Kitchen-living room design +100 photos of modern interior options

Coziness in the house is an important aspect, on which the comfort of both an individual and all family members depends. In an effort to equip housing, people begin to look for interesting ideas, implement the most daring ideas in life. One of these solutions, actively used by designers, is the arrangement of the kitchen-living room. The layout, which combines several different functional rooms, is used in the construction of new houses, but many contrive to organize it in the apartments of the old housing stock.

Redevelopment can lead to serious problems, and then it is difficult to return everything to its original state. Before choosing this option, it is worth considering a number of points, primarily related to the violation of the architecture. The living room is the living room, resting place, and the kitchen is the utility room for cooking. Combining them into a single space is undesirable, but in some cases such a combination is necessary, it allows you to solve significant problems.

Advantages and disadvantages

The absence of a blank wall between the kitchen and the hall implies a completely different system of organizing the space, in comparison with the arrangement of separate rooms. This layout will not work for everyone, but it is a good option in the following cases:

• the apartment has a small area, and it is impossible to place everything you need in the kitchen;
• a large family lives in a private house, and no matter what parents do, their children should be constantly supervised;
• the kitchen is rarely, or not at all, used for its intended purpose;
• the accommodation is exclusively for parties;
• a person loves to cook, wants to show off his skills, perform all actions in front of the rest of the household and guests;
• the house is large, each resident has his own personal corner.

These are just a few of the possible options. There are many other situations in which this layout is appropriate. For example, the hostess spends a lot of time in the kitchen, while she wants to communicate with the rest of the family who are resting nearby. However, before deciding on such a scheme, it is worth considering all the advantages and disadvantages of a single space. Among the main advantages, combined into one premises of the residential and service areas, are:

• Rational use of living space. Three zones can be placed here: a place for cooking, for receiving it, for organizing leisure and recreation.
• In the kitchen, you can arrange all the necessary kitchen items, furniture, appliances, it becomes possible to expand the working surface.
• Convenience in organizing meals. After cooking, the dishes are immediately put on the table.
• An increase in the number of windows, and therefore the penetration of natural light.
• Savings on household appliances. In a single large room, one TV can be installed, which everyone present can watch.
• The family can spend more time together.
• All things are in plain sight, which makes the environment quite pleasant.

Each medal has its own reverse side. The kitchen-living room is no exception. The main disadvantages of such a neighborhood are as follows:

• Additional costs for redevelopment and renovation activities. We'll have to change the finish of the floor, walls, ceiling to materials that are resistant to high humidity.
• Additional costs of time and effort to obtain permission for redevelopment in the BTI.
• Lack of soundproofing. Everyone present will hear noises coming from the sink, hood, dishwasher, and other equipment.
• Smells of food will penetrate into the living room, and be absorbed into walls, furniture, and surrounding objects. A powerful hood will help partially solve the problem, but it will also require funds to purchase it.
• Keeping the working area clean at all times.
• It will take a competent design for an open space, which not everyone can do on their own.
• Food preparation takes place on a public display, which is not suitable for every housewife.

Design features

The main advantages of any home are its originality and exclusivity. This statement applies even to apartments with a standard layout, but in order to create a unique interior, fantasy alone is not enough, design skills are required. If, when designing a kitchen-living room, we are guided by the correct principles, then the housing will become as comfortable as possible, the residents will feel comfortable.

When creating a project for a new cottage or a private house, you can equip the living room and kitchen in a single space without any problems. However, for typical apartments, this task is much more difficult. In order for the project to be of high quality, to meet all accepted standards, to take into account the wishes of the residents, the following actions will need to be taken:

• Measurement. The area of ​​both rooms is measured.
• Preliminary sketch. Based on the measurements, an approximate floor plan is created. All windows, doors, the location of ventilation ducts, and other structural elements are indicated here.
• Layout. Initially, the kitchen area is allocated, the necessary appliances and equipment are located in it, because all elements are dependent on utilities. Then the place for the dining room and living room is determined.
• Zoning. You can use many options: lighting, finishing materials, screens and partitions, etc.
• Situation. For each functional area, the corresponding furniture and interior items are selected.
• Lighting. You can hang a central chandelier in the hall, but in the kitchen you need to illuminate the work area.
• Style. The common space should correspond to a single direction.
• Decoration Materials. It is worth considering the fact of high humidity, temperature drops.

How to legalize redevelopment

Before proceeding with the reconstruction of the apartment, the owner is obliged to find out what changes are permissible and what to do is strictly prohibited. The living room can only be combined with a kitchen with an electric stove. At the same time, it is impossible to completely demolish the partition. In the load-bearing wall, it is only possible to make a narrow doorway with reinforcement, and in the partition - a wide one with sliding, swing doors, or an arch.

It is unacceptable to carry out reconstruction in houses recognized as emergency, to demolish load-bearing walls, to connect the hall and the kitchen room with a gas stove. No one will approve such a redevelopment, and if it has already been completed, then you will have to pay a fine, return everything to its place.

If the listed norms are met, the owner plans to change the layout, then at the initial stage it must be legalized. This process takes place in several stages:

1. Project preparation. To do this, you should contact the BTI or a design office that has an SRO approval, and order a sketch or design project from them.
2. Application submission. Having collected all the necessary documents (redevelopment project, registration certificate, documents on ownership, etc.), a corresponding application is submitted to the district administration.
3. Renovation work. Having received permission from the housing inspectorate, you can start repair activities.
4. New registration certificate. At the end of the repair, an appeal is made to the housing inspection, after which an interdepartmental commission for changing the layout should arrive, which will draw up a corresponding act. With the received act, passport, extract from the unified state register, the owner of the apartment must contact the BTI, which, after paying for the service, will provide a new technical passport.

We take into account the shape and dimensions of the room

There are several ways to combine the kitchen with the living room: partly with a narrow opening, partly with a wide opening, completely. The first option is used only when there is a load-bearing wall between the rooms, and, relying on regulatory documents, it is not possible to organize a free passage. The second and third methods provide more ideas for organizing a single space.

The kitchen-living room can have a wide variety of dimensions and shapes. The most common are square and rectangular rooms, but there are also non-standard options that have one, two, more atypical corners. The arrangement of each of the listed types must be approached individually:

• Rectangular. It is better to place furniture along one wall, which makes it possible to increase the free area. Also, experts recommend using g- or u-shaped layouts, which allow you to maximize the use of corners.
• Square. An island type of layout will look great here. By arranging furniture in small groups, you can clearly plan the space. It is also appropriate to use the L-shaped arrangement here.
• Non-standard. In round, oval, trapezoidal rooms, you can create a unique interior. Using special furniture, a system of niches, shelves, it is possible to make right angles in the room.

An important factor in organizing a kitchen-living room is the number of windows, their location. The general symmetry, division into functional zones, and the arrangement of objects depend on this. It is also worth considering the dimensions. For large rooms, almost any style is suitable. In small ones - you should apply the techniques of visual enlargement of the living area.

Options for finishing and zoning space

It is impossible to design a kitchen-living room without using zoning techniques. After all, the room combines a kitchen, dining room, living area. To divide the space into several functional areas, and at the same time streamline the interior, made in the same style, you will need to take into account many nuances, carefully think over all the details. You can organize a conditional demarcation of a room in different ways. Let's consider some of the possible options:

• Bar counter. Helps create a cozy atmosphere. It is indispensable in small spaces and helps to save space. It can be used both for its intended purpose and as a dining table, work area. It can be positioned in two ways: attach it to the kitchen unit, use it as a free-standing bar element. The structure should not be installed if small children, elderly people live in the house.
• Two-level floor. If the height of the ceiling allows, then the podium can be a good tool for dividing the room into zones. It is very important to take into account the proportions of the room and the podium in order to harmoniously fit the structure into the overall interior. This element will also help hide various kitchen communications; you can organize a storage system in it.
• Island layout. The island allows you to make the most functional room. The main thing in the organization: central location, openness. The easiest way to build such a structure is to bring standard kitchen units, dining and sofa groups to the center.
• Partitions. These structures allow you to solve any problems associated with dividing the premises into separate areas. The easiest way to organize zoning is to build a drywall wall. But for these purposes, a variety of elements can be used: furniture, shelves, screens, blinds, etc.
• Arches. This architectural element will allow to partially block the opening in the wall and divide the room. In fact, these are a kind of partitions that can be made of various materials, be it wood, metal or glass.
• Sliding doors. This option will be indispensable for a partially combined kitchen and living room. Glass doors look especially good, through which the entire space is visible.
• Aquarium. This item can act as an independent partition, or be built into a part of the wall, installed on a pedestal.

Kitchen area

When organizing a place for cooking, first of all, you need to focus on its size. Initially, it is required to correctly place the kitchen "triangle", consisting of a stove, sink, refrigerator. Determine the dimensions and location of the work surface. Usually it is located between the stove and the sink, but in a large room, an island option can also be envisaged.

Particular attention must be paid to the ventilation system. Experts recommend that you definitely install a powerful hood so that during the cooking process food odors did not spread throughout the room, were not absorbed by furniture and other objects. The technique is chosen silently so that during the work it does not interfere with everyone present.

When choosing furniture, the style of the entire room as a whole is taken into account. In color, shape, it must match the overall interior. It also has to be functional and comfortable. When organizing lighting, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the central chandelier will be in the hall, so the main thing here is to illuminate the work area. Finishing of the floor, walls, ceiling should be in the same style with the rest of the space.

Living area

You can separate one area from another in different ways. The easiest way to zoning a hall is to use furniture. For these purposes, corner and standard sofas, a variety of racks, including stepped ones, wardrobes, and bar counters, are suitable. You can also use a color scheme, different textured wall and floor coverings. With the help of lighting for each zone, you can make your own light accent.

Dinner Zone

The most important factor in deciding where a dining room is located is the area it will occupy. This parameter primarily depends on the number of household members, the personal preferences of the owners of the house, and the size of the room. If the family consists of two people, then a small table is enough, but you can get by with one bar counter.

For a comfortable location for a large family, you will need an impressive table. It is rational to place the dining area in the center in the form of an "island", but this arrangement is suitable only for spacious rooms. If the room has an elongated rectangular shape, then a place is chosen along one of the walls.

You can select a dining place with the help of flooring and its combination. For example, lay linoleum throughout the room, and laminate in the dining room. The table on the podium looks great. Furniture should not be neglected either. With the help of a sofa on one side, the dining area can be separated from the living room, and by a partition from the kitchen.

Style and colors

To select the perfect design and color in the kitchen-living room, professional interior designers follow certain rules. It should be remembered that a small decoration pattern, intersecting stripes visually increase the space, and a large one, on the contrary, narrows it. Diagonal stripes will help create the illusion of movement in the hall combined with the kitchen. The design of a modern kitchen-living room can take place according to a variety of stylistic experimental projects.

Loft

It is realistic to implement such a project only in a large room. The room should be as spacious as possible, without partitions and arches. Combining a kitchen with a loft-style living room should take into account the following features:

• Rough wall and ceiling decoration. Textured plaster, bare concrete, brick will do. Pipes, massive wooden beams are installed on the ceiling, communications are left open.
• No arches or partitions. The separation is carried out using a bar counter, an island, different floor heights, various interior items, for example, a sofa, a chest of drawers.
• Only warm artificial lighting. Home atmosphere and coziness are created with the help of original pendant lamps, spotlights, bending spots and bare bulbs on the same wires.
• Simplicity of materials. For decoration, stone, wood, metal or their artificial substitutes are used. Some elements are specially aged in various techniques.
• Large open windows. They need to let in plenty of daylight and match the origin of the style.

Scandinavian style

A traditional color palette is used. Such kitchen-living rooms are made white, cream, gray. A bright decor is possible against such a versatile background. More often accent colors are those that are as close to natural shades as possible (blue, green, brown). Black elements are used to add depth and expressiveness.

Furniture for a Scandinavian room is chosen small and laconic. The room should not be overloaded with decor and useless things. Shelves and drawers should be closed to provide comfort and hide all unnecessary things. Open shelving is usually used to house decor and houseplants.

The dining group includes large wooden tables, chairs of different design from different eras with noticeable wear. In spacious apartments with niches, the relaxation area is furnished with comfortable light armchairs.

Minimalism

A strict design is primarily accompanied by a sense of proportion and freedom, only straight lines and maximum illumination. There is no decor in the decoration of the walls, floor and ceiling. A minimalist dining room can be of any layout - square, L-shaped. Household appliances are better to choose built-in and maximum functional. The design of a modern dining room assumes the presence of smooth facades made of metal, glass, plastic, and plain textiles.

The color scheme is usually used in contrast. A combination of white and black, gray and beige will look good. The following main features of the furniture correspond to the general design concept:

• Simple surfaces - no decoration, carvings or moldings;
• The strict form of furniture and other interior items;
• Only smooth facades;
• Solid color upholstery and textiles.

High tech

The main principles of this style are modernity, dynamism, high technology. Obligatory components are evenness of corners and shapes, rigor and clarity of lines. This kitchen-living room is chosen by adherents of the avant-garde, keeping up with the times.

If the walls of the room are made of brick or concrete, they are not painted, only plain plaster is used. Arches, partitions are made to match the wall decoration. Built-in lighting is used, lamps are mounted in the ceiling, walls and floor. Chrome-plated kitchen furniture often has its own lighting.

Provence

Sleek French style will make the kitchen-living room romantic and rustic simple. When finishing, a pastel palette is used. Most often these are muted pink, blue, lavender paints. The color theme is diluted not with catchy accents, but with lace and patterns. Synthetic textiles and plastic are not used for decoration.

In a Provence-style dining room, all modern household appliances should be hidden in aged furniture. To get an airy and welcoming composition, it is necessary to carry out competent zoning. To do this, they often use imitation of columns, a bay window and small rectangular ceilings under the ceiling.

Classic style

The traditional classic style is expressed in quality and perfection. It is characterized by high ceilings, massive, reliable furniture, and a rich color palette. The main feature of such interiors is the predominance of products made from natural wood or as close as possible to it.

Finishing and furniture are chosen only from natural materials. High quality curtain fabric, stone countertops, glass facades, wooden tables can be used. There is a lot of decor in the classic kitchen-living room. Stucco molding, ceramic vases, various forged details will be appropriate.

Country

Despite the classicism of this trend, the country style is very popular among modern designers. The atmosphere of a family hearth and comfort is created by multiple decor elements. They must be correctly combined. In such a room, carpets, paintings, woolen bedspreads, a fireplace at the entrance will be appropriate.

A country-style kitchen studio should have a single design. Each area should be well lit, so a large number of fixtures are encouraged. Furniture is arranged taking into account the convenience for all households, while symmetry is not a priority.

Art Deco

Fashionable interior design consists of several styles. The main feature that makes it recognizable is the presence of contrasting decor. Black and white gamut dominates more often. Olive, sandy, emerald green are used as additional colors.

For the decoration combined with the dining room, high-quality expensive materials are used (lacquered wood, marble, ceramics). Visually, the room is divided by flooring, wall cladding. The working area is marked with monochrome mosaic, glass wallpaper with gold, silver sparkles.

Modern

To comply with the Art Nouveau style, the kitchen-living room should be as simple as possible. The color scheme can be any, from standard monochrome to bright with an extraordinary pattern or ornament. Such a dining room should create a dynamic image, but not be overloaded with unnecessary details. Furniture should be stylish, compact and functional. Tables and chairs of a strict form are placed in straight lines, forming islands and peninsulas. To divide a room into zones, several techniques are used:

• Bar counter;
• Different floor levels;
• Dropped ceilings;
• Lighting;
• Wall decoration;
• Furniture items;
• Combined flooring;
• Columns, arches, functional niches.

Selection and competent arrangement of furniture

It is necessary to arrange furniture in such a combined room according to a previously thought out plan. Drawing up the drawing should take place taking into account the fire safety rules. First of all, they indicate a place for a headset and technical devices. The choice of a particular method depends on the size and layout of the room.

Kitchen set

For a small room, furniture and shelves with flat, smooth facades in the color of the walls are suitable. A great option is closed cabinets without handles that open when pressed. If space permits, the headset can be accentuated. A spectacular apron, beautiful accessories will attract the eye and create a mood.

The kitchen area can be located in different ways, but it should be near communications and not go into the living room. In a room in the form of a square, the headsets are installed in the corner. If this is a Khrushchev kitchen, then the table and hanging shelves are placed in a convenient niche. The direct one-wall arrangement is suitable for spacious living rooms in new buildings or studio apartments.

Dining area furniture

For a large kitchen-living room, choose a massive dining table for at least 8 people. It can be a one-piece structure or a transformer. A miniature room is furnished with laconic and compact products. The ideal location for all options would be the central part or area near the window.

The size and shape of the chairs depends on the style of the room. In large rooms, armchairs and seats with armrests will be appropriate. For small ones, it is better to use folding, transparent stools options.

Living room furniture

For a living room, you should choose furniture that is functional and only necessary for use. Bulky dressers, cabinets, shelves should not clutter up the space. The living room can accommodate a low sofa, coffee table, several armchairs. The border of the zones is often denoted by a bar counter or a dining group.

Tall cabinets and other storage systems are placed around the perimeter of the room. A warm hearth will add comfort. The apartments are equipped with electric and decorative fireplaces. You can place them under the TV panel or in the area under a decorative partition.

Technical equipment of the space

When combining several functional areas, it is important to follow the rules of ergonomics. It should also be understood that two completely different rooms will remain in their places. It is strictly forbidden to transfer communications to a more suitable place in apartments.

Fighting odors - extractor hood and ventilation system

To be comfortable in a united room, it must be equipped with a good ventilation system. In typical apartments there is only an exhaust hood, and the air supply is ensured by ventilation. Therefore, a powerful extractor hood should be installed above the stove or hob to clean the air.

It is best not to try to fix the problem with unpleasant cooking odors by installing an air conditioner in your living room. This will not rid the room of food odors, but will only lead to damage to equipment and frequent filter changes.

We think over lighting and lighting

Local sources are used to illuminate any combined rooms. For the convenience of staying in each zone, sconces, floor lamps, ceiling chandeliers are installed. For the most frequently used areas, make the most contrasting lighting.

The work surface should be highlighted with bright, but not annoying light. To do this, mini-lamps are mounted at the bottom of the hanging shelves of the headset so that the light passes over the entire surface. An LED strip is used as a backlight for a sink, a hob.

Choice of decor and textiles

With the help of fabric screens, you can carry out successful zoning. This option is suitable for any type of premises, since soft textiles take up little space and are easy to clean. The material for the curtains is chosen to be practical and not wrinkled.

Decorative elements are selected for a specific style and theme of the room. You can focus on a beautiful chandelier above the dining group, a rack with living plants. If space permits, floor vases, forged abstract designs with letters are installed.

Conclusion

You can combine the kitchen with the living room in a country house or apartment of any size. The lightest and most spacious part should be reserved for this area. You can place functional areas in different ways by any available means. Modern designers equip such a room according to all the rules of ergonomics.