The combination of 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 redeveloping.
In addition, you definitely need to know all the existing subtleties and nuances, so that the room as a result is cozy and comfortable.
Where appropriate combination
Joint planning is very popular and is suitable for so many apartments. In particular, it will be entirely appropriate in:
- large apartments;
- studios;
- small living rooms.
The combination of living room and kitchen in a large apartment has its advantages. Thus, you can organize a space to perform various functions, but at the same time family members will not feel constrained. Combining will not be a problem for anyone.
In studio apartments, a combined kitchen is not just one of the design options, but an absolute need. In addition, a bedroom is often placed here, using a sofa or folding folding beds as a place to relax.
The combined living room in a small apartment helps to redistribute the total space of the room, making it more comfortable for all households.
Redevelopment of a small kitchen
The combination of kitchen and living room in Khrushchev, a 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, you should definitely consult with specialists. In this case, mainly, its partial removal and subsequent strengthening is carried out.
If the wall is not bearing, then the union of the kitchen and the living room in Khrushchev is carried out by demolishing the partition. This allows you to solve the problem of lack of free space. In addition, the living room can also be made into the dining room, as the small kitchens simply cannot accommodate a table at which all family members can comfortably sit.
Many designers believe that such a solution helps to give the room a more attractive and sophisticated look. The combination of the kitchen and the living room in Khrushchev (a photo of the interior clearly shows all the advantages of such a solution) helps to completely solve the problems with a 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. As a result, you get two or even three full rooms, it all depends on the design decision.
Remodeling a narrow room
In a narrow room, remodeling and combining the kitchen and living room is the most profitable solution. These two zones will divide the length of the entire area in half, as a result of which it will not seem too elongated.
It is important to try not to have all the furniture parallel to the longest wall. This will further stretch the room and make it narrower. To expand the space, it is recommended to use light colors in the decoration, and at the same time furniture can be selected dark. Such a contrast will help revitalize the room and looks pretty advantageous.
It is important to choose the right lighting, because the more light, the wider the kitchen seems. Glossy surfaces and mirrors can have a similar effect. It is not recommended to clutter the room with decorative elements. The combination of 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 functionally use every meter of the room.
Advantages and disadvantages
When equipping his home, the owner should well understand what will bring such a non-standard solution as combining the kitchen and the living room. A union of this kind has many advantages, but also certain disadvantages. The main advantages are considered such as:
- expansion of space;
- simplification of the process of preparing and conducting celebrations;
- the amount of light increases.
This design decision will be appreciated by party lovers, since 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 at which the whole family can gather.
Despite the huge number of advantages, the combination of living room and kitchen has its certain disadvantages. Among the minuses, the following should be highlighted:
- smells during cooking will spread throughout the apartment;
- sounds from kitchen appliances will be heard very well;
- harvesting 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 the living room, you can choose for yourself the most optimal solution 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 the living room, but you need to be able to choose the one that is suitable for your family. It is also important to take into account certain rules of 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 entire house. The replacement of the demolition may be the design of the arch. However, this also requires approval and permission. The same goes for windows. Their size cannot be increased. Redevelopment of the external wall can only be done after a construction examination.
Relatively easy and without unnecessary problems, you can remove only the auxiliary partition between the rooms. In this case, it will only require a conclusion that the wall is not capital.
Moving kitchen equipment unnecessarily is not recommended, as this can lead to poor ventilation. When designing a shared 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, each violation can provoke an explosion of domestic gas. It is imperative to conduct competent zoning and arrange places for:
- cooking;
- food storage;
- food intake;
- work area.
This will make the overall space more harmonious and will make it possible to use it to the maximum, as well as facilitate the cleaning process.
Zoning with a bar
One way 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 separation carries not only aesthetic, but also practical meaning. This makes it much easier to keep the apartment clean.
You can build partitions on the line of the demolished wall or move them to absolutely any place, according to the compiled design project. They can be incomplete or reach almost the ceiling.
Replace the partition can bar. It performs all the same functions, however, in addition to delimiting free space, it serves a practical purpose, since drinks can be put on it. If desired, the size of the bar is made small so that it does not take up much space. It is this zoning method that is most preferred in the style of minimalism.
Various surface finishes
Of the various options for combining the kitchen and the living room, the most simple and interesting solution is the creation of multilevel surfaces. You can use various finishing materials. Multi-level ceilings will help to differentiate the common space. To do this, slightly lower the tension web over one part of the room and raise 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 can be mirrored, decorated with stucco. In the kitchen, plasterboard designs, borders and panels of different textures and colors will be appropriate.
A special function in delimiting space is played by walls, which can be decorated with various finishing materials. It would be nice to apply a few shades. Among the examples of combining the kitchen and the living room with the help of wall decoration, it is necessary to highlight:
- Wallpaper of different shades or the same color, but with different patterns;
- combination of painted walls;
- tile application;
- decorative plaster.
As a flooring in the living room, parquet, carpet, laminate, tiles are suitable, and for the kitchen it is better to use only tiles.
Other zoning methods
Designers apply the most diverse, modern ideas for combining the kitchen and the 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 smells in the kitchen without sacrificing a free layout, you can equip a sliding wall. A semitransparent partition allows you to hide the kitchen from the guests and, if necessary, quickly again make a part of the common space.
Another functional zoning option is 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 workspace as much as possible.
Such an island may 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.
An original and practical solution may be different floor heights. For this, a peculiar 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 the 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 properly thought out and organized. There are several design styles for such a room, namely:
- minimalism;
- Scandinavian;
- loft.
Minimalism style is ideal for any room. It implies a sterile order, especially in the general space of the kitchen-living room. This means that most things should be hidden. That is why the style of minimalism involves 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 a heterogeneous structure.
In addition, the room should have a lot of natural and artificial light. Imitation of rough finishing materials looks very good.
The Scandinavian style is also very popular. To diversify and enliven the studio room, you can choose contrasting shades for furniture.
A classic style that looks harmonious, modern, attractive can be a good option. In this case, it is recommended to finish the walls in pastel colors, to select furniture with a maximum of elements made of wood. Kitchen appliances need to be masked with panels of the same shade as the sets.
A bold decision would be to design a room in a high-tech style, as it is multifaceted and original. 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.
The 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 should be 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 harmoniously resonate 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 to visually expand the space. However, you need to approach their choice very responsibly, since they will get dirty much more, steam, smoke and soot will constantly affect the furniture. Therefore, it is best if the furniture is made of moisture resistant and non-marking materials.
To avoid cluttering the apartment, you need to buy only the furniture that is really needed. Preference is best given to compact models. In the kitchen, the built-in appliances will look quite aesthetically pleasing.
It is not necessary to purchase household items in whole sets, it is best to take them separately. It is important to correctly select the hood, because it should 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 most silent devices.
Color scheme
To create integrity, the interior of the apartment must be properly designed and harmonious. It is recommended to select neutral cold shades if you plan to create a classic room design. Dark colors visually narrow the room, white - expands, and green calms. This option can be used to decorate the kitchen, as well as to create accents in the interior of the living room.
Ideas for designing a room can be completely different, the most important thing is to choose the right color combinations. It is recommended to use your own shade for each individual zone. In the interior of the apartment should be present several colors that will complement each other.
The cooking area should be smaller than the guest area. It is desirable to make the kitchen 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.
Designer's recommendations
When 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 safety precautions. All your actions must be coordinated with the gas service.
In addition, you must follow certain rules for creating a common design in order to avoid many mistakes. The interior should flow smoothly from one room to another. Different styles are not recommended. All furniture should be made of the same material. If this is a tree, then it must be the same color.
All around the room, identical curtains should be used. 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 design 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.