we have a very compartmentalized house. My kitchen is definitely it's own room. I wish mine were a little more open as I end up fixing dinner in the kitchen while family and friends are in the Living room talking and I miss out on all the conversation. It's no fun to be isolated. However, we have a small group Bible Study at our home at least one day a week and when the kids were younger, we could close off the kitchen and not have to hear them so much. I have noticed that when our model of home sells, the new people have been opening up the kitchen. I can see that thru the living room window at dusk, before curtains are closed. One of these days I am going to knock on my neighbors house and ask if the will show me what the did to open up the kitchen.