With our lives impacted by the effects of Covid-19, families are steering away from the typical open concept kitchen when it comes to our living spaces. Now that homeowners are spending more time in the house and are having to use their living quarters dually as living and workspaces, many are finding that the open concept idea just isn’t working.
What’s making a comeback? The kitchen pass-through layout was popular many years ago. Today, this kitchen design is being taken to a whole new level. It allows the kitchen to still be separate from other existing areas in the house but allows for easy access to another room. And the great part, you don’t have to hold back with this layout!
Let’s take a look at 30 fabulous kitchen pass-through ideas to spark your interest.
30 Fabulous Kitchen Pass-Through Ideas:
1. Kitchen Table
A very popular type of pass-through divides the kitchen from the dining area. This layout is super functional. When the food is ready to go and you want everyone to chip in and help themselves, setting things out is easy. As a result, anything that is prepared can be easily placed and picked up on the opposite side of the countertop dividing the two separate spaces.
2. Counter Stool Area
This kitchen pass-through separates the two spaces by incorporating stools on one side. This is a useful layout as guests can casually lounge as the host putters in the kitchen. Adding a beam overhead creates visual interest and very simply creates a large, open, and spacious area.
3. Office
A connecting window doesn’t need to link the more commonly attached dining and living areas. In this space, the kitchen has a link to the home office. This is great for all those that work from home and want easy access to the kitchen. Could it get any better having your food prepared and placed right in front of you while you’re working? Aside from being a personal chef, I can’t think of anything. No long walks to the kitchen, but simple convenience. Sounds like my perfect type of space.
4. Barn Board Doors on Track
This creative separation between the kitchen and living area incorporates barn board-style doors on a track. Firstly, when the pass-through is needed, the doors can be rolled open to access both rooms. However, when the doors are not needed, simply rolling the doors shut creates the idea that the two rooms are completely separate. An added bonus is that the barn board doors double as art on the wall when closed.
5. Outdoor Patio
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If you are fortunate to live in a location that has year-round warm weather, using a kitchen pass-through to an outdoor patio is a super functional layout. This design is becoming an increasingly popular choice when you want to extend your livable space outside. For instance, a large window separating the two spaces not only provides the kitchen with tons of natural light, but it also functions as a link to connect those in the kitchen and anyone outdoors. As a result, this connecting window opens up the two spaces when it’s desired but also separates the two areas when the connection is not required.
6. Upper Bank of Cabinets
A creative way to get more cabinetry in your kitchen is to use the upper bank of cabinets as a pass-through area from the kitchen to the dining room. In this layout, one can store everyday items that need to be easily retrieved. For one, this makes setting the table much easier. If creating simplicity in your life is top of mind, this layout should be a consideration.
7. Shelves On Separation
To add some dimension to a kitchen pass-through, adding narrow floating shelves on the wall creates some interest and a place to display decorative items. The wall dividing the two rooms not only serves a functional purpose but it also creates a distinctive look.
8. Arched Pass-Through
Instead of the conventional boxed-shaped opening, this look works nicely with the bank of cabinets on either side and base cabinets underneath the passageway. A large, arched opening on the wall separating the kitchen from the living room creates a window between both spaces.
9. Retractable Glass Window
The retractable glass windows in this indoor pass-through compactly contract back when not in use. When closed, they give the illusion of an oversized window which helps to separate the two spaces. However, even though the two rooms are both indoors, the retractable window makes it appear as though one is looking from the indoors to the outdoors.
10. Columns
Two columns with classical detail are placed on either side to create this pass-through. The columns not only add architectural interest but also help to define the two separate kitchen and dining areas. This connecting area looks elegant and classic.
11.Bar Area
In this kitchen, a specific area is created as a bar serving section between the kitchen and the dining room. Wine glasses are stored above and accessories and liquor can be stored away below. Glass doors on the upper cabinets are included on both sides to make the pass-through look more delicate. Without this design layout, the existing walkway between the two rooms would be an oversized passageway. Consequently, this is a clever option to utilize space.
12. Black Framed Pass-Through To Outside
If you want a pass-through to have a strong visual impact, try contrasting the color of the building with the window itself. In this example, the light-colored building contrasts against black framed windows from the kitchen to the outdoor space. Therefore, the contrast of light versus dark helps to highlight this passageway.
13. Reclaimed Barn Beams
Are rustic elements what you gravitate towards? If so, try using reclaimed barn beams to define the kitchen from another space. In this photograph, reclaimed barn beams are placed vertically and horizontally. The beams intersect to separate the kitchen from a countertop and stool area on the opposite side.
14. Banks of Cabinets
To increase the amount of kitchen cabinetry, create a pass-through by using the cabinets themselves. In this kitchen, no space is wasted and the bank of cabinets is used to create a space linking the kitchen to the dining area. As a result, the pass-through is built into the cabinetry layout and seamlessly flows together.
15. Across From Sink
This opening is directly behind the sink workstation of the kitchen. If you are one who loves to chat with guests when you are working in the kitchen, this is a great layout to consider. So, when clean-up time arrives, dishes are easily accessible. Most importantly, the mess can be taken care of without removing yourself from the party.
16. Built-In Shelves Above
This example incorporates a smaller opening, however, maximizes the space with storage above. For instance, try adding built-in shelving in the upper portion of the pass-through to create a focal point on the wall. Most importantly, keep the passageway a decent size so that dining items can still easily be passed through.
17. Wall Sconces
If you want to take a kitchen pass-through to the next level, try incorporating wall sconces above the opening between the kitchen and opposite room. Consequently, this will not only provide lighting for the barstool area but will also finish off the space nicely by creating a cohesive look.
18. Floor To Ceiling Cabinets
These two tall banks of cabinets seamlessly create a pass-through between two areas of the home. On one side is the kitchen sink and on the opposite side is a stone countertop centerpiece that tucks in perfectly between the floor to ceiling cabinets. This not only looks appealing but the tall bank of cabinets serves as ample storage space for items that you want to store away.
19. Interesting Window
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When you want a connection from the kitchen to a stool area but don’t want a dull opening, it’s your chance to get creative. This window connecting both rooms is unique in design. Moreover, it incorporates curves and angles to give the two adjoining rooms some flair. Lastly, it also contrasts beautifully with the round, circular window beyond the opening.
20. Update On Traditional
This gorgeous pass-through uses exceptional detail to give the area a wow factor. Firstly, the arched closeable window adds elegance, softness, and grace. Secondly, traditional charm is created through the grills incorporated on the glass that separates the two areas. Furthermore, the style of the recessed, framed cabinets is repeated in the look of the pass-through. Even the antiqued finish of the cabinets is present in the arched area. No detail is overlooked. Overall, the design aesthetic is cozy and warm even though the space is sizable.
21. Extra Large Opening
If you are fortunate to have a large kitchen, try incorporating an extra-wide pass-through. In this photograph, the lookout extends from the entire width of the kitchen into the living area. Subsequently, this creates a feeling of expansiveness that naturally divides the two areas from each other. This also allows sunlight to filter into the kitchen.
22. Awning Window
This awning window opens to fully expose the pass-through from indoors to outdoors. If you have an ocean view like this then you won’t want anything obstructing the beautiful, natural setting. Also, the simple lines of the window compliment the look and feel of this beach-inspired pass-through.
23. Base Cabinets
This kitchen utilizes base cabinets to create a pass-through between the kitchen and dining area. Kitchen items can easily be stored in the base cabinets for easy access to be used in the dining room. That being said, this layout is practical and efficiently uses space.
24. Cooktop
This design is the ultimate layout for the chef at heart. Most importantly, this pass-through incorporates a cooktop in the connecting area. If you love to cook and want to do so while your guests are with you, have them sit at the dining table and allow them to take in all you have to offer.
25. Built-In Cabinetry
A timeless kitchen is always well thought out. In this space, built-in cabinets flank one wall and an opening is created at one end to achieve a kitchen pass-through.
26. Stone Wall
A traditional, rustic twist on the pass-through can be achieved by building a stone wall. First, take outdoor materials and bring them inside. As a result, this naturally adds texture and warmth to a space. In this kitchen, large, natural stones with a butcher block countertop create an arched opening between two opposite rooms.
27. Angled Countertop
Another way to add some interest to a kitchen pass-through is by incorporating an angled countertop. By focusing on the unique shape of the counter helps create a focal point. In this kitchen, the outdoor stone countertop is angled on either side to provide some individuality.
28. White and Bright
Although the idea is to separate two distinct areas in the home, it doesn’t mean that it has to be dark and gloomy. In this kitchen, the pass-through, paint, and kitchen cabinetry are all kept white to make it bright and cheery. Hence, the two separate spaces flow nicely into each other.
29. Kitchen Extension
This kitchen passageway extends the kitchen into the dining room. Although the design layout physically separates the two adjoining areas, the built-in cabinets placed in the dining room create the feeling that this room is part of the kitchen. It intelligently and simultaneously blurs the lines of separation yet distinctly creates lines of separation in the two rooms as well.
30. Shutters
White shutters flank this window opening between the kitchen and living area. Instead of typical shutters, these have unique detail to give the room further appeal.