Features of combining kitchen and living room
If the room initially has a large kitchen, organizing a combined space of several functional areas is quite easy. But even in small apartments, a similar design solution can be implemented by destroying the partition between the kitchen and the adjacent room. It is important to remember that in a residential building, the demolition of any wall must be coordinated with government services.
This need is due to the safety of other residents. If the owner does not approve the redevelopment, he may be subject to a fine and the obligation to return everything to its original form. In extreme cases, the apartment will be confiscated. This is due to the fact that some walls are load-bearing, which means their demolition can lead to the tilting of a multi-story building.
In addition, demolishing a wall and combining space is prohibited in houses where there is a gas stove.
When combining a kitchen with a living room, you should understand that it is better to leave some communications as is. For example, this applies to sewers, water pipes and ventilation shafts. But with electrics, you can fantasize without limits and adjust it to your needs.
Pros and cons of combination
Of course, such a serious decision as demolishing walls and combining space is always accompanied by advantages and disadvantages. Without a doubt, the main advantage is a new perception of large space and the ability to create almost any interior.
Pros:
- additional lighting , since now there will be two windows in one room, and the wall will not block the sunlight;
- convenience for the housewife to simultaneously cook and communicate with family or friends, or simply keep an eye on small children;
- the ability to organize holidays and parties in a large room;
- savings on technology - for example, there is no longer a need to buy two TVs.
But such redevelopment also has its drawbacks. For example, residents lose some of their personal space due to the combination of rooms. If previously the room could be organized as a bedroom, then in the kitchen-living room this is difficult to imagine for two reasons.
Minuses:
- odors - even the best hood cannot quickly eliminate odors after cooking. And if the dish was successful, then it has a pleasant smell, but if it is burnt, then the curtains, upholstery and other textile elements will have to be cleaned and washed;
- noise - when working in the kitchen, not the most pleasant sounds often appear, such as the refrigerator compressor turning on, water pouring, or the hood operating. Residents come to the kitchen to rest and relax, and noise can interfere with this.
The kitchen-living room also imposes certain obligations, for example, to more carefully maintain order, because the sight of dirty dishes that can be seen from the sofa is rather unattractive. Of course, there are disadvantages to such a combination of spaces, but, nevertheless, the kitchen turns out to be spacious, cozy and suitable for creative experiments.
Features of the combined space
Combining spaces has become fashionable since the mid-90s. This technique remains relevant to this day. Modern developers often offer an open plan, and residents of Khrushchev-era apartments knock down a wall to solve the problem of a small kitchen. But is it worth doing? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution.
Note! Combining a kitchen-living room through redevelopment requires legal grounds.
- Load-bearing walls must not be broken.
- You cannot combine a gasified kitchen with a living room.
- The kitchen should not be located above the living space.
These and other nuances should be taken into account before you begin the repair. But some of the problems can be solved. For example, you can refuse gas, and your apartment will be transferred to tariffs for electric stoves.
Redevelopment that is not legally approved always creates a safety risk for the residents of the entire house. And it will be difficult to sell an apartment with illegal redevelopment.
The main advantages of the merger are:
- a spacious room where you can freely place all the necessary equipment and furniture;
- large selection of design and layout options;
- the ability to keep an eye on children while cooking while they play in the living room;
- quick table setting in case of unexpected guests.
Arguments against" :
- the noise of technology will disturb those relaxing in the living room;
- an isolated kitchen retains food odors, while in a combined kitchen, on the contrary, the curtains, sofa and upholstery can smell;
- there is no possibility of privacy. And it is necessary when someone likes to stay up at work until late in the evening. In the absence of an isolated room and with conflicting schedules, it will be difficult not to interfere with each other;
- a separate room disappears. A bed in the bedroom is always convenient: you don’t need to lay out the sofa every day. Owners of studios and remodeled one-room apartments are deprived of this opportunity;
- allows you to hide clutter in your work area. After preparing dinner for a large group, cleaning and washing dishes can be postponed until later.
- a closing door is necessary to isolate the kitchen from the cat (relevant if there is a cat in the house).
The designer gives useful tips on arrangement in the following video:
We tear down the wall
We must understand that not every wall can be demolished. All the more easy. If we are talking about a Khrushchev building made of brick, then there are no problems, since the load-bearing walls are only façade, and all internal walls can be demolished without problems.
But if the house is panel, then the situation is more difficult. Usually in such houses the wall between the living room and the kitchen is load-bearing and made of concrete. If you remove such a wall, the load will be distributed incorrectly, the building may tilt and even collapse.
The conclusion is the following: load-bearing walls cannot be demolished!
Moreover, demolishing this wall is not at all easy, unlike a brick one. Concrete can only be cut using diamond spraying - this is a very long, dusty and labor-intensive process. If you really want to demolish a load-bearing wall, you will have to install large metal fortifications in its place. And even in this case, you cannot completely get rid of the concrete - you must definitely leave a piece of it at the junction with the floor slab.
In addition, even this requires permission from government agencies, which is very difficult to obtain. You can do without it, but it will still come to light when selling an apartment or doing a major renovation. It's also unsafe.
Which wall is load-bearing?
The easiest and surest way to find out which wall is load-bearing is to look at the technical passport. There, load-bearing walls are highlighted with a thick line. If this document is lost, then you can look at the ceiling itself - the load-bearing wall always stands out. But this method can also fail, for example, if the apartment has been decorated.
Therefore, the most popular method is tapping. If there is a slight vibration and the sound is booming, you can bear it. If the wall is very hard, there are no vibrations, and the sound is dull, it is better not to experiment with it.
This rule, again, only applies to cases where there is no thick layer of finishing. If a load-bearing wall is covered with plasterboard or putty is applied poorly, vibration and a booming sound may occur.
Kitchen 20 m² in black tones
Designers rarely use black in decoration, because it requires a lot of space and light. This opportunity appears in a spacious kitchen.
Design using black looks respectable and expensive: this can be seen in practice. Black acrylic facades are a trendy solution for modern minimalist styles, and stone countertops look simply impeccable.
What zones should be present in a studio kitchen?
After the wall is demolished, it turns out that 20 sq. m. - this is not at all small, and here you can even get confused. For this reason, it is advisable to think through the interior and layout before demolishing the walls. After all, there is a possibility that part of the wall can be left to place there, for example, a bar counter or to decorate an arch. There are three main zones that should be present in a kitchen-living room of 20 sq.m.
Work area (kitchen) | Stove, sink, countertop, kitchen set |
Dining area (dining room) | Table with chairs (armchairs, stools) |
Recreation area (hall, living room) | Buffet with dishes, bookcase, TV, coffee table, armchairs and sofa |
It turns out that the kitchen-living room should have all the attributes that would be in two separate rooms. But if before the demolition of the wall it was possible not to pay much attention to the compatibility of these pieces of furniture, but now you cannot afford such luxury: everything must be done in the same style and harmonious color scheme.
How to arrange it?
In a combined room, the cooking area should look as inconspicuous as possible so that the room is not perceived as one large kitchen. To do this, choose a set with a light or neutral facade that harmonizes with the wall decoration. Thus, the design blends with its surroundings and does not clutter up the space.
To further lighten the appearance of the furniture, closed upper cabinets are decorated with glass inserts or replaced with shelves.
The guest area should also not be overloaded with large quantities of objects. A minimalist furniture set will make the design of the kitchen-living room more harmonious. In the recreation area, it will be enough to install a sofa, a coffee table and a wall-mounted TV. A corner compartment design, several hanging cabinets or shelves are suitable as a storage system.
All furniture should be laconic in design, have simple lines and facades without elaborate decorative details. Models with high legs and a glossy or mirror surface will look great.
For the interior of a kitchen with a living room with an area of 20 square meters, you need to very carefully select household appliances. First of all, pay attention to the hood. It should be powerful enough so that odors during cooking do not penetrate into the guest area.
It is better to give preference to silent equipment that will not interfere with a relaxing rest.
Headset layout options
A kitchen combined with a living room, thanks to its large space, will accept almost any layout, but the following options are the most popular:
- parallel;
- letter P;
- letter G.
Each layout has its pros and cons, which must also be taken into account. In addition to the personal wishes of the owners, the design of a studio kitchen of 20 square meters also depends on the features of the room, for example, its geometric shape, the presence of a balcony or the number of doors and windows.
The main principle for arranging furniture is the working triangle. This principle requires that such important kitchen elements as the sink, stove and refrigerator be located next to each other, ideally forming a triangle.
At a minimum, there should be no obstacles between these items, such as a table or upholstered furniture. Otherwise, the housewife will waste time walking in this labyrinth while cooking.
Parallel layout
If the room has a rectangular shape, then the parallel layout seems to have been specially created for it, because there will still be enough free space in the center. With this layout, a set and similar accessories for the work area are usually placed along one wall, and upholstered furniture for guests is placed along a parallel wall. A table or island can be placed in the center to zone the room.
There is another, more familiar, option for parallel arrangement: with it, the set still remains along the wall, and the second part of the set plays the role of an island that separates the living room from the work area.
This layout is one of the most popular in kitchens and living rooms because it looks very cozy, but at the same time is very functional.
Letter P
A U-shape layout is a very convenient option, because while cooking, the housewife will only have to take a couple of steps to get to another functional area. The arrangement of such a kitchen is somewhat reminiscent of the previous layout:
- first option - there is a set along the first wall, upholstered furniture in parallel, and the dining group plays the role of a bridge between them;
- The second option is that there is a set along two adjacent walls, and the third part of it plays the role of a bar counter, and at the same time separates the recreation area from the work area.
Letter G
The L-shaped layout is often called the best because it is compact yet creates a perfect work triangle and also has plenty of storage space for kitchen utensils. This is ideal for square-shaped rooms.
For a more harmonious interior, it is better to place the furniture in the recreation area parallel to the main work area.
Zoning methods
The kitchen-living room must be at least visually divided into independent zones. There are several ways to do this, but first you need to decide where exactly the zoning object will be located.
Designers believe that 5 square meters will be enough for a working area. m, and the rest of the space can be left as a recreation area.
When choosing a zoning method, you need to ensure that it is combined with the overall style of the room.
Bar counter
One of the most popular ways to “divide” a room into functional zones. The design itself is simple, but at the same time it has many variations in sizes, colors, finishes and styles, which makes it possible to choose a rack that really suits any interior.
Dimensions are selected individually based on the functions assigned to the future furniture. If a bar counter needs to replace a table, then, of course, you need to look towards more massive and larger options.
But we must not forget that small children and older adults may find it difficult to reach a table or climb onto a high chair.
Island
The island is somewhat reminiscent of a bar counter, only it is not connected to anything and is most often made out of cabinets. You can even build appliances or a sink into it. But in this case, it is especially important to maintain the ideal frequency, since clutter on the island can make the entire room uncomfortable and untidy.
Instead of an island, you can also use a dining group, but this option is only available for really large rooms. A kitchen-living room of 20 meters is exactly one of these.
Different levels
You can delimit space by using different levels of the floor or ceiling. The easiest way is to make the plasterboard ceiling in the dining area slightly lower than in the rest. Spotlights can be built into the drywall, which will additionally illuminate the recreation area.
The same effect can be achieved if you place the dining group on a small podium. If desired, you can add one or two steps. The optimal lifting height is from 15 to 25 centimeters.
Arch
Zoning can also be done using more elegant tools, for example, wall-ceiling structures in the form of arches. They can be:
- square;
- semicircular;
- curly.
But choosing an arch for a room is not easy. It is very important to ensure that the material, shape and size fit harmoniously into the interior of the 20-square-meter kitchen-living room.
For example, for a room in a country or Provence style, it is best to use wooden structures with built-in shelves where you can place old books or a beautiful service. For a more modern kitchen, regular plasterboard is suitable - a budget solution.
Sofa
Another common method of planning zoning. All you need to do is simply place the sofa with its back facing the work area.
But there is one drawback - it’s not very convenient to communicate with guests or family, since their backs are also turned while the hostess is cooking. But the sofa can be called a full-fledged relaxation area, so there is no need to spend money on other entertainment.
It is important to ensure that the sofa does not clutter up the entire space, making the passage inconvenient. You should also avoid very large models, since they will optically make the room smaller. It’s a great idea to find upholstery to match the kitchen unit - the room will instantly become as harmonious as possible.
If the sofa is located with its back in the work area, then you can hang a TV on the opposite wall. Such upholstered furniture has several advantages:
- additional seating area;
- additional storage space;
- creates a cozy and harmonious atmosphere;
- if desired, it can be a bright accent in the interior;
- you can easily change the overall look of the room by choosing different pillows.
A sofa is what you need for a kitchen-living room of 20 m2.
Plasterboard partition
A rare, but very effective way of zoning is a plasterboard partition. Its advantage is that you can implement any ideas - from a blank openwork wall to a purely decorative partition with a large number of niches and decor in them.
There is a more difficult choice here - between functionality and beauty.
Mobile partition
A very practical way of zoning space can be called a mobile delimiter, or simply a movable partition. Sometimes it is also called a screen. Often they are used solely for decorative purposes, but they can also serve as zoning.
The variety of materials allows you to choose a partition to suit any interior. It can be stained glass, painted silk or trendy plastic.
Color
Color is another way to divide space into functional zones, and it is very simple to use: you need to decorate different zones in different, preferably contrasting, colors.
Not only the colors may differ, but also the materials used. For example, light tiles are used for the floor of the work area, and dark wood is used for the dining area. This approach can also be called practical, since ceramics have excellent performance properties.
Such contrasts can occur in color:
- ceilings;
- walls;
- curtains;
- and even the furniture - the set is light, and the dining area is dark.
Here you can show your imagination to the maximum, but it is important to ensure that the overall picture is still harmonious.
Design of a kitchen-living room 20 sq. m: use of a bar counter
Modern design with built-in household appliances Source in.pinterest.com
A small counter can have a decorative function and serve to divide the space into zones.
Option for placing a sofa for relaxation Source wwserch42.biz
It most often consists of a lower support part and a table top. This stand blends beautifully with the surrounding environment, does not stand out, but perfectly fulfills its function.
The material for the bar counter is chosen based on the overall style of the room: it can be wood or plastic. The tabletop can be made matte or shiny, and the lower part can be made of brick or stone.
Kitchen island with bar counter Source yandex.uz
Sometimes a bar counter is built above a low partition. At the bottom there may be cabinets or shelves for dishes and kitchen accessories.
Kitchen-living room with bar counter Source yandex.com
The bar counter is an integral element of the Art Nouveau style. Bar stools or bar stools should be a mandatory addition.
Studio design with dark furniture Source hardcoredecor.ru/
Interior in light colors Source unidom.ua
White kitchen set Source besplatka.ua
Option for a stylish partition Source avangard.od.ua
Bright stylish interior Source avangard.od.ua
Yellow walls and sofa Source topdizz.com
A plasterboard partition as a basis for mounting a TV Source diz-kitchen.ru
Kitchen with a low ceiling Source www.remontbp.com
Partition with terrarium Source mydizajn.ru/
Choosing a style
It is best to choose the style of the room based on the interior of the apartment or room as a whole. A description and photo example of each option will help you decide on the final solution.
High tech | A modern style that uses light and cool tones. The materials often used are plaster, glass, metal and other smooth surfaces. Lighting requires spotlights and floor lamps. |
Classic style | This interior is suitable for people who value comfort and tradition. A fireplace is installed in the sitting area, and a chic chandelier with warm light hangs above the dining table. Classic means luxury, so furniture is chosen from wood decorated with gilding or patina, and porcelain vases, beautiful and large paintings, luxurious curtains, and so on are used as decor. |
Loft | Urban style abandons a large number of decorative elements. The main thing is functionality and practicality. In the decoration you can often find decorative bricks and blackout curtains or their complete absence. |
Minimalism | This design direction is characterized by monochrome and laconic furniture. The room must be spacious and bright. Light is the main character of the interior, so it is very important to think through the lighting system. |
Scandinavian style | This style advocates complete unity with nature, which affects the colors and materials used in the interior. The furniture chosen is airy and laconic, and popular colors include blue, gray, brown, and green. Deep colors are especially relevant. The presence of wood and textiles in the room is a must. |
Country | If you want some rustic simplicity and comfort, then this is country music. The furniture is a little aged, wicker decor is used, beautiful dishes are displayed on the shelves, and a lovely cotton tablecloth lies on the table. This interior is very comfortable, it seems to take you back to childhood. |
Neoclassical | Neoclassicism is a classic style with a modern interpretation. Symmetry and orderliness are important here. The interior should be modern and look expensive. Popular colors include yellow, green, sand. |
Provence | This is the style of the French countryside. The furniture is made of light wood. An arch can also be made from the same material. Much attention is paid to decor: these can be candlesticks, frames for photographs and posters, beautiful dishes, rugs or chair pads. Popular colors are lavender, peach, white, turquoise. |
There are many styles in which you can decorate a kitchen-living room, since due to the large space there are no restrictions. The variety of materials and furniture in stores will allow you to create the most daring image.
Style design features
- minimalist style, which assumes strict and simple geometry, the absence of unnecessary decor and a discreet color palette, will fit well into the combined space For interior decoration, it is appropriate to use both natural and synthetic materials. Built-in, corner and modular furniture pieces made of wood, glass, metal, plastic and other things are considered especially popular.
- The interior of the kitchen and living room in a classic style combines serene, luxurious notes and an abundance of natural light. The decoration uses materials such as noble wood, natural stone, elegant stucco and exquisite ceramics. The room is done in white, cream or brown tones, furnished with leather upholstery and decorated with highly artistic tapestries and paintings.
- The room in Provence style is especially cozy . The ceiling plane in the room is decorated with wooden beams, the kitchen area is complemented with vintage furniture, open shelves or a glass sideboard with beautiful dishes. The guest space is decorated with a soft furniture set with fabric upholstery decorated with floral patterns.
- loft style is characterized by brick walls, an abundance of metal, raw surfaces and open utilities. The design of the kitchen-living room is laconic, careless and informal.
Color selection
As you can see, some styles themselves dictate the preferred color palette. However, this color scheme is very important because it can highlight the overall design of the kitchen.
Harmony in the kitchen is the most important thing, so it is better to use no more than three different colors in the interior: more color spots will visually fragment the room, making it uncomfortable.
It is also important to consider the location of the window. If it faces north, it is customary to stick to warm colors to smooth out this effect. Beige and peach tones are suitable.
If the windows face south, the kitchen will need a breath of freshness, which can be provided by bluish tones like turquoise, mint, light gray and others.
White
White tones will make a kitchen-living room of 20 square meters. m. even more spacious. Minimalism, country or Provence will fit perfectly in such an interior. If you add some bright accents, white will become an excellent background. Such accents can be brown furniture or contrasting bright decor. This solution is perfect for people who love practicality and comfort, while respecting tradition.
Yellow
For example, you can use bright yellow parts. They will look good in the form of textiles - for example, curtains, tablecloths or napkins. If the owners are bold enough to use yellow in decoration, then the furniture is selected either very light or light green. Such an interior must be diluted with fresh flowers.
Yellow not only refreshes the space, but makes it lighter and airier. But in this case, the main thing is not to overdo it.
Green
Mint tones have been on trend since 2022, and this fashion will not leave us soon. These colors look great combined with:
- white;
- peach;
- brown;
- sandy
It's a good idea to complement the green tones with accessories reminiscent of nature. For example, wicker or wooden figurines, pottery or photo wallpaper of a similar theme. This will create a fresh atmosphere of a forest house in a matter of seconds.
Grey
Gray color is also very popular in kitchens. It goes well with yellow and blue. At the same time, it is universal - it can be used both as accents and as decoration. Deep gray color will look great in a classic or, conversely, modern interior.
Red
If you want more emotions, you can add bright colors, for example, red. If you want a more delicate and calm design, you should take a closer look at crimson and burgundy tones in furniture and decor, and leave the finishing light.
In bright interiors, it is necessary to think carefully about light, since without a sufficient amount of it, the kitchen-dining room will seem gloomy.
Color spectrum
There are two main techniques for decorating combined rooms - to combine the space even more or to emphasize its delimitation. In the first case, make a uniform neutral background throughout the room - white, beige or gray. In the second, combine different colors and materials, make contrasting inserts and leave colored accents.
A safe choice is a black-gray-white or beige-brown palette. But not just them: yellow will make the room warmer and brighter, blue - cooler and airier. Red and orange invigorate and tone, purple puts you in a creative mood, and green calms and relaxes.
The main thing is not to overdo it: 1-2 two primary colors and 2-3 accent colors are enough. Otherwise, the risk of overloading the interior and making it tiresome is too high. Eclecticism and bizarre combinations are in fashion, but moderation is important in everything: if you experiment with colors, stick to the simplest shapes and textures.
Finishing materials
The style of the room also affects the choice of materials. For example, classic prefers wood, and high-tech prefers glossy glass and metal surfaces.
But we need to consider its practicality, because the kitchen is a room with a very complex atmosphere.
Floor
In the recreation area of the kitchen-living room, it is better to use a plain floor covering. It can be parquet or laminate. The original carpet is usually placed next to the sofa.
Selection of furniture
Furniture when combining a living room with a kitchen should have something in common, at least in color. Therefore, choose it from one collection or from two, but similar in scale. You can choose different upholstery. For the living room - softer and more comfortable velor and silk. For the kitchen - practical items made from natural fibers. The material of the furniture depends on the design. The photo shows that the choice can fall on any convenient, durable option.
Lighting
There are several tips that will help you avoid mistakes with lighting in a kitchen-living room of 20 sq.m:
- if the room seems too strict, then pendant lamps can be placed above the dining area;
- to save electricity and help nature, you should set up separate lighting - that is, the lamps in the work area work separately from the dining or living room;
- For the relaxation area, soft lighting will be enough, but for the work area it needs bright lighting;
- if you want to amaze all your friends and add some color to your life, you can make LED lighting with color control;
- It is better to choose matte lampshades so that the light is not too bright and does not dazzle.
How to choose furniture and appliances
A corner kitchen unit fits best into combined rooms - it in itself already designates a work area. But if you have a long, elongated room, use furniture in two rows. A remote island or bar counter will simultaneously serve as a partition.
Select the equipment taking into account the chosen style: in the classics, it is still better to completely hide it behind the facades.
But in modern interiors, a shiny refrigerator stylishly matches a glass shelving unit or metal loft pendant lamps.
For a sofa, it is better not to choose too expensive and capricious upholstery, even if it is located at the other end of the room - the kitchen remains a kitchen. Take materials that you can definitely take care of. The same upholstery or elements from it can be used to decorate chairs and stools.
A bar counter is a stylish accessory, a useful acquisition, and in some cases a complete replacement for a table. They rarely fit in typical kitchens, and in an ordinary living room they are not always appropriate, but in a combined room they are just what you need!
Rectangular kitchen
For a rectangular kitchen-living room with an area of about 20 sq.m. An island or U-shaped layout is perfect. In the latter option, one of the sides can be replaced with a bar counter, which will be an excellent transition to the recreation area.
At the same time, the island layout will give more room for imagination. For example, in this case, you can move the sink or stove to the island - this will make it even more convenient to communicate with residents or guests while cooking. But you need to be prepared for the fact that this will require pipes or electricity.
If you want to leave the maximum amount of free space, then a corner layout will come in handy. A sink is built into the corner, and below and above it are cabinets with ample storage space.
If the rectangular kitchen seems too narrow after arranging the furniture, there are several options to fix it:
- Mirrors continue the interior, so the room visually appears larger. The greatest effect is achieved by tall specimens up to the ceiling or mirrors placed opposite each other.
- Photo wallpaper - high-quality photo wallpaper with perspective creates the illusion of depth, so again the room appears larger.
- Glossy surfaces - this primarily applies to facades, but other objects can also be used, for example, a table or a kettle.
- Light colors - the ability of light colors to expand space is no longer even discussed, it is an axiom.
If there are children, preference is often given to a sliding or movable partition. If necessary, adults can “close themselves” and talk while the younger generation watches TV or plays.
Beige kitchen interior 20 m²
If the room is dominated by warm shades of beige and sand, we can confidently say that it will be cozy regardless of the chosen style.
This design allows you to combine many accessories and handmade items, install bright furniture, and use a lot of textiles.
The design can combine several shades of beige, including cream, milk, and coffee. This finish favorably sets off any brighter elements, so it allows you to experiment in design.
Square kitchen
For a square kitchen, the best layout is a corner or U-shaped one. It is these options that will leave the center of the room free, where you can lay a soft carpet or even fit a dining group.
It is worth noting that the U-shaped layout of a square kitchen does not imply the presence of a balcony. But such a room allows you to experiment even with an island.
It’s better to make it square or even round - then its location becomes much more functional. The main thing is to make sure that there is at least a meter from the island to the headset. Another tip to keep your interior from looking cluttered is to use light colors.
Gray kitchen interior 20 m²
Gray color has become increasingly popular in recent years. Contrary to stereotypical opinion, it is not at all boring and allows you to realize a large number of design fantasies.
The variety of shades of gray makes it possible to combine them in the interior without repeating them. This is an excellent neutral base for a laconic modern style, loft and minimalism. Shades of gray, like blue tones, help create a feeling of coolness in a room that faces south, calming and harmonizing the atmosphere.
Renovation and design tips
Only a competent approach will guarantee that the future premises will be comfortable and cozy. Combining two rooms always requires a special approach and adherence to certain design rules. If these rules are not followed, the perception of the interior will be disrupted, most often not for the better.
Before making a final decision, it is better to read the advice from designers and builders .
- Planning approval. And we are talking not only about government authorities (which is very important), but also about all residents of the apartment. Perhaps someone is a very light sleeper, and a demolished partition will significantly increase the noise level. It won’t hurt to find out the opinion of your neighbors, if you have any.
- Choosing a single style. Even though one large room unites many functional areas, it is still necessary to adhere to one interior concept. It is better to choose discreet interiors, since the abundant decor of styles such as Rococo, Art Deco, Baroque, along with large spaces, will make the kitchen more like a museum, and this will have a bad effect on the comfort of the room. It is better to opt for a classic, Scandinavian or ethnic style.
- Zoning of the premises. If you don’t think about dividing the kitchen-living room into functional zones, then it simply won’t be cozy. This can be done both by optical and physical means. There are many options - everyone will find something that fits perfectly into the interior.
- Choice of colors. Some designers even in such a large kitchen-living room of 20 sq.m. It is not recommended to use dark colors. This is due to the fact that the room is already too saturated in its functions and furniture, which visually reduces the space. It is for this reason that it is better to look towards light and neutral colors, for example, beige, blue, yellow, pink. At the same time, it is important to observe the principle of unity of the room - in different zones the tones should be repeated or at least combined with each other.
- Installation of the hood. The kitchen-living room is a spacious room through which odors will quickly spread. Therefore, installing a hood here is not a question, but simply a necessity. If the equipment cannot cope with a large room of 20 square meters, then you can additionally install an air conditioner or a water filter for the air.
- Correct lighting. To make cooking and evening meals comfortable, you should think about good lighting and the number of light sources. Ideally, each functional area has its own separate light sources. When planning your lighting scheme, it is important to consider future partitions, as they can trap and reflect light, changing the overall appearance of the room.
- Use light colors. This will visually expand the small kitchen-living room.
Layout ideas
Let's look at the drawing plans for several options on how you can furnish and arrange the same room, based on different lifestyles and interests.
Option 1. Classic.
The center of this interior was the dining group. On one side there is a work area with all the equipment, on the other there is a corner sofa. Additionally, zoning occurs using the console. A bookcase and electric fireplace add coziness to the space.
The balcony door is dismantled, and on the balcony itself another small area is created where you can have a snack, drink coffee or even work. Cabinets on the balcony will create a lot of storage space, because in the kitchen there is not much space left for this.
Option 2. For cooks.
If there is a need for a larger work area, then you can consider this layout option. In this case, the kitchen set grew and became U-shaped. Because of this, the dining group also moved, which in turn moved the sofa. The sofa is no longer a corner one, but it is worth noting the presence of a carpet - it serves as a zoning function here.
The door to the balcony is being demolished again, but this time it’s better to leave the wall under the window and extend the tabletop there - you’ll get an excellent work area. Or you can use it as a bar counter. On the balcony itself there is again a work area and a closet for storing rarely used utensils.
Option 3. Clear zoning
If it is important to separate the kitchen-living room from the rest of the room, then you can make a partition, as in the drawing above. In this case, there is a spacious storage system in the hall. The interior again features a corner sofa, from which it will be very comfortable to watch TV placed on the new wall.
The dining area is represented by an island with armchairs. The work area is very large, the refrigerator is located on the balcony. If there is no need for such a large work area, then the refrigerator can be returned. An additional seating area with armchairs and a coffee table is located on the balcony.
Option 4. Original.
If you want to create a kitchen-living room that is unlike any other, then you need to take drastic measures. For example, place an island in the center of the room, which will also serve as a work area and dining table. The stove and sink are also placed here. It is worth noting that this is a rather dangerous neighborhood that is best avoided.
There is a carpet on the floor again, which separates the work area from the living room. A large cabinet took the usual place of the kitchen unit. And the refrigerator is again moved to the balcony. All necessary additional equipment is transferred there.
This option cannot be called convenient and practical if cooking occurs daily. Rather, this layout is suitable for a country house.
Photos of real design projects
Sometimes it can be difficult to imagine the interior of a room with any special features. The real photos below of different kitchen-living rooms with an area of 20 square meters will help spark your imagination and come up with something even better.
Square kitchen-living room.
Rectangular kitchen-living room.
In different styles.
Original solutions.
You can see a lot of original ideas in the video.