"I find it beyond challenging to turn out culinary masterpieces (or even just a nice meal) while guests are chatting around me in the kitchen, and also because I just don’t believe it’s a good time to “entertain” anyone while I’m wielding a knife and managing fire. Plus, I’m happier when my whole world—especially my living room furniture—doesn’t smell of bacon grease."

Ms. Brashich had me at the title of this article but by the time I got to this part about the smell of cooking invading the living room I was a devotee!

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She titles her Article: "I Hate the Open-Plan Kitchen—and Amazingly, I’m No Longer the Only One". 

... that's' because I'm the Other One!!!! 

I have always hated this ridiculous idea that it's such fun to have guests stand around and watch me sweat and screw up in the kitchen and then I have to sit down and look at the mess all evening or work like a dog all day and have everything cleaned up way before the guests arrive (because I have to have time to get myself looking presentable - preferably not in 'comfortable clothes' and needing a shower.!) so that I don't have to be reminded about - WHAT'S IN THE KITCHEN!

I've been waiting for this rant for 30 years. Thank you Audrey wherever you are.

Read Ms. Brashich's whole article HERE.

And here's another link to a 2013 article by By Shawna Dillon, ASID, Kitchen

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Designer, Studio Snaidero Chicago. Click on the photo: I love it.