I'm struggling with this problem as well; it's not only TV, it's conversation that is interrupted. For the TV/entertainment center, the kitchen noise is behind the listener - the worst place for noise. In our new house I plan to put rear speakers behind the living area to try to combat the kitchen noises.

I appreciate the note that fabrics absorb sound; I'm trying to figure out if there are sound absorbing ideas to keep some of the noise contained in the kitchen area.

Thanks to Cancork. I'll discuss the ideas with our builder. I'm guessing that putting the acoustic dry wall in the kitchen (walls, ceiling) at the source of the noise might be cost effective.

A note on sound system speakers: my belief is that, especially with surround sound, the dialog is usually sent to the center speaker. I intend to put an additional "center speaker" behind our seating area.

For kitchen noise, you will need to stuff the ceiling with acoustic insulation (Roxul) as well as adding in some acoustic deflection panels ($$$ each)...

The biggest problem = the open floor plan. What you want and what you are designing are diametrically opposed with each other. Just realize that.

You will put money into this (could be another $5K)...and yet you will achieve 10%-20% improvement...that's it. Walls are you best bet.

An acoustic floor, like cork, will deaden most of the noise and prevent it from spreading.

If you're looking for another option, we have a line of sound blocking AcoustiDoor panels which block up to 90% of noise transfer. The panels can either be placed over an existing door if you decide to put one up, or our AcoustiTrac curtain can 'create' a door by covering an opening when needed. Might be something to look into!

Both ideas seem to have merit. Our great room (in my mind) could be partially separated from the kitchen with a (suitable/attractive) curtain. Also the center speaker (which I believe contains most of the dialogue) could be positioned near the seating, and possibly behind the seating on a beam.

The cork flooring appeals to me (would have to be sold to my spouse) for the kitchen. Any feedback on using cork vs tile for the kitchen? How does it respond to spills/ how easy to clean? I'm sure it must be easier to walk on.

We plan on radiant floor heating. I read elsewhere that the subfloor should not exceed 82F for cork flooring. I'm still looking to see the typical range of subfloor temps to expect. [Edit: I found, on a state of Oregon website, that most suppliers recommend a water temperature between 85 and 125F, and a floor temp about 5 degrees F above the thermostat setting. Bottom line: cork flooring can work with radiant floor heating and might be a good application for our kitchen.]

Glue down cork tile sealed after installation with polyurethane = water proof. Expensive to install but very long lasting. Cork floating floor sealed after installation = water resistant (can handle surface spills but will not survive a plumbing event). Cheaper to install and will offer 25 years of service so long as it is maintained properly.