The "Open Kitchen vs Closed Kitchen" Debate in Saudi Homes: Modernity vs Privacy.. and a Smart Solution That Combines Both

Introduction: The Kitchen as a Cultural Battleground

In every Saudi home being built or renovated today, there's a heated debate between couples, and sometimes between different generations: Should we choose the modern "American-style" open kitchen? Or stick with the traditional closed kitchen?

This seemingly simple question hides a deep cultural struggle between conflicting values: modernity and openness on one hand, privacy and traditions on the other. Kitchen design is no longer just an architectural choice but a mirror reflecting lifestyle and family values.

The new generation dreams of open spaces like those seen in foreign shows and design magazines: an elegant kitchen connected to the living room, allowing the mother to cook while watching her children and participating in conversations.

The older generation wonders: "What about cooking odors? And the mess in front of guests? Where's the privacy?"

In this comprehensive article, we lay all cards on the table: the advantages and disadvantages of each option specifically in the Saudi context, then present the smart solution spreading in luxury villas that combines the best of both worlds.

The Kitchen as a Mirror of Cultural Transformations

Before diving into technical details, it's important to understand the cultural context. The kitchen in a Saudi home isn't just a place to prepare food; it is:

A social production center: In our culture, hospitality isn't optional but a duty. Home-prepared food represents the highest level of generosity. This means Saudi kitchens operate at much higher intensity than their Western counterparts.

An intensive workspace: Kabsa, mandi, jareesh, mutabbaq, sayadiya... our traditional dishes require hours of preparation and produce large amounts of steam, odors, and grease.

A privacy zone: Historically, the kitchen was exclusively a women's space, separate from male guest reception areas. This separation has deep cultural and religious roots.

The Transformation with Vision 2030

With the social transformations the Kingdom is witnessing, concepts are changing. Young families are becoming smaller, Saudi women have entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, and family time has become more precious than ever. These transformations have made open kitchens an attractive choice for many.

According to market reports, kitchens in Saudi Arabia are transforming into "social hubs" where families gather, not just cooking spaces. By 2026, kitchen islands are expected to become the central element in most new homes.

The Open Kitchen: Promise vs Reality

Let's objectively dissect the open kitchen, away from the dazzle of magazine photos.

Real Advantages

1. Continuous Family Communication

This advantage is real and impactful. In an open kitchen, the mother is no longer "trapped" in an isolated space. She can monitor children's homework, participate in family conversations, and watch little ones playing. Studies confirm that families spending more time in shared spaces enjoy stronger bonds.

2. Feeling of Spaciousness

Removing walls creates a sense of larger space, even in small apartments. Natural light flows freely, and the place looks brighter and more welcoming. This is especially important in limited-space residences.

3. Easy Modern Entertaining

For informal occasions, an open kitchen allows hosts to interact with guests while preparing food or drinks. This "casual" style of hospitality has become socially acceptable, especially among younger generations.

4. Flexibility of Use

A kitchen island can be a place for quick breakfast, doing homework, or even working from home. The space adapts to daily life needs.

5. Higher Property Value

Homes with open floor plans command higher resale values in the contemporary real estate market. New buyers prefer this modern style.

Critical Drawbacks in the Saudi Context

1. The Odor Disaster

This is the biggest drawback that makes many Saudis regret choosing an open kitchen. When you cook kabsa or fry samosas or brown meat, odors don't stay in the kitchen but spread throughout the entire home: living room, bedrooms, curtains, sofas, everything!

Even the strongest range hoods (900-1200 CFM) cannot completely contain heavy cooking odors. Grease and steam escape before reaching the hood.

2. The Surprise Guest Disaster

In our culture, unexpected guests are common and welcome. But in an open kitchen, any kitchen mess is immediately visible to guests. Accumulated dishes, cooking remnants, scattered utensils all become part of the living room "decor"!

3. Constant Noise

Blender sounds, dishwasher, frying crackle all transfer directly to the seating area. If someone is watching TV or trying to concentrate, the sounds become a source of disturbance.

4. Loss of Privacy

Some women prefer cooking at their ease without being "on stage." In an open kitchen, every movement is visible. This can be psychologically exhausting in the long run.

5. The Constant Cleanliness Challenge

An open kitchen requires a constant level of cleanliness and organization. No room for postponing dishwashing or leaving mess "temporarily." This adds daily pressure.

The Closed Kitchen: Tradition Has Its Reasons

Before rushing to judge the closed kitchen as "old" or "traditional," let's understand why it remains the optimal choice for many Saudi families.

Essential Advantages

1. Complete Odor Isolation

The golden advantage! A closed door means kabsa smell stays in the kitchen while the living room maintains its fresh scent. For families cooking traditional dishes daily, this isn't a luxury but a necessity.

2. Complete Privacy

A closed kitchen provides a private space where any mess can be "hidden." Surprise guest? No problem, close the door and it's done.

3. Quiet Living Area

Walls isolate noise. The family can enjoy TV or reading without kitchen sounds disturbing them.

4. More Storage Space

Walls provide additional space for cabinets and shelves. In open kitchens, much of this space is lost for the sake of "appearance."

5. Freedom for Experimental Cooking

You can try new recipes, make mistakes, create mess without anyone seeing. This freedom encourages kitchen creativity.

Real Drawbacks

1. Social Isolation

This drawback is real and painful. A homemaker spending hours in a closed kitchen misses a lot of family time. She sometimes feels like the isolated "servant" while everyone else enjoys themselves.

2. Difficulty Monitoring Children

For mothers with young children, a closed kitchen means constant worry: What are they doing now? Are they safe?

3. Lighting and Ventilation

Closed kitchens often suffer from weak natural lighting and need strong ventilation systems to avoid odor accumulation within the space itself.

4. Impression of Being Outdated

In the contemporary real estate market, a closed kitchen may be viewed as an "old model," which may affect property value.

The Smart Solution: The "Show Kitchen" and "Dirty Kitchen" Duality

Now we've reached the most important part: the solution that combines the advantages of both systems while avoiding their drawbacks. This solution isn't new but has roots in East Asian and Gulf Arab cultures, returning strongly today in luxury designs.

The Basic Concept

Instead of one kitchen, design two integrated kitchens:

1. Show Kitchen (Dry Kitchen)

An open and elegant space, part of the living room decor, equipped with light appliances only: coffee machine, small beverage refrigerator, microwave, small sink. Used for light preparation, serving hospitality, and giving the impression of a modern open kitchen.

2. Dirty Kitchen (Wet Kitchen)

A closed space behind or beside the show kitchen, equipped with everything needed for heavy cooking: powerful stove, oven, high-capacity industrial range hood, dishwasher, large sink, and ample storage space. Here, real cooking happens—frying, grilling, and all operations that produce odors, smoke, and mess.

How the System Works

When receiving guests: Dishes are prepared in the dirty kitchen, then transferred to the show kitchen for serving. Guests only see the elegant, organized space.

In daily life: Light breakfast and coffee from the show kitchen, main lunch and dinner from the dirty kitchen.

After cooking: Mess and dishes disappear behind the door while the show kitchen stays clean and organized.

Elements of the Ideal Show Kitchen

Appliances: Elegant espresso machine, beverage refrigerator (wine cooler or beverage center), built-in microwave, elegant electric kettle.

Surface: High-quality marble or quartz, easy to clean and elegant in appearance.

Storage: Elegant cabinets for coffee and tea equipment, hospitality cups, serving dishes.

Lighting: Decorative lighting (pendant lights) making the space attractive.

Island: An elegant island with high chairs for casual seating.

Elements of the Ideal Dirty Kitchen

Ventilation: Industrial range hood with at least 900-1200 CFM capacity, with external venting (not recirculating). This element is non-negotiable.

Surfaces: Practical easy-to-clean materials: stainless steel, ceramic, granite. Aesthetics are secondary here.

Equipment: Powerful stove (5-6 burners), large oven, deep and wide sink, industrial dishwasher.

Storage: Spacious cabinets for large pots, heavy cooking tools, food supplies.

Divider: Sliding door or frosted glass separating the two kitchens, can be opened when needed.

Why This Solution Is Ideal for Saudi Homes

Respects hospitality culture: You can serve coffee and dates to guests from an elegant, open kitchen while "kabsa" cooks away from their sight.

Preserves privacy: Heavy cooking happens in a closed space, away from guests' or even family members' eyes.

Solves the odor problem: A powerful hood in a closed space is much more effective than one in an open space.

Combines modernity with practicality: You get the modern open look without sacrificing functionality.

Suits large families: During occasions and gatherings, multiple people can work in the dirty kitchen without crowding or visible mess.

Space and Budget Considerations

Before getting excited about the dual kitchen idea, let's be realistic about the requirements:

Space Requirements

Minimum for show kitchen: 8-12 square meters (can be part of the living room)

Minimum for dirty kitchen: 10-15 square meters (actual working space)

Total: 18-27 square meters compared to 15-20 square meters for a single traditional kitchen

If your home space is limited, this option may not be practical. In that case, choose between open or closed based on your priorities.

Additional Cost

Designing two kitchens means higher costs: additional appliances, double plumbing, more electricity, and multiple fixtures. Expect a 40-60% increase in kitchen budget compared to a single kitchen. However, this investment adds real value to the property and daily quality of life.

Smart Alternatives for Limited Spaces

Sliding door: If you can't build two kitchens, add a wide sliding door to the kitchen. Open it when you need openness. Close it during heavy cooking.

Foldable screen: A glass or wooden foldable barrier that can be closed when needed.

Island as barrier: A long kitchen island can work as a visual separator between cooking and seating areas.

Advanced ventilation: Invest in the best possible range hood (1000+ CFM) with external venting—this reduces the odor problem even in open kitchens.

Practical Tips for Each Option

If You Choose an Open Kitchen

Invest in ventilation: Don't skimp on the range hood. Choose at least 900 CFM capacity with external venting, not recirculating.

Choose easy-to-clean surfaces: Quartz is better than marble (less porous), and stainless steel for areas most exposed to grease.

Plan for hidden storage: Closed cabinets, deep drawers, and smart organization solutions to quickly hide mess.

Add a "hideaway" area: A large cabinet or hidden corner where you can quickly throw dishes and mess when a surprise guest arrives.

Slightly modify cooking style: Dishes with very strong odors (deep frying, fish, strong curry) can be prepared outdoors or reduced in frequency.

If You Choose a Closed Kitchen

Focus on lighting: Add natural light as much as possible (window, skylight). Use strong, distributed LED lighting to avoid shadows.

Add a pass-through window: An opening in the wall between kitchen and living room facilitates communication and passing dishes without opening the door.

Use light colors: Light colors make closed spaces look larger and brighter.

Don't neglect ventilation: Even a closed kitchen needs good ventilation to avoid odor and humidity accumulation within the space.

Add radio or speakers: Music or podcasts make time in a closed kitchen less isolating.

Critical Questions Before Making a Decision

Before choosing, honestly ask yourself these questions:

1. How often do you cook "heavy" meals weekly?

If the answer is "daily or more," an open kitchen without an odor solution will be a disaster.

2. Do you frequently receive unexpected guests?

If the answer is "yes," an open kitchen requires constant cleanliness or you'll feel embarrassed.

3. Do you have young children who need monitoring?

An open kitchen greatly facilitates monitoring.

4. Do you prefer privacy while cooking?

Some women find cooking "on stage" exhausting. If you're one of them, a closed kitchen is better for your mental health.

5. What's your budget and available space?

If sufficient, seriously consider the integrated dual kitchen solution.

Conclusion: There's No Single "Right" Choice

Ultimately, the best choice is one that suits your actual lifestyle, not the one that looks best in photos or follows "fashion."

Open kitchen is ideal for small families, apartments, those who cook light meals, and those who value family communication above all.

Closed kitchen is ideal for large families, those who cook traditional heavy dishes daily, and those who receive guests frequently.

Dual kitchen system is the optimal solution for those who can provide the space and budget, as it combines the best of both worlds.

Whatever your choice, remember that the kitchen isn't just a room but the place where family memories are made around food. Choose what makes these memories more beautiful and easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an open kitchen suitable for Saudi homes?

It depends on your lifestyle. If you cook light meals most of the time and value family communication, yes. If you cook traditional dishes with strong odors daily, you may face problems with odors and mess.

What range hood power is suitable for Saudi kitchens?

For traditional Saudi cooking (kabsa, frying, grilling), you need a range hood with at least 900-1200 CFM capacity, with external venting, not recirculating. Weak hoods (300-400 CFM) won't be sufficient.

How much does designing two kitchens (show and dirty) cost?

Expect a 40-60% increase over a single kitchen budget. This includes additional appliances, double plumbing, and multiple fixtures. The additional cost is offset by quality of life and property value.

Can a closed kitchen be converted to open?

Yes, but it requires an engineering assessment to ensure the wall isn't load-bearing. If it is, part of it can be removed with a support beam added. Consult a specialized engineer before any modification.

What's the best divider between show and dirty kitchens?

Sliding glass doors are the best. They allow light, can be fully opened when needed, and isolate odors and noise when closed. Frosted glass provides additional privacy.

At Raghdan, we help you find the property that suits your lifestyle, whether you're looking for a modern apartment with an open kitchen or a luxury villa with an integrated dual kitchen system. Browse our properties and choose what makes your daily life easier and more beautiful.