Crate or kitchen??

My staffy puppy is nearly 8 months old. She has been crated throughout the day (M-F) since the day I got her, but i have a dog walker who comes to take her for a walk at lunchtime. She seems perfectly happy with this routine. However my dog walker has suggested i start leaving her in the kitchen for half of the day now she is getting older. I read a couple of puppy books that suggested a second chewing stage comes at 9-12 months so they should stay in a crate until that has has passed. However, I am now feeling guilty and unsure of what do do for the best, so any advice would be appreciated. I don't want to restrict her but also I cannot afford to replace any furniture or kitchen units that get chewed (although she has only chewed her own stuff so far).

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Have you ever left her out of her crate when you go out? We started with 10 minutes and worked up from there. They do go through a second chewing phase but if you increase the time alone gradually you will be able to see how they react.