- it is necessary to raise the floor level so that water flows freely into the sewer. In some apartments you will have to install a pump.
- The gas water heater and stove in the Khrushchev building cannot be moved into the corridor. It must be separated by a partition or sliding doors from the rest of the room. Without this, documents on redevelopment cannot be obtained. You can switch to an electric stove and turn off the gas pipeline.
The cost of square meters in large cities forces people to again buy one-room apartments, in which the kitchen is used as an additional room or is even combined with the living area. Do-it-yourself kitchen interior in a one-room apartment is an opportunity not only to save money on a designer, but also to pump up your creativity.
Color options for the kitchen in a one-room apartment
The most convenient color scheme for a small kitchen is a light background and bright accents.
It is very convenient to use wallpaper for painting.
In this case, you can not only change the color of your kitchen area at any time, but also “paint over” random dirt.
If you have a kitchen-living room, then color will help to visually connect the two spaces into one.
For example, the color of the apron above the work surface may echo the color and texture of the sofa cushions in the living room. You can also coordinate the color of the dining area countertops and the work chairs in the living room.
To divert attention from the kitchen and draw it to the living room, decorate the kitchen in light neutral shades with a minimum of contrasting details, and on the contrary, make the living room brighter.
If the space is divided by a blank bar counter or plasterboard shelving, highlight it with a bright color on the living room side.
Don't be afraid to use white or cream for your facades. If the facades are glossy and not textured, then there will be no problems with washing. On the contrary, stains of grease and kitchen dirt are less visible on light-colored facades than on dark ones.
However, it is worth considering that matte surfaces muffle the color, while glossy surfaces increase its saturation and depth.
Zoning
Dividing a room into zones is important because each zone creates a certain mood: relaxing for rest, energetic for work, cozy for eating.
Zoning begins not with the design of the room, but with a clear understanding of its functionality: this is where it will be convenient for me to read, this is where the home theater should be to create surround sound, I don’t need natural light to work with a laptop, and vice versa for drawing.
In the kitchen I will not only cook, but also receive guests or relax.
Once you have decided what you will do in your apartment, you can start visualizing.
A common mistake is to design the interior of a kitchen in a one-room apartment without taking into account your lifestyle.
If you practically don’t eat or cook at home, then the work area in the kitchen can be reduced, and instead of a round table with four chairs, make a bar counter.
The freed up space can be used for other areas.
In a studio apartment, the division into zones should be clearly readable, so you can separate the kitchen from the living space using furniture (sofa, table, bar counter), flooring (tiles in the kitchen, laminate in the living area), multi-level ceiling (in the kitchen of a new building, communications usually run along the ceiling; they can be covered with plasterboard), a glass partition (in Khrushchev-era buildings with their gas water heating system, according to standards, the kitchen must be separated from another area), lighting.
Lighting and textiles
It is necessary to light the kitchen even if it has a separate window in the work area.
Your own lighting should be near the sink (if there is no dishwasher) and near the cutting table (if it is not located next to the window). Separate lighting should be above the dining area.
It is not necessary to use traditional overhead lighting in the form of a chandelier: when a person stands near the stove or sink, the light hits his back, the shadow falls on the work surface.
To make the lighting convenient to use, place the switches from each zone at the entrance to the kitchen - you won’t have to get to the sink in the dark to turn on the lighting there.
To illuminate the entire work area, run an LED strip under the wall cabinets.
If not only practicality is important, but also aesthetics, you can install lighting at different levels from the floor, drawing attention to the decorative elements and pulling it away from the work area.
If the kitchen is separated from the living room by a bar counter, and there is a work area directly behind it, then add lighting above the bar counter.
This will highlight the countertop and hide the rest of the kitchen in darkness.
Judging by the photo of the kitchen interior design, in a one-room apartment textiles play a rather decorative role.
This is especially true for rooms in the high-tech or minimalist style. If the kitchen is small and does not have a distinct dining area, then there are no tablecloths or napkins on the tables.
In such cases, the main decorative element is towels and potholders.
Kitchen windows with floor-length tulle look very nice.
However, this option is possible if the hob is located at the opposite end from the window, otherwise all the curtains will be stained with grease, even despite the hood.
Textiles can be used as wall decoration: make “pictures” from fabric (stretch the fabric over a frame) of different colors and sizes and create a composition from them on the wall.
If space allows, you can install a sofa with washable upholstery in the kitchen.
It doesn't have to be leather; it's better if it's microfiber, which is easy to wash off stains and doesn't absorb water. Plain dark or light upholstery is not a good solution - stains and dirt are visible on them.
Design move - print photograph on the sofa.
Then the sofa becomes the semantic center, distracting attention from the work area and kitchen dirt is not so noticeable against the colorful background.
How to make a kitchen-living room
If you are designing a kitchen in a one-room studio apartment of a small area, then focus on a built-in kitchen set (it is more functional) with high cabinets under the ceiling (they hold more space, you can store rarely used things), smooth facades that do not split into many pieces small cabinets (looks more harmonious in a small space).
It is better to place household appliances in cabinets: on the lower tier there is a dishwasher and washing machine, on the middle tier there is an oven and microwave.
Don’t skimp on household appliances; choose a refrigerator that makes noise no louder than 40 dB.
Not only do you have to cook in the kitchen, you also have to sleep next to it. The hood must be powerful and vent into the ventilation, otherwise the smell of food will accompany you everywhere - the apartment and things will smell right through and become covered with kitchen grease.
Do not use built-in hoods; they are suitable for isolated kitchens.
If you place the TV so that it can be easily seen from the kitchen area, you won't have to buy a second one.
If you save, consider it earned.
A great option is to use folding chairs and a folding dining table.
The table cover, when folded, can simultaneously serve as a cabinet for chairs.
If you have seen a photo of a kitchen in a one-room apartment with an extension into the hallway, then most likely only the dining area was extended into it. According to Russian laws, the owner of an apartment cannot install sinks and move drain pipes into the room under which the neighbors’ living areas are located.
Neither the corridor nor the hallway are residential areas, however, arranging a kitchen there will require solving some problems:
If you want to move the kitchen to make room for a living space, then you can only implement your plan if there are no neighbors above you. Otherwise, you will violate clause 24 of the RF PP No. 47-PP.
It is better to make plumbing in the corridor from the water unit in the bathroom or toilet. It's more convenient than pulling it from the kitchen.
Good news for residents of the first floor, they can move the sink and electric stove into the hallway freely, because there are no neighbors below them.
The layout of most one-room apartments requires a small kitchen, which requires a sink, stove, furniture with a countertop, household appliances and a table with chairs. The design of the room, in this case, should be reasonable, the place for cooking should be comfortable, and the interior should be attractive. Such tasks cause certain difficulties even for professionals. And although there are already quite a lot of standard designs, housewives are trying to decorate the kitchen in such a way that it acquires individuality and looks more spacious. In fact, the design of a small kitchen has its own secrets, knowing which can significantly improve its visual perception and convenience.
About color
You should start by choosing a color scheme. The volume of the kitchen in a one-room apartment will visually increase and become spacious if the decoration, furniture facades and flooring are made in light colors.
If the windows of the apartment are oriented to the south, you should choose cool colors, and if they are to the north, warm and sunny ones.
A white ceiling will never “press” from above, and pastel-colored furniture will not limit the space. To avoid the effect of a hospital ward in the room, it is recommended to refresh its overall design with contrasting accessories or elements, stripes, small patterns on the walls or floor. When decorating walls, do not forget that a vertically placed print on wallpaper or curtains can visually raise the ceiling, but narrow the room, while a horizontally placed print will expand the walls, but make the room lower.
As a contrast for a kitchen designed in a minimalist style, black or gray is suitable; for a modern kitchen, green or blue. Brown shades will fit into the design of most style solutions, and bright colors will look interesting in eclecticism. But any accents must be harmoniously combined with the surrounding environment, otherwise there will be a clutter and, as a result, a visual reduction in space.
Lighting and textiles
A small kitchen should not have massive chandeliers or sconces. The best option would be backlights and spotlights installed for each zone separately. The design of the work surface in combination with the kitchen apron will only benefit from an LED strip placed under wall cabinets or shelves.
It is recommended to place the lamps above the table and stove, and if the layout allows, in wall niches. In addition, a small single lamp should be hung on the kitchen ceiling in a one-room apartment for general lighting, and if the ceiling is covered with plastic or when installing a suspended or tensioned structure, built-in lighting fixtures should be installed.
It is important to know that no matter how spacious the kitchen layout is, you should not install suspended or suspended ceilings if its height is less than 2.5 meters. They will reduce the volume of the room not visually, but actually.
Natural lighting should be approached responsibly. The kitchen should be light, so dark curtains on the windows will look out of place, even if the apartment layout is oriented towards the sunny side. Curtains should be chosen in soft colors, and in summer you can protect yourself from direct bright rays with reflective fabric.
An interesting option for a small kitchen would be roller blinds or Roman blinds that cover only the window opening, as well as vertical or horizontal blinds. The print on the fabric should not be large, and towels, napkins and other kitchen textiles must be selected taking into account the interior style.
Flooring
The floor in a small kitchen should be covered with easy-to-clean and moisture-resistant coatings. The best options are:
- linoleum;
- ceramic tiles;
- PVC tiles.
Materials should be plain or with small, unobtrusive patterns.
Linoleum is cheaper and warmer, but it melts when it comes into contact with hot surfaces and wears out over time. PVC tiles are easier to install and more durable to use. It does not split or swell, and an element that has become unusable can be easily and quickly replaced with another.
Ceramic tiles are natural materials. It is more practical and durable than linoleum and PVC, but it can crack if a heavy frying pan or pot is accidentally dropped on the floor. This problem can be completely solved by replacing the broken tile with a new one. A significant disadvantage of ceramics is the high cost of material and installation work.
Rational kitchen design
Expediency and validity should be a priority when decorating a kitchen. The layout of a one-room apartment does not allow you to hide excess utensils and small household appliances in pantries or built-in closets located in the hallway. Often they are simply missing or used to store clothes and shoes. Therefore, when thinking about kitchen design, it is necessary to provide for maximum placement of appliances and utensils in a limited space.
For small kitchens, it is recommended to purchase only the most necessary household appliances and compact furniture with sliding rather than swinging cabinet doors. When open, they will not take up extra space and will not cause inconvenience to the owner. The work table can be made a little smaller in width, and kitchen rails or regular shelves can be hung above it. For a one-room apartment, such solutions are quite acceptable.
Do not forget that open shelves will require cleanliness of the dishes displayed on them and perfect order. They are limited in area, so unnecessary items that could clutter the kitchen will not appear on them.
There is one important point that you should pay attention to when choosing kitchen furniture. It refers to the volume of floor and wall cabinets, as well as the shelves located in them. The correct internal layout will help hide pots, various jars of cereals, small equipment and all sorts of small things behind the facades. The distance between the cabinet shelves should not be too large, otherwise unused space will appear, which will ultimately affect the functionality of the furniture module.
A pencil case that occupies space from floor to ceiling and wall cabinets located to the very top make it possible to place the maximum number of kitchen utensils in them. They should be laid out according to the principle of necessity. Everyday utensils, salt, sugar, cereals and spices should be on shelves located within arm's reach. And household appliances used from time to time, holiday glasses, flowerpots and dinnerware can be placed on the upper tiers.
Furniture facades should not be chosen in bright colors. For the interior of a small kitchen, it is recommended to purchase sets with glossy or glass doors. Closets with a large number of small elements should be avoided; they will create the effect of disorder and clutter.
Often in a one-room apartment, washing machines are located in the kitchens, since its layout does not allow large household appliances to be installed in the bathroom. When choosing your favorite machine model, you should think about its dimensions. The more compact it is, the less space will be required to install equipment.
A folding dining table and chairs will fit harmoniously into a small-sized kitchen, and the refrigerator from it should be moved to the corridor or even the hallway. All this will free up space and increase usable area.
It is better to choose a stationary dining table for a small kitchen space in a round or oval shape. This will visually reduce its size. The presence of drawers in the design will allow you to store any kitchen or table items in them.
Large decorative elements should be discarded, as well as a large number of small details. Kitchen design should be simple and moderately strict. In this case, it will visually look more spacious.
Cardinal options
The most radical way to increase the space intended for cooking and eating is to buy a new two- or three-room apartment, the layout of which includes a large kitchen. But, unfortunately, not everyone can use it.
Most often, owners of one-room apartments solve the problem of increasing kitchen space in another way. They break down walls or partitions between the kitchen and the room. But this is allowed only if the structures are not load-bearing, and also with permission from the relevant services.
Designers offer numerous design options for the openings created as a result of redevelopment. They install:
- tables;
- bar counters;
- open shelves in the form of racks;
- sofas;
- screens;
- sliding doors;
- cornices with curtains.
If a one-room apartment has a large corridor or loggia, then sometimes the kitchen is moved into them. It turns out to be tiny and cramped, but the owners, in this case, have one more room. The main problem of such a redevelopment is the relocation of communications and ventilation above the slab.
A new design can transform a kitchen beyond recognition, so before you start decorating it, you need to carefully consider all the nuances that may affect its appearance and ease of use. This will save you from any disappointments in the future.
With proper organization of space, a one-room apartment will turn into stylish and comfortable housing. Small-sized kitchens will require the use of non-standard interior and stylistic solutions. Particular attention will need to be paid to the choice of finishing materials, color variations and furniture arrangement.
Placing a kitchen in a one-room apartment depends on your imagination
It will require placing the necessary items in a limited area, which may affect the attractiveness of the space. The main task of kitchen design is to maintain freedom and space without overloading the decor with unnecessary details. Functional use of the area will create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Practical solutions for arranging furniture and appliances
A convenient kitchen layout in a one-room apartment may involve the use of several effective options for increasing space. Designers highlight traditional and proven solutions, the use of which confirms the achievement of the set goals:
- Expanding the kitchen area by combining the room with a balcony or pantry. Functionality is achieved by separating the work area from the dining area, where a compact sofa with a niche for storing kitchen utensils is installed. The complexity of the design idea is compensated by the convenience of the room.
- Combining the kitchen with the room. A one-room studio apartment will provide comfortable accommodation for two people. It is important to properly organize the zoning of space. The wall is being dismantled and high-quality ventilation equipment is being installed to prevent the spread of soot and odors throughout the room.
- Moving the kitchen unit into the hallway. This option is appropriate if there is a low degree of use of the working area for cooking. The kitchen serves a decorative function.
Kitchen in the hallway - a very rare combination of rooms
The design and rational use of space involves the choice of stylistic solutions, dimensions and design of furniture, household appliances, and lighting.
Options for organizing kitchen space
Comfort of living directly depends on the functionality of furniture and appliances. Thoughtful arrangement of items will create a convenient workspace for cooking. The main elements that require attention are the hob, refrigerator and kitchen sink. You can correctly arrange furniture in a one-room apartment using several arrangement options:
- single-line arrangement of furniture and equipment;
- L-shaped arrangement;
- creating a kitchen island.
Installing kitchen furniture and appliances in one row is only possible if there is a large area. Thanks to the single-line arrangement, you can conveniently zone the space in a one-room apartment without using the living space to expand the kitchen. The corner arrangement opens up the possibility of choosing a place to install the stove and sink. The L-shaped arrangement allows you to install a sink in the corner or a hob near the window. In this case, the refrigerator is placed opposite the stove, or in the corner along one line.
The island layout provides for a modern kitchen design for a large studio apartment. A properly equipped element will allow you to profitably use the space, serving as a working and dining area, and a place to store kitchen utensils. It is permissible to install a sink and hob on the island.
Technological household appliances are easily built into niches and, thanks to their stylish appearance and compact dimensions, create additional ergonomics for the room.
G is a very practical shape for the room
Combining space: practicality and advantages of the solution
The embodiment of original design ideas and expansion of space sometimes requires combining the kitchen and living room into a single space. Renovation projects for a one-room apartment that provide a combined area have a lot of advantages:
- a new kitchen-studio facility is being created to implement modern design solutions;
- working and living space increases due to the absence of partitions;
- a wide choice of stylistic directions opens up.
It is recommended to design one-room apartments in the style of minimalism, modernism, or hi-tech. The absence of unnecessary details, bulky furniture and small decorative elements will create a stylish and practical environment. Proper lighting and layout will create a feeling of cleanliness and freedom of space. The interior should be filled exclusively with technological and functional items.
The options will require careful consideration of the materials used. The finish may soon lose its original appearance due to exposure to moisture and soot. Cooking is accompanied by aromas that are absorbed and retained for a long time in the air, furniture and things. It is important to think about installing reliable ventilation devices in advance.
Exhaust devices will not completely protect you from exposure to soot and odors, but they can minimize it. A studio kitchen in a one-room apartment will require careful and regular cleaning and cleaning of surfaces. Finishing materials must be resistant to moisture. The best option would be a low degree of kitchen exploitation, or the use of functional household appliances that provide a full cycle of cooking.
Studio - a very popular and very controversial option
Choosing kitchen furniture for a one-room apartment
The arrangement of furniture in a one-room apartment is primarily aimed at creating a comfortable and beautiful interior. Variations on the theme of choosing kitchen sets allow you to purchase a ready-made set, or, based on individual wishes and the layout of the room, make custom-made furniture. A small studio apartment expands the boundaries of the choice of objects.
A soft corner or sofa will advantageously arrange a relaxation area. Smooth lines and soft outlines will create a comfortable and cozy environment. A round dining table made of impact-resistant glass will bring lightness and a sense of space to the interior of a small one-room apartment. The bar counter is practical and convenient, emphasizing the style and sophistication of the room decoration.
Furniture design for a small kitchen
The small area of the room puts forward special requirements for the arrangement of space. The design of a small one-room apartment should include the use of built-in functional equipment and the organization of spacious storage systems. It is recommended to select kitchen furniture equipped with modern mechanisms with the ability to transform and fold.
Pull-out tables, compact countertops and sliding cabinet doors will significantly save space. Ideas for renovating a one-room apartment include proper zoning of the room. The texture of the floor, the design of the ceiling, the play of colors and shades of wall decoration will help to create a harmonious separation. Original arches, an aquarium, and a bar counter will act as an unusual decor and option for demarcating zones. Glass, mirror elements in the set, or partitions will visually enlarge the space and make it airy.
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The design of a kitchen in a one-room apartment is represented by many stylistic trends and variations; the main thing is to take into account the organic combination of furniture with the overall design. Taking into account the basic rules and recommendations, it is possible to embody original ideas in a harmonious and comfortable interior. A kitchen in a one-room apartment may not be as small as many initially think. Ask your questions!
A kitchen-studio facilitates communication between households and home celebrations and parties. And the open layout of the studios visually increases the space - so that even the smallest kitchen does not seem cramped due to the adjacent living room and corridor. This is why apartments with a kitchen-studio are so in demand both in new buildings and in Khrushchev, Stalin and other “small-sized” buildings. However, sometimes studio owners, on the contrary, need to isolate the kitchen in order to be able to retire, cook by the light of a lamp while someone is sleeping, or make a mess without fear of ruining the look of the entire room. And the smells of food in the absence of walls often disturb those relaxing on the sofa and permeate all the textiles in the apartment. In this material we will give 11 tips on how to arrange a kitchen-studio as comfortably as possible, and correctly plan its lighting and zoning. In addition, here you will find 90 interior photos and design tips.
Attention! If you want to learn about the nuances of remodeling an ordinary apartment into a studio, we invite you to read this article.
11 tips for design and zoning space in a kitchen studio
Tip 1. Divide the space into zones - visually or physically
Proper zoning is the main key to a sense of order in the kitchen studio. In addition, using some zoning techniques, you can change the area of a particular zone, make the kitchen partially/fully isolated or, conversely, open.
Method 1. Sliding partition or doors
The canvases can be stored in a pencil case built inside the wall, or simply moved along its outer side. In order for the light from the window in the living room to penetrate into the kitchen, sliding doors should be selected from frosted, semi-frosted or transparent glass/acrylic, possibly with a sandblasted pattern or stained glass. The photo below shows a design project for a small studio with glass sliding doors with a layout.
Design of a studio kitchen in a one-room apartment of 25 square meters. m in St. Petersburg. The author of the project is Nikita Zub.
And here is an example of the design of a walk-through kitchen-studio with a sliding compartment partition that isolates the adjacent bedroom-living room.
If the studio kitchen has its own window, then you can fence it off with blank doors, as in the photo below.
Method 2. Partition with a distribution/interior window or transom
If the studio kitchen borders the bedroom and you want to isolate it without blocking access to light from the window, then this can be done using partitions with a built-in transom or window. This way the bedroom will be completely private, but light will penetrate into the kitchen and, if necessary, fresh air from the window. Additionally, you can hang curtains from the bedroom side as shown in the following design project for a kitchen studio.
Here are other examples of arranging an interior window in the kitchen.
Sometimes an interior window helps if you need to let more light into the hallway or corridor from the window in the kitchen.
By the way, a partition with a window can simply mark the boundaries between functional areas.
A distribution window will allow you to partially enclose the kitchen, leaving access to light and air from the adjacent room. The niche of the dispensing window can be supplemented with a bar counter as shown in the following photos.
Method 3. Partition with an arch or portal
A partition with a portal or arch also encloses the kitchen without depriving it of light and air.
Method 4. Complete insulation with partitions
If the kitchen has a window, then you can insulate it with plasterboard partitions or solid walls made of foam blocks. If there is no window in the kitchen, then the partitions should be transparent (or partially transparent), for example, glass like French or veranda windows (photo).
Method 5. Zoning with furniture
The kitchen in a studio apartment can be fenced off with a sofa, bar counter, island/peninsula or shelving. Below is a photo example of zoning a kitchen with a bar counter in a small one-room apartment, remodeled into a studio.
Kitchen studio with bar counter. Design by Maria Dadiani
Method 6. Zoning with a curtain
Most often in studio apartments this technique is used to isolate the sleeping area, but why not isolate the kitchen in this way? In the photo below is a project by Galina Yuryeva, in which the kitchen is separated by thread curtains.
And another great example of zoning with a curtain.
Method 7. Podium
You can hide communications and built-in drawers under the podium.
Method 8. Zoning with different finishes on walls, floors and/or ceilings
By decorating walls, floors and/or ceilings with different materials, you can not only zone the space, but also make it practical. For example, the floor in the work area is often tiled, and in the dining/living room area - less wear-resistant, but more “livable” parquet boards/laminate.
Examples of different wall decorations in a Scandinavian-style kitchen are presented in the following selection of photos.
The ceiling in different zones can also be decorated differently, for example, a hanging structure or decorative beams will look good in the kitchen, and stucco molding in the living room. By the way, a ceiling beam (photo below) can also mark the boundary between rooms, which, as a rule, cannot be demolished during redevelopment.
Method 9. Zoning using color
For visual zoning, you can use the following technique - choose one color scheme and decorate the kitchen, the adjacent living room and corridor in it, but so that color accents are present in different zones in different proportions. For example, the kitchen can be brighter and darker, while the living room/bedroom can be lighter and calmer. An example of such color zoning can be seen in the following interior of a studio apartment with an area of 40 square meters. m.
Tip 2. Design the kitchen as a logical extension of the living room and vice versa
If in an apartment with a standard layout a radical difference in the design of rooms is permissible, then in the interior of a studio kitchen all zones should support each other in style and color scheme. As an example, we present a photo of the design of a studio apartment in a classic style.
To make the kitchen area look neater and as little cluttered as possible, hide the refrigerator, dishwasher and hood behind the facades. After all, a kitchen-studio is a room in which they cook, relax, and work, and therefore it is often in a state of “living” disorder and it is not worth aggravating it with dissimilar surfaces.
To ensure that culinary odors spread throughout the apartment as little as possible and are not absorbed into the textiles in the living room, you need to install a powerful hood and always cook with it. To calculate the optimal performance of the hood, multiply the area of the combined space by the height of the walls, then multiply this product by 12 (this is the norm for updating the air in the kitchen according to the SES). And finally, multiply the resulting number by 1.5 or 1.7 (coefficient for an electric stove).
Good lighting is a vital necessity for a kitchen in a studio apartment, especially if it is located away from the window and is small in size. To make the space seem more spacious, comfortable to be in and convenient to cook in, you need to abandon the usual placement of one chandelier in the center of the ceiling. It is much more effective to use several small lamps instead (in addition to a chandelier), say, wall sconces or ceiling spots. This will make the lighting more uniform and soft.
- When choosing lamps for your studio, remember that they should be combined in style, color and/or finishing materials. At the same time, lamps in the dining room, living room and bedroom should be more elegant, and in the kitchen and in the hallway/corridor - more modest. Are you afraid to combine the “front” and kitchen lamps in a bad way? Then install the chandelier in only one area, for example, in the dining room above the center of the table (at a height of 70 cm from the tabletop) or in the center of the living room, and illuminate the rest of the room with spotlights, such as in this studio kitchen in the photo.
Example of kitchen studio lighting
Kitchen studio design with a chandelier above the table
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about furniture lighting for the table top.
And one more tip: keep in mind that if the kitchen is located away from the window, then you should choose lamps with white spectrum light, since it is as close as possible to daylight.
Today we will look at these and other important topics, accompanied by a voluminous photo selection.
Pros and cons
Let's start with the amenities that a kitchen combined with a living room will bring, and this is:
- ease of movement due to the absence of doors and walls;
- “Everything is at hand, and the children are in sight” is an important moment for parents;
- cooking and communicating with family or friends at the same time - now you are unlikely to lose your mind when returning from the kitchen;
- the ability to organize parties or host more guests;
- twice the amount of daylight;
- the emergence of space for a dining area;
- using one TV or landline phone instead of searching for places to place them in each of the rooms.
By the way, A. Zemskov voices good advice in his video, we recommend watching it.
Interestingly, it is not only residents of small apartments who combine the kitchen and living room, although this issue is most pressing for them. As you can see in the photo, a kitchen combined with a living room is not only an opportunity to win a place.
The disadvantages of our large room are inferior to the advantages in terms of quantity:
- distribution of kitchen odors and noises;
- to demolish a wall, move a sink or make other changes to the technical passport of the apartment, you will need permission from the BTI;
- the use of materials resistant to high humidity that can withstand repeated cleaning;
- keeping both areas clean – now you won’t be able to put off washing the dishes until later.
And you know, someone will even consider the last point a plus and an excellent motivation for regular cleaning.
Later we will tell you how to overcome these simple obstacles. In the meantime, let's move on.
Zoning
The interior of a living room combined with a kitchen is usually divided into functional areas - kitchen, living room and dining room. Thanks to zoning, you will separate the kingdom of the hostess from the kingdom of guests and relatives, hide the cooking process from prying eyes and be able to retire in the kitchen out of habit.
In small rooms, the dining area can be combined with the living room, minimized, replaced with a bar counter, or completely eliminated as unnecessary. Here you can continue the family tradition by organizing a large dining table, or decide to make changes for the sake of space.
To visually separate a kitchen combined with a living room, use:
1. A relatively large piece of furniture - a table, a bar counter, a sofa, armchairs, a closet, an aquarium or a “living” wall of outdoor plants.
2. False walls, partitions, shelving of regular and irregular shapes and arches. On one side of the false wall you can place a mini-table, while the other will become a place for a picture or plasma. And if you cut a hole in it, a small table for two will fit perfectly in there - this way you will organize a compact dining area.
Separating the kitchen and living room with an arch is acceptable only for classical styles. Modern styles will suit a functional partition with shelves for kitchen utensils on one side and a bio-fireplace on the other. What do you think about perforated partitions?
3. Flooring design – the floor in the kitchen should be practical, and in the living room – conducive to relaxation. At the same time, the kitchen is often elevated to a podium, which makes it easier to connect communications, but may not be entirely convenient for charging.
4. Ceiling decoration - suspended, tensioned structures with different levels will help create a festive or romantic atmosphere in the living room, and will provide the kitchen with the necessary uniform lighting and working environment. The structural features of the room - for example, a load-bearing beam - will act as ready-made zoning elements.
5. Sliding or folding doors, which at any time will divide the premises into two parts. Believe me, this is imperceptible when the doors are transparent - for example, glass.
6. Curtains - light tulle, flowing muslin or a thick curtain will separate the kitchen from the living room without burdening the interior.
7. The texture and color of the materials used to decorate the walls, ceiling, apron, floor, and other horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Planning a kitchen with a peninsula is another zoning opportunity: a kitchen set or bar counter will do the job perfectly. The interiors of the kitchen and living room, correctly divided into functional zones, are presented below.
What is best to use for zoning - the size of the room and the interior furnishings will tell you.
Choosing a style for a kitchen combined with a living room
Style direction is an important factor that influences the choice of materials, design of furniture, walls, floors, ceilings, the number of decorative elements and the cost of repairs. When looking for a design style for a kitchen combined with a living room, you can focus on:
- the dominant direction in the apartment;
- design features of the floor, walls, window and door openings;
- estimated costs.
The kitchen combined with the living room may not completely correspond to the main style direction of the apartment, but it certainly should not contradict it. Here it is better to combine types of classical trends with each other or give preference to modern ones.
The original decoration of the floor, walls and windows is also a good hint, which, however, does not cancel the previous one. But this approach will reduce the cost of repair work.
For example, wooden beams will fit perfectly into a modern loft and a range of rustic styles. High ceilings are a great reason to surround yourself with luxurious Renaissance, Baroque or Classical furnishings.
Kitchen-living room in modern styles
Household appliances, transformable furniture, strange, rich colors and contrasts, asymmetry, high-tech devices and a minimum of decor. If you have discovered your preferences and weaknesses in this list, this is a hint of modern design.
Let's find out what will surprise us with the modern design of a living room combined with a kitchen by looking at popular style trends.
Loft
This native of the United States quickly assimilated into our climate. A loft-style kitchen-living room is an excellent choice for creative individuals who do not want to surround themselves with pretentiousness and luxury.
Distinctive features:
- brick or concrete walls, untreated plaster;
- beams, caissons on the ceiling are white, gray or brown;
- high ceilings and huge windows;
- slightly rough but functional furniture;
- pendant lamps and rotating spots;
- no extra walls or partitions.
Tip: since a brick kitchen apron is not the best idea, decorate it with brick-like tiles or imitating waterproof wallpaper.
Scandinavian style
Do you like white or wood wall coverings, natural materials and simplicity of shape? Pay attention to the Scandinavian style design. And if you manage to ensure environmental friendliness and maximum natural lighting, the purity of style will be guaranteed.
Does not deny the presence of ceiling beams and brick walls characteristic of the previous direction. Only the brick here is white. A distinctive feature of the style is a pendant lamp with an unusual lampshade in the dining area, much more soft and warm wood, complete freedom of action in terms of eco-decor.
A lampshade made of twigs, wooden shelves, a branch hanger - all this will only bring you closer to the Scandinavian setting.
Neoclassical
Have you already seen that most modern music carries classical motifs? Something similar is happening with apartment design, where classic elements take on a stylish and modern look.
Restraint, neatness, symmetry, mirrors, stucco molding, monograms, a little antiquity combined with modern materials and forms - this is what characterizes neoclassicism. This is a wonderful and most suitable choice for connoisseurs of elegance and tradition.
Minimalism
Minimalism is modern elegance, functionality, monochrome, maximum open space and minimum decor.
Characteristic features include straight furniture facades, strict geometric shapes and smooth, non-textured surfaces. If your life credo is “nothing superfluous,” perhaps this style was invented especially for you!
Hi-tech
Are you nervous about new technologies and high-tech systems? Then a high-tech design is more suitable for you.
It has:
- strict lines;
- straight, simple, but at the same time very functional designs;
- monotony with small rich accents;
- minimum of natural materials;
- chrome elements;
- high ergonomics;
- no textiles;
- smooth surfaces of furniture, walls, floors and ceilings.
Well, if modern trends are not to your liking, let's go back to the roots.
Kitchen-living room in classic (traditional) styles
By classic we mean a whole family of trends, essentially differing in the level of pretentiousness and avant-gardeism, color palette and correctness of forms. We will go through the most notable of them.
Kitchen-living room in Provence style
This romantic and very gentle destination, named after the southern French region, will fill your home with comfort and warmth. - this is an abundance of daylight, decor, textiles, ornaments, floral designs and soft, pastel colors.
To fully match the style, furniture should be made of light painted wood, while natural, artificially aged materials can be safely combined with imitations. The monochromatic design of the walls will be diluted by curtains with a checkered or floral print.
And short curtains to match the color of the tablecloth or kitchen apron will replace the doors of the kitchen unit.
Cute vases and figurines, bottles and pots decorated with ribbons, forged elements, bows, lace - if you think that there is never too much beauty, you will find yourself in this style.
Classic style
- are obliged to correspond to high status in everything;
- want to emphasize your noble origin;
- you simply do not accept changes and are not ready to part with antique interior items;
- Do you consider decor an integral part of comfort?
– think about decorating in a classic style.
It accepts expensive, noble materials in the decoration of floors, ceilings, walls and furniture, a symbiosis of laconicism and decorativeness, elegance and strict symmetry of forms.
A classic kitchen combined with a living room is and will remain timeless, as these photos will confirm.
Country
Having considered Provence - a type of French country - it would be unfair not to pay attention to other national village styles, united by the simplicity and comfort of design. The meaning of style is the ability to escape from the bustle of the city by simply returning home.
All that remains is to choose a country that is close to your soul - your native one or a distant but beloved one. It turns out that there are many types of country - Russian, Italian, Indian, Egyptian, American, Japanese, and they differ in objects, materials and colors.
But here's what they have in common:
- eco-materials;
- antique, vintage items;
- knitted, patchwork, hand-made textiles;
- authentic decor items;
- often - a round wooden table with a “great-grandmother’s” tablecloth.
Art Deco
The brilliant brainchild of neoclassical and modern, art deco is an exquisite combination of steel, glass, leather, mirrors and silk. All this may well end up in your kitchen combined with the living room.
The originality of the style is manifested in strong lighting, the play of light and shadows, multi-stage, contrasting stripes or cages. But the style decoration of the room will be considered complete and fully consistent with the style, provided that the interior contains objects of art and elements of luxury.
Modern
Especially for refined natures, connoisseurs of exclusive products and accessories, we will consider a fabulous version of the Art Nouveau style (Tiffany).
Imagine it as if in a classic kitchen combined with a living room. Now you asymmetrically stretch the doors and furniture, giving them curved shapes, add stained glass instead of glass, optical illusions on the walls and ceiling, and make the combination of white and blue colors dominant. You're almost there!
American Art Nouveau - and Tiffany also bears this name - is characterized by simplicity, elegance, practicality, and the presence of the latest technologies and objects of applied art.
Color solutions
When choosing a color for a kitchen combined with a living room, you should take into account:
- design style;
- rules for combining colors in the interior;
- personal preferences;
- psychology of color.
Some may classify the last point as esoteric, but this is not so.
If you have already decided on the interior style, let him point you to the right combinations. For the classics, these are pastel, delicate shades, diluted with dark brown or black in the minority.
Provence loves soft blue, pink, light green in combination with wood. Scandinavian style is a mix of white, gray and wood. Country styles are characterized by national colors. Art Deco is decorated in black and white, sometimes in beige-brown or silver-black.
There are rules for choosing colors that are associated not with style, but with proportions and the number of colors, and here they are:
1. 60x30x10 is color harmony. 60% of the space belongs to the main color (wall decoration, upholstered furniture), 30 to an additional color (furniture facades), and 10% should be devoted to accents.
2. A color-balanced interior is represented by one or two primary colors and the same number of additional colors or accents.
Whether to follow the rules is up to you to decide. One way or another, their violation is only welcomed by the latest fashion trends.
Let's start with the main thing, and this is the color of the walls. A kitchen-living room in white is a universal solution and convenient in its own way. This way you will further increase the area of the room, and later you can easily paint it in any other color.
There is only one minus - in the kitchen area the white will quickly lose its freshness, so be prepared for regular wiping.
From this point of view, a design in beige or gray would be more suitable. This wall color is an excellent background for all other colors and most styles.
In monochrome interiors, the accent will be the unusual color of the wallpaper, decorated with photo printing or three-dimensional images. A bright, cheerful and at the same time waterproof design for a kitchen apron is the best gift for every housewife.
Don’t forget that dark colors are space eaters and should be used in the minority. A fashionable decoration for the guest area will be an accent wall, the role of which will also be played by a dividing partition.
The design of the ceiling is most often a color continuation of the walls, but there are also more modern options - combined or two-level ceilings with PVC or satin fabrics. A glossy or textured finish will harmoniously complement the kitchen set and upholstery of upholstered furniture in the living room.
Decorating the floor in white is a very bold, but not entirely rational solution for the kitchen, and even more so for the living room. A more cunning move would be white “marbled” - with veins or inclusions, beige, brown, gray or black. Striped, checkered and patchwork options are also very relevant, but not for very colorful interiors.
The color of the furniture in the kitchen should echo the furnishings in the living room. You can bring it there, for example, using elements of an accent wall, textiles or sofa cushions. It would not hurt to transfer the color that is present on several vertical surfaces to one of the horizontal surfaces, combining these planes into one whole.
A little about the psychology of color: bright, flashy colors tone up, increase appetite and can make it difficult to fall asleep, and children are most sensitive to this. If you have them, just in case, check out the characteristics of the selected color.
Do you still remember that a kitchen combined with a living room has some disadvantages? In this section, we will tell you what you can do to eliminate them and share other useful tips.
1. The more detailed the design of the kitchen combined with the living room is thought out, the better the result will be. Among the important points that may seem strange are the height and weight of family members, whether you are right-handed or left-handed, the maximum expected number of guests or relatives.
2. To prevent kitchen aromas from whetting your appetite prematurely, take care of a powerful hood (dome) or ventilation system. The inclined mini-model is suitable only for those who cook very little.
3. If the living room doubles as a bedroom, it is important to ensure that kitchen appliances are silent. Modern household appliances, fortunately, can boast of being inconspicuous in this regard. Another option is sliding doors or soundproof partitions. If you are sensitive to sunlight, it is better to choose blackout curtains.
4. Modern household appliances do not fit into your chosen style? Hide it behind the furniture facades and the issue is resolved.
5. Lighting in the kitchen-living room must meet three criteria - be uniform throughout the entire space, especially bright in the kitchen and dining area, and atmospheric in the living room. For the latter, a suspended ceiling with LED lighting will come in handy.
6. All materials used to decorate the kitchen-living room must be moisture resistant - this way they will please you longer.
The ideal kitchen-living room design is a magical mixture:
- personal ideas about beauty and comfort;
- preferences of family and friends;
- modern and durable materials;
- comfortable and favorite things;
- latest fashion trends.
What, in what quantities, when and where to add – no one knows better than you. There is only one thing left - to wish you to reveal your secret, unknown recipe to anyone!