Cooking is a great skill to have, but it can’t be denied that it’s one of the messier common pastimes. Even when we clean as we go, it can be pretty disheartening to see the pile of dishes that remain at the end of the process. Why, then, do so many of us desire to do it in the center of our living space? Open plan living has some fierce defendants, but it’s fair to say that it isn’t for everyone. 

This was something that became obvious on Twitter recently, when one woman claimed she had done a U-turn on the idea of an open plan kitchen after getting married and realizing she didn’t want any guests to see behind the scenes. Not everybody was in agreement, but many backed up her point with their own examples. Separate rooms also have their downsides, but the personal preference can’t be denied.