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The movement for the last many years has been toward kitchens that are open to living and dining spaces. However, we still love a closed kitchen, set aside as a room with a completely different function from the living spaces. Here are a few that really drive it home for us:

First off, an open kitchen wouldn't generally have a need for a charming door like this one from the Michelle Cooks with Art kitchen tour. These bi-swinging doors with the circular window are a kitchen classic that many of us still want, despite the greater movement to kitchens without doors at all. When entertaining, it can be such a convenience to have the kitchen separated from the public spaces of the home.

Next, no one says a closed kitchen has to feel claustrophobic. A glass door leading to the outdoors can bring in tons of views and sunshine and allow direct access to an outdoor eating area without opening your kitchen to the rest of the home.

Finally, we love the snug and compact feeling of an enclosed galley kitchen. In the third image above, you'll see a narrow galley kitchen with everything within reach. The only thing we're questioning here is the placement of the dishwasher, which is pretty puzzling. Otherwise, we love the narrow proportions of a closed-in galley where you simply turn and turn again throughout the preparation of a meal.

What about you? Do you, like us, throw back to the days when kitchens were enclosed? Or do you prefer they be open to the more public spaces of the house like the living room?

Related: Open vs. Closed Kitchens: Which Do You Prefer?

(Images: Jill Slater, Jessica Helgerson, House to Home)