a bit cold and uninviting. This is something to consider if your kitchen is a central part of your home.
Instead of going all-out, consider adding some industrial-inspired pieces to your kitchen. Use salvaged wood with wrought iron brackets to create open shelving. It looks industrial, but also adds a rustic and warm charm to your kitchen.
Your plumbing and lighting fixtures can also invoke the image of industrialism. Try choosing fixtures that are more functional in design and less decorative. You can also opt for stainless steel appliances.
Concrete is another option for the floor or countertops. It’s strong, durable, and easy to keep clean. It does, however, take some work. Once the poured concrete forms, it will need filling, polishing, and sealing. This will ensure you have a smooth surface that food and dirt can’t get caught in.
3. Semi-Open Kitchen Ideas
A kitchen remodel is the perfect opportunity to turn a closed kitchen into an open-layout. Older homes tend to have galley kitchens, closed in with walls. They also tend to have smaller kitchens than modern homes.
You can address both of these by looking for walls that you can remove. Does your home have several smaller rooms that you can combine into a larger kitchen? You can create a pass-through service window if you can’t completely remove a wall. This will give you an open space to communicate through. It’s also a natural place to set up bar stools for a dining space.
Another option is to widen the entry space to the kitchen. You can create the illusion of an open kitchen by making the walkway into the kitchen bigger.
If breaking down walls or creating openings is out of the question, try replacing the doors. Frameless clear glass doors create a window and give the illusion of open space without having to change the structure of your home. Try adding a frosted glass sliding door. You can close it when you want to contain the smells to the kitchen, but you can also open it when you’re entertaining and want to create more space.
4. Small Kitchen Ideas
Small kitchen design lends itself to an open floor plan . You can create a small yet open kitchen by having all the major appliances lined up on one wall. Or you could create a kitchen corner where the corner of a room is the kitchen.
This design works well for condos, apartments, and smaller homes with limited square footage. You can then use the space in front of the kitchen as the dining area.
When designing your kitchen, you can have the floor and overhead cabinets line the wall for a modern or minimalist feel. For a more rustic or farmhouse feel, use open shelves.
To create more usable counter space in your tiny kitchen, you can add a rolling island. You can roll it out when you’re working in the kitchen, and then roll it out of the way when unneeded.
If you want to create a physical divider between the kitchen and your living room and maintain the open feel, add a low cabinet. You’ll have extra storage space in the cabinets underneath, extra counter space on top, and another eating area.
5. Minimalist Kitchen Ideas
Minimalist kitchens focus on creating a streamlined look with minimal details and features. This allows the eye to flow throughout the room without interruption. In an open kitchen, the minimalist approach can make your kitchen space look even better.
The most significant impact you can make to your minimalist kitchen design is to change the cabinetry. Use slab front cabinet doors to create a solid flat front to all your cabinets. To complete the look, create false cabinet fronts for all your appliances, such as your dishwasher and refrigerator. Then hide the microwave in a cabinet.
Create plenty of storage in your open kitchen to hide your appliances and other kitchen tools. This will help you to keep the counter clear of clutter.
Finally, look for ways you can streamline the lighting in your kitchen. Consider a single pendant light over the island. You can also hide LED lighting under the wall cabinets. They’ll illuminate the counter workspace underneath.
6. White Open Kitchen Ideas
White kitchens have always been on trend and will always be popular with homeowners and buyers. This is because they look bright, clean, and welcoming. They’re also easy to customize with colorful kitchen decor. Also, a white kitchen with an open floor plan will be easier to blend into the connecting rooms.
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For this look, start with white cabinets, then add a white farmhouse sink. Choose a simple white tile for the backsplash. You could then continue the look with a white dining table and chairs.
Break up the white with wood floors and black accents. This will keep your kitchen from looking washed out or harsh. You might use black cabinet pulls, lighting fixtures, and plumbing hardware. Another option is to break up the monochrome cabinets with glass in the doors.
7. Black Kitchen Ideas
Unlike white kitchens, a black kitchen does not have all black features. This would create a black hole effect in your kitchen, and it wouldn’t be a pleasant space. Instead, black kitchens refer to the kitchen having black and another color, be it white or gray.
For a masculine feel to the kitchen, opt for darker shades throughout the kitchen. Varying the shades will help create dimension and detail. For a sleek and modern look, try shiny black slab cabinets.
Beware: Black cabinets can close a kitchen in, so they tend to work best in kitchens with plenty of light. If that doesn’t describe your kitchen, then consider using black somewhere else. You could have a black kitchen counter and appliances. You can also add a black accent wall with black lighting fixtures and furniture.
8. Wood Open Kitchen Design Ideas
Wood is a beautiful and smart choice for your kitchen renovation. You can use it for the cabinets, floor, furniture, countertops, ceiling beams, or the entire ceiling. Using wood for all these in the same kitchen would be quite a lot to the eye. This look would only make sense in a country or mountain home.
If your home is more suburban than rural, then consider choosing a couple of these elements—not all of them. You could create a beautiful open kitchen with wood flooring and cabinets. This would look perfect in a ranch style or modern home. If you have high ceilings, wood beams can create a farmhouse effect without being overdone. You might even consider a wood backsplash.
One popular trend is to create countertops out of butcher block. This is a durable wood design created from bonding strips of wood together. It’s so durable that you can chop and slice right on top of it, so your entire counter is now a cutting board. There are three types of butcher block, edge, face, and end grain. Edge is popular for countertops because it’s more affordable than the other two.
For homeowners that aren’t looking to renovate or remodel, look for wood kitchen decor. This could be a dining table and chairs or extra wood shelves.
9. Open Kitchens Without a Kitchen Island
The most open kitchen floor plans have the entire kitchen along a wall or corner. They won’t have any type of barrier between them and the connecting room. This creates one large space.
Keep in mind that it can also limit your storage and workspace. Because of this, it can help to make open kitchen shelves the most prominent feature of the kitchen. You’ll want to ensure you have plenty of kitchen shelves or cabinets to store everything.
When designing your new open kitchen, keep in mind that you’re combining rooms. That means the kitchen and dining room are now one. Look for furniture that makes sense for the style of kitchen you’re creating. This could mean blending colors, like black or white. You can also adopt an interior design theme, such as minimalist, industrial, farmhouse, or craftsman.
10. Open Kitchen Ideas with a Scandinavian Theme
Thanks to Ikea, Scandinavian design has taken over interior design. One room where people have embraced this simple design approach is in the kitchen. It’s easy to see the appeal with the artful mix of pale color hues, warm woods, and a minimalist yet lived-in look.
The hallmark of Scandinavian kitchens is warm woods used as an accent throughout the room. In an open kitchen, the easiest way to do this is with the kitchen’s flooring. You can carry hardwood flooring throughout the kitchen and into adjoining rooms.
Everyone immediately thinks of a white theme when they think of Scandinavian design, but there’s an alternative. You can take a darker-hued approach and achieve the same clean yet functional design.
Finally, look for contemporary art that you can hang in your kitchen or adjoining rooms. This will help tie the rooms together without it being overdone.
Open Kitchen FAQs
Are open kitchens better than closed kitchens?
An open plan lets you entertain your guests while also working in the kitchen. This makes it easier to have guests over. It also means you’ll need to keep your kitchen clean and organized. A closed kitchen lets you hide your mess.
Will an open kitchen increase my home value?
It’s possible. An open kitchen increases the perceived size of the kitchen. It feels more spacious and increases the amount of light throughout the home. It also can increase a home’s value if the open kitchen remodel is well done. This means the amount of increase is dependent on the outcome and its appeal to potential buyers.
How do I decorate an open kitchen and living room?
A home with an open floor plan means that many living spaces in your home feel like one large space, with no obstruction. This can present a unique challenge when decorating. You should define each area and its intended use. Keep in mind, though, that they need to make sense next to each other. Carry a similar theme from one room to the next to connect the spaces.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
