All surfaces must be nonporous, seamless, and easy to clean. Equipment is movable for cleaning under and behind it. Floors must be nonskid. The kitchen should be compact and efficient, making the work flow smooth. Design decisions come into play when deciding whether to have dishes on open shelves for easy access or to have them in closed cabinets that look neater but require more effort to reach.
Atmosphere is affected by lighting, noise, and ventilation.
An open kitchen is a work area, so the lighting must be bright but not so bright that it distracts from the dining experience. The hard surfaces required in the kitchen area increase noise levels. Sound-absorbing materials such as upholstery, linens, and carpet in the dining area reduce noise. Kitchens produce gases, high temperatures, smoke, odors, and humidity that must be expelled. The cooking area usually has a canopy over it to pull the hot air up and out.