do you like the open plan?  

Resounding no
I'm with you-looks nice in pictures, but open plan is a loser (in my book anyway) for functionality. Everyone ends up in the kitchen anyway, whether it's open plan or not, so just focus ways to keep it neat, clean & functional.

Kitchen smells are not really the problem, sound is....it can be a pain trying to watch or listen to something when people are chatting/ playing in the kitchen.

Yes, generally, but not when...
Yes, generally, but not when it's too open (I think it is important to have at least a semi-divide/bar from kitchen to other living areas). I also prefer a fairly defined formal dining area within an open space, not just dining bar/living room.
Open plan seems to be the main newspeak of realtors/builders these days, and as a term it seems pretty loose itself, or fairly wide open to interpretation.

As a fella living modern...
As a fella living modern within the confines of a small footprint, I love it.
Would I prefer a separate dining space? Yes, if I also was granted more square footage. But within the confines of just over 1200 square feet, open plan is the order.
I think it depends solely on how much space you have. I have lived in 1400 - 1500 sq ft homes that are split up that feel smaller than my 1240 sq ft home that's open with large ceilings and generous spans of glass. If I were to be blessed with a separate dining space from the kitchen and living area then I would only do so with 1600+ sq ft methinks.
So, yes I like the open plan. In the right situation it's the only choice.
For my family it works. I am typing at the dining table right now. I need the work space of the dining table from time to time as well. But I can be in the same room with my wife and son playing games or watching TV. We can be together while performing different tasks. We have been trained to keep the kitchen pretty clean rather than ignore it and close it off.

yeah noise, thanks Killian, I...
yeah noise, thanks Killian, I'm pretty sensitive to it too. Its best I live alone.
Ivé never lived in an architect designed house but it seems to me the ideas trickle down to builders and we end up living with the experience and personality of the architect, usually male, middle or upper middle class and if they're young not enough experience of how people and families live everyday.
Didn't Mies live in an old Terrace house full of plaster mouldings? Do as I say not as I do.