Combining the kitchen and living room is a fairly popular and relevant design technique. It is worth noting that such a solution has certain pros and cons, which must be taken into account when carrying out redevelopment.
In addition, it is imperative to know all the existing subtleties and nuances to make the room as a result cozy and comfortable.
Where matching is appropriate
Shared layout is very popular and suits so many apartments. In particular, it will be quite appropriate in:
- big apartments;
- studios;
- small living rooms.
Combining the living room and kitchen in a large apartment has its advantages. Thus, it is possible to organize space for various functions, but at the same time family members will not feel cramped. Matching will not be a problem for anyone.
In studio apartments, a combined kitchen is not just one of the design options, but an absolute necessity. In addition, a bedroom is often placed here, using a sofa or folding built-in beds as a place to relax.
A combined living room in a small apartment helps redistribute the common space of the room, making it more comfortable for all household members.
Small kitchen remodel
Combining the kitchen and living room in Khrushchev, the photo of which clearly demonstrates the features of such a design solution, allows you to correctly distribute free space and make it more functional. However, it is worth remembering that if these two rooms are separated by a load-bearing wall, then you should definitely consult with specialists. In this case, basically, it is partially removed and then strengthened.
If the wall is not load-bearing, then the unification of the kitchen and living room in Khrushchev is carried out by demolishing the partition. This solves the problem of lack of free space. In addition, the living room can also be turned into a dining room, as small kitchens simply cannot accommodate a table that all family members can comfortably sit at.
Many designers believe that this solution helps to give the room a more attractive and sophisticated look. Combining the kitchen and living room in Khrushchev (the photo of the interior clearly shows all the advantages of suchsolutions), helps to completely solve the problems with the lack of space.
In a small room, you can equip a nursery or a relaxation area, and use the remaining free space as a living room, kitchen and dining room. This will result in two or even three full-fledged rooms, it all depends on the design decision.
Narrow room redevelopment
In a narrow room, redevelopment and combining the kitchen and living room is the most profitable solution. These two zones will bisect the length of the entire area, as a result of which it will not seem too elongated.
It is important to try not to place all the furniture parallel to the longest wall. This will stretch the room even more and make it narrower. To expand the space, it is recommended to use light colors in the decoration, and you can choose dark furniture. This contrast will help enliven the room and looks quite advantageous.
It is important to choose the right lighting, because the more light, the wider the kitchen seems. A similar effect can give glossy surfaces and mirrors. It is not recommended to clutter up the room with decorative elements. Combining the living room and kitchen is a stylish, ergonomic and practical solution.
This will save space in the house, give the design of both rooms some originality, and also allows you to use every meter of the room functionally.
Pros and cons
Fixing his home, the ownershould understand well what such a non-standard solution as combining a kitchen and a living room will bring. This kind of association has many advantages, but also certain disadvantages. The main benefits are considered to be:
- space expansion;
- simplification of the process of preparing and holding celebrations;
- the amount of light increases.
This design solution will be appreciated by party lovers, as even a large company will not be crowded in the living room combined with the kitchen. However, the main advantage is that you can arrange a large dining table where the whole family can gather.
Despite the huge number of pluses, combining the living room and kitchen has its certain disadvantages. Among the minuses, the following should be highlighted:
- odors from cooking will spread throughout the apartment;
- sounds from kitchen appliances will be heard very well;
- cleaning will be much more.
It is worth noting that the kitchen needs to be kept perfectly clean, as guests entering the house will constantly see the whole situation in the apartment. Given the pros and cons of combining the kitchen and living room, you can choose the most optimal solution for yourself and correctly organize the space. The main thing is to divide the room into zones and use them for their intended purpose.
Zoning Features
If you plan to use this design technique, pay attention to the photo. There are plenty of options for combining the kitchen and living room, butYou need to be able to choose the one that is right for your family. It is also important here to take into account certain rules for redevelopment and combination of individual zones.
If the wall between the kitchen and the living room is load-bearing, then it is not recommended to remove it, as this can lead to the gradual destruction of the whole house. Replacing the demolition can be the design of the arch. However, this also requires agreement and permission. The same applies to windows. Their size cannot be increased. The redevelopment of the outer wall can be made only after the construction expertise.
Relatively easily and without any problems, you can remove only the auxiliary partition between the rooms. In this case, only the conclusion that the wall is not capital is required.
It is not recommended to move kitchen equipment unnecessarily, as this may lead to poor ventilation. When designing a compatible space, you need to think about installing a reinforced hood.
When combining the living room and kitchen with a gas stove, it is strictly forbidden to move it, as this can be very dangerous. After all, every violation can provoke an explosion of household gas. Be sure to carry out competent zoning and organize places for:
- cooking;
- food storage;
- meals;
- workspace.
This will make the common space more harmonious and make the most of it, as well as facilitate the cleaning process.
Zoning with a bar counter
One of the ways to combine the kitchen and living room in a panel house is to use partitions. They make it possible to separate the cooking area from the dining area. Such a division has not only aesthetic, but also practical meaning. This makes it much easier to keep the apartment clean.
You can erect partitions on the line of the demolished wall or move them to absolutely any place, according to the design project. They may be incomplete or reach almost to the ceiling.
The bar counter can replace the partition. It performs all the same functions, however, in addition to delimiting free space, it serves a practical purpose, since drinks can be placed on it. If desired, the size of the bar counter is made small so that it does not take up much space. It is this method of zoning that is most preferable in the style of minimalism.
Various surface finishes
Of the various options for combining the kitchen and living room, the most simple and interesting solution is the creation of multi-level surfaces. In this case, you can use various finishing materials. Multi-level ceilings will help to delimit the common space. To do this, you need to slightly lower the stretch fabric over one part of the room and lift it over the other. In the transition between levels, you need to mount spotlights. To make the room visually larger, it is recommended to use glossy stretch fabrics.
The ceiling in the living room canmake a mirror, decorate with stucco. In the kitchen, drywall constructions, borders and panels of different textures and colors will be appropriate.
Walls play a special function in the delimitation of space, which can be decorated with various finishing materials. It would be nice to apply several shades. Among the examples of combining the kitchen and living room with the help of wall decoration, one should highlight:
- wallpaper in different shades or the same color but with different patterns;
- combination of painted walls;
- tile application;
- decorative plaster.
Parquet, carpet, laminate, tile are suitable as flooring in the living room, and only tiles are better for the kitchen.
Other ways of zoning
Designers use a variety of modern ideas for combining kitchen and living room. If the room has a niche of a suitable size, then you can conveniently place a kitchen set in it. Such a natural deepening practically does not require the use of additional design techniques.
To solve the problem of odors in the kitchen, without sacrificing free layout, you can equip a sliding wall. A translucent partition allows you to hide the kitchen from guests and, if necessary, quickly turn it back into a common space.
Another functional zoning option would be to create an island between the living room and the kitchen. This is one of the most convenient layouts, as it allows you to plan your work area as much as possible.
Suchthe island can be a countertop or a table with a built-in hob or sink. In addition, it can act as a dining area or a bar counter.
An original and practical solution can be different floor heights. To do this, a kind of step is created between two different parts of the room. This is a very good option for a narrow kitchen-living room. The step is created using a concrete screed, which is used to level the floor.
It is very important that the transition between rooms is clearly visible. Different floor levels can be emphasized by using different materials. They must be combined in color and style to maintain the integrity of the room.
Styles
The design of combining the kitchen with the living room must be well thought out and organized. There are several design styles for such a room, namely:
- minimalism;
- Scandinavian;
- loft.
Minimalist style is perfect for any space. It implies a sterile order, especially in the common space of the kitchen-living room. This means that most things should be hidden. That is why the minimalist style suggests the presence of cabinets and bedside tables.
Loft style is also ideal. It is characterized by the presence of brickwork, concrete, open wiring. It is characterized by surfaces with an inhomogeneous structure.
In addition, the room should have a lot of natural and artificial light. Very welllooks like an imitation of rough finishing materials.
Scandinavian style is also very popular. To somewhat diversify and enliven the studio room, you can choose contrasting shades for furniture.
A good option would be a classic style that looks harmonious, modern, attractive. In this case, it is recommended to finish the walls in pastel colors, select furniture with a maximum of elements made of wood. Kitchen appliances need to be masked with panels of the same shade as the headset.
A bold decision would be to decorate the room in high-tech style, as it is multifaceted and original. The design in this style is characterized by the presence of modern elements, unique shapes and contrasting colors. All furniture and appliances must be modern and innovative.
Choice of furniture and appliances
When choosing furniture for a kitchen combined with a living room, first of all, you need to pay attention to its practicality and harmony. Since these two zones are in the same room, the interior items must be made in the same or similar styles. In addition, it is important that the furniture is combined with each other. You can make several bright accents, however, they must necessarily overlap with each other.
To make the living room look cozier and warmer, you need to give preference to natural materials. It is worth remembering that light shades will help visually expand the space. However, you need to approach their choice very responsibly, as they will get dirty much more, furniture will constantlyexposed to steam, smoke and soot. Therefore, it is best if the furniture is made of moisture-resistant and non-staining materials.
To avoid littering the apartment, you need to buy only the furniture that you really need. It is better to give preference to compact models. Built-in appliances will look quite aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen.
You should not buy household items in whole sets, it is best to take them separately. It is important to choose the right hood, because it must be quite powerful. When choosing household appliances, you need to pay attention to silent models. In addition, you should first study the characteristics and opt for the quietest devices.
Color design
To create integrity, the interior of the apartment must be well-designed and harmonious. It is recommended to choose neutral cold shades if you plan to create a classic room design. Dark colors visually narrow the room, white - expands, and green soothes. This option can be used to decorate the kitchen, as well as create accents in the interior of the living room.
Ideas for the design of the room can be completely different, the most important thing is to choose the right color combinations. It is recommended to use for each separate zone its own shade. The interior of the apartment should contain several colors that will complement each other.
The cooking area should be smaller than the guest area. Kitchen is desirablemake it a little brighter, richer and more contrast. Its color scheme should attract attention. When designing a place to relax, preference should be given to soft, calm tones.
Designers' references
Taking up the combination of the living room and kitchen with a gas stove, do not forget that it is not recommended to rearrange it, as this can lead to disruption of the gas pipeline. Observe security measures. All your actions must be coordinated with the gas service.
In addition, you need to follow certain rules for creating a common design in order to avoid many mistakes. The interior should flow smoothly from one room to another. It is not recommended to use different styles. All pieces of furniture must be made of the same material. If it is a tree, then it needs to be the same color.
The same curtains should be used around the entire perimeter of the room. You need to actively use color accents, as this will highlight the main areas in the room. First you need to think over the design of the room, choose the style of decoration, taking into account the preferences of all family members. We hope that the photos with the combination of the kitchen and the living room will help you choose the most popular and interesting option that will suit all your needs.
