Not every interior design trend of the 1990s has stood the test of time. The damask wallpaper, stenciled ferns, and faux-Tuscan sponge paintings of old now reside beneath at least one fresh coat of paint. One ’90s trend that has endured, however, is the open-concept kitchen. It’s the fusion of the dedicated cooking and entertainment spaces into one communal area. Many newer constructions already feature this floor plan. But if your older home still has a partitioned kitchen, consider the pros and cons of an open-concept kitchen renovation and what it could mean for your home’s future.
Pro: A Brighter Space
Natural light is a terrific mood elevator, and extraneous walls can block that light. By introducing more sunshine into your kitchen, you’ll be in higher spirits as you bake, fry, or even simply microwave. This is a two-way street, of course. Removing a wall to yield a brighter kitchen means a brighter dining room too.
Con: You May Lose Some Functionality
Chances are, the kitchen wall you hope to knock out is doing more than getting in the way. One less wall could mean one less place to put cabinets. It could necessitate a kitchen island to accommodate a sink, stove, or dishwasher, which could feel like a half-measure toward openness. You may need to get creative with how you efficiently use your now-limited storage space.
Pro: It Makes Your Living Space Feel Bigger
Opening your kitchen won’t add square footage to your home’s footprint, but for many homeowners, perception is reality. Removing a wall is a surefire way to open up more living space in your home without putting a costly addition on the house. That feeling of extra spaciousness can help everyone feel a little less cramped.
Con: You Can’t Contain the Sounds and Smells
Some home cooks feel that the kitchen is, first and foremost, a workspace. After all, no one has ever pursued an open-concept laundry room. The sizzling, clattering, and general bustle of preparing a meal can be rather loud. And when the kitchen seamlessly transitions into the family room, those sounds can compete with conversations or the television. The same goes for kitchen aromas. When you have an open kitchen, you need a superior venting system.
Pro: It’s Terrific for Resale Value
Whatever the practical pros and cons of an open-concept kitchen may be, the real estate market has spoken on the aesthetic pros—and authoritatively at that. With a bevy of television hosts extolling the virtues of the open concept, home buyers and appraisers have come to place a high value on this contemporary design. Opening your kitchen can be a solid investment that allows you to recoup much of your remodeling expenses after years of enjoying your space. And that could very well be the ultimate deciding factor.
Voices That Shaped the Festival’s Last Utah Chapter: An Emotional Farewell to Sundance in Utah
For forty-five winters, the Sundance Film Festival transformed Utah’s mountains into a global crossroads of creativity.
Filmmakers, dreamers, locals, and visitors walked the snowy streets of Park City with the same shared hope;
that stories bold, strange, intimate, and revolutionary could change the world.
In 2026, that tradition reaches its final chapter before the festival relocates to Colorado.
Each January, leaders from around the globe gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
This high-altitude summit has become a symbol of dialogue, cooperation, and sometimes controversy, as political, business, academic
and civil society leaders confront the world’s most pressing challenges, from economic instability and climate change to technology,
security, and social inequality.
Dates: January 19–23, 2026
Theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”
Participants: Over 2,500 leaders from around the world
What Is the World Economic Forum?
The World Economic Forum is an international organization for public–private cooperation. Founded in 1971, it brings together
leaders from governments, companies, international organizations, and civil society to discuss global issues and explore
collaborative solutions. The annual meeting in Davos is its flagship event, where hundreds of sessions, panels, and informal
gatherings shape debates that often influence policy and business decisions worldwide.
Every January, the United States pauses to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister, activist, and visionary whose moral courage reshaped the nation. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a federal holiday. It is a moment of reflection, service, and recommitment to the ideals of equality and dignity for all people. As the world continues to evolve, the meaning of this day grows with it, inviting each generation to carry forward Dr. King’s unfinished work.
A Brief History of Dr. King’s Life and Leadership
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, into a family deeply rooted in faith and community leadership. Guided by the teachings of his father, Reverend Martin Luther King Sr., and inspired by the nonviolent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, King emerged as one of the most influential leaders of the American civil rights movement.
Food processing facilities constantly strive for higher efficiency to meet growing consumer demands and maintain profitability. Efficiency improvements not only enhance productivity but also help reduce costs, minimize waste, and ensure the safe handling of food. By implementing strategies to increase efficiency in your food processing facility, you can streamline operations and ensure long-term success.
Living in a smaller home or apartment has its charms, but as time passes, finding a place for everything is challenging. But don’t worry! You don’t need a massive renovation or a bigger house. Reclaim your square footage and stop tripping over shoes in the hallway with some creative storage solutions for small spaces that offer a fresh perspective.
