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Kitchen Remodel
Open-Concept Kitchen: Still a Good Idea in 2026?
The pandemic-era backlash against open plans is real — here's the nuanced take.
BuildMate Editorial Updated March 2026 6 min read
The pendulum swung back
2020–2023 taught families that WFH + kids + open kitchen = chaos. Buyer preference in 2026 has shifted back toward defined-but-connected rooms: half walls, wide cased openings, glass partitions.
Modern hybrid moves
- Cased opening 6–8 ft wide instead of full removal
- Half wall with counter overhang between kitchen and living
- Steel-framed glass doors for a 'closable open plan'
- Keep the pantry, add a scullery/prep kitchen
Structural reality
Removing a load-bearing wall runs $4,000–$18,000 depending on beam span and post landings. Get an engineer's letter before demo.