When starting a kitchen renovation in St. Louis, one of the most important decisions is choosing between an open or closed layout. Both have distinct benefits, and the right choice depends on how you live, entertain, and use your space every day.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, plus highlight some modern design trends that can help you make the most of whichever layout you choose.
Why Open Concept Kitchens Are So Popular
Open kitchens have been a leading trend for years—and for good reason. By removing walls and barriers, they create a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
Benefits of open kitchens:
Better visibility and connection between spaces
Natural light can travel more freely
Ideal for hosting and multitasking
This style works especially well in family homes or for those who love to entertain. Modern features like oversized quartz islands, layered lighting, and warm wood accents can bring function and personality into the open space.
For design inspiration, check out our kitchen portfolio to see how open layouts are used creatively in local remodels.
Why Some Homeowners Prefer Closed Kitchens
Closed kitchens may not be as trendy, but they’re far from outdated. In fact, many homeowners appreciate the privacy, organization, and separation they provide.
Benefits of closed kitchens:
Keeps cooking mess and smells contained
More upper cabinet storage and wall space
Offers a quieter, more focused cooking environment
This layout is a smart choice if you prefer defined rooms or live in a home where structure and sound control matter. Closed kitchens also suit older St. Louis homes with traditional floorplans, offering opportunities to blend charm with modern upgrades like updated lighting and cabinetry.
Looking for Balance? Try a Broken-Plan Layout
For homeowners who want the best of both worlds, a “broken-plan” kitchen might be the answer. This layout uses half-walls, glass dividers, or strategic shelving to define spaces while keeping them visually open.
Broken-plan designs are becoming a popular solution in St. Louis kitchen remodels. They’re especially useful in homes where full openness doesn’t make sense structurally—or where you still want cozy corners and separation without feeling boxed in.
Kitchen Design Trends to Watch in 2025
Regardless of your layout, here are a few design elements showing up in St. Louis kitchen renovations:
Two-tone cabinets – adds depth and personality
Integrated appliances – keeps surfaces clean and streamlined
Coffee stations & beverage zones – practical, space-saving luxuries
Natural textures & muted colors – creating warm, timeless interiors
Need help planning your project timeline and priorities? Our post on 5 Things to Consider Before Remodeling Your Kitchen offers a helpful checklist to get you started.
There’s no “right” layout—just the one that works best for your lifestyle. Open kitchens support connection and flow. Closed kitchens offer calm and structure. And broken-plan layouts blend both in creative ways.
When starting your kitchen renovation in St. Louis, think about how you use your home: Do you need more gathering space, or do you prefer a tucked-away cooking area? Your answers will guide the design, and a well-planned layout will serve you for years to come.
Morganco is a full Design + Build contractor, meaning we have in-house professional designers ready to take your initial thoughts and turn them into blueprints, 3d designs, and eventually, reality. Our team is trained to guide you through the entire process, even if you have no idea where to start. Ready to start the conversation? Contact us today!