Yes, I admit, I like my kitchen close to my living room and don't like sloping ceilings. Plus, I consider open spaces the dumbest form of living space destruction in a typical single-family home, which you have to be able to afford. As a trick to connect a kitchen-living area with the upper floor, I find an open space unsuitable. It doesn't create a good flow. Open space to the attic - I am definitely on board with that. But destroying about 30 sqm of high-quality living space for air? With all the problems it brings for acoustics and window cleaning? Nope. And I know how many glasses, bottles, dishes you carry back and forth between kitchen and living area thanks to children. Maybe a bit less in summer, but in any lousy weather. And yes, the seven-year-old is especially good at hoarding plates and bottles in his room. I'd rather not carry that up and down two floors. :) So, you should carefully check whether you are the type of person who eats every meal and drinks every beverage sitting at the kitchen table or more of a couch lounger.