Combining kitchen and living room: How to design the eat-in kitchen
The merging of the kitchen and living room into a living kitchen is a trend that is gaining more and more popularity. This open space design not only creates a sense of spaciousness and freedom but also promotes communication and togetherness in everyday life. A living kitchen offers the opportunity to combine cooking, eating, and relaxing in one space, which is especially appreciated in modern households. But how do you design such a living kitchen so that it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing? In this article, we provide you with valuable tips and suggestions on how to harmoniously connect your kitchen and living room.
The right furniture selection for the eat-in kitchen
Choosing the right furniture is crucial to creating a harmonious open-plan kitchen. Start by selecting a suitable dining table that is both functional and stylish. A large wooden table, for example, can serve as a central element and offers ample space for shared meals. Pair it with comfortable chairs that match the style of the table.
Another important piece of furniture is the kitchen island. It not only serves as an additional work surface but can also be used as a bar or breakfast counter. Make sure the kitchen island is well integrated into the space and provides enough room for movement.
For the living area, comfortable seating such as sofas or armchairs are essential. Choose models that blend in with the overall color scheme and style. A corner sofa can be a good choice to visually separate the living area from the kitchen area without losing the open character of the space.
Storage is also important in an open-plan kitchen. Open shelves or display cabinets can not only be used for storing dishes and glasses but also serve as decorative elements. Ensure that the furniture is functional and does not overcrowd the space.
Lighting also plays an important role. Opt for a combination of ceiling lights, pendant lights over the dining table, and indirect lighting to create different moods. Dimmable lights are ideal for adjusting the light intensity as needed.
Overall, the choice of furniture in an open-plan kitchen should be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Make sure the pieces harmonize well with each other and do not overcrowd the space. This way, you create an inviting and functional open-plan kitchen where everyone feels comfortable.
Decoration tips for a harmonious eat-in kitchen
Decoration plays a crucial role in making an open-plan kitchen cozy and inviting. Start by choosing colors that harmonize in both the kitchen and living room. Neutral tones like white, gray, or beige create a calm base that you can enhance with accent colors.
Plants are an excellent decorative element that brings freshness and vibrancy to the space. Choose easy-care plants that thrive in both the kitchen and living room. Hang plant hangers or place large plants in decorative pots to visually enliven the space.
Artworks and pictures can also help personalize the open-plan kitchen. Choose artworks that reflect your personal style and fit well into the color scheme. A gallery wall can be a real eye-catcher and give the room an individual touch.
Textiles like cushions, blankets, and rugs provide coziness and warmth. Make sure the textiles are color-coordinated and complement the style of the furniture. A large rug can visually separate the living area from the kitchen area while also creating a warm atmosphere.
The choice of accessories is also important. Vases, candle holders, and bowls can be used as decorative elements to beautify the space. Ensure that the accessories do not appear too cluttered and do not make the room feel chaotic.
Overall, the decoration in an open-plan kitchen should be harmonious and coherent. Make sure the various elements harmonize well with each other and do not overcrowd the space. This way, you create an inviting and cozy open-plan kitchen where everyone feels comfortable.
Room design and zoning in the eat-in kitchen
The design and zoning of the space are crucial to creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing open-plan kitchen. Start by planning the different zones that should be present in the kitchen. Typically, there is a cooking zone, a dining zone, and a relaxation zone.
The cooking zone should be well-organized and functional. Make sure that all important kitchen appliances and utensils are easily accessible. A kitchen island can serve as a central element here, functioning both as a work surface and a bar.
The dining zone should be placed near the kitchen to ensure short distances. A large dining table with comfortable chairs is ideal for enjoying meals together. Make sure the table offers enough space and is well-lit.
The relaxation zone should be visually separated from the kitchen area to create a cozy atmosphere. A sofa or armchair can serve as a central element here. Ensure that the seating is comfortable and matches the style of the rest of the decor.
Zoning can be achieved through the clever use of furniture, rugs, and lighting. A large rug, for example, can separate the living area from the kitchen area. Room dividers or shelves can also serve as visual separations without losing the open character of the space.
Lighting also plays an important role in space design. Opt for a combination of direct and indirect lighting to create different moods. Pendant lights over the dining table and floor lamps in the living area can set targeted accents.
Overall, the design of an open-plan kitchen should be well thought out and functional. Make sure the different zones are clearly defined and the space does not appear cluttered. This way, you create an inviting and functional open-plan kitchen where everyone feels comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Designing a Kitchen-Living Room
Designing a small kitchen-living room optimally requires a well-thought-out concept that considers both functionality and aesthetics. Start by selecting multifunctional furniture that saves space while serving multiple purposes. A pull-out dining table or a folding table can, for example, provide more space when needed without permanently cluttering the room.
Use the walls effectively by installing shelves or hanging cabinets to create storage space without taking up valuable floor space. Open shelves can also serve as a decorative element and visually lighten the room.
Color choice also plays an important role. Light colors like white or pastel shades make the room appear larger and airier. Combine these with mirrors to reflect light and visually enlarge the space.
Make sure the lighting is well thought out. Opt for a combination of direct and indirect lighting to create different moods and illuminate the room optimally.
Overall, the design of a small kitchen-living room should be well planned to make the most of the available space. Ensure that the furniture and decorative elements are well coordinated and do not overload the room. This way, you create an inviting and functional kitchen-living room that feels cozy and welcoming despite its size.
Choosing the right colors for an open-plan kitchen is crucial to creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Neutral tones like white, gray, or beige are a popular choice as they provide a calm base and make the space appear larger. These colors can be easily combined with other accent colors to give the room personality.
If you want to add a bit more color, pastel shades are a good option. They are subtle and give the room a fresh and friendly touch. Pastel colors like mint green, light blue, or rose can be used in both the kitchen and living room to create a cohesive color palette.
For accents, bolder colors like dark blue, mustard yellow, or burgundy are suitable. These can be used in the form of accessories, textiles, or individual pieces of furniture to give the room depth and character. Make sure that the accent colors harmonize well with the base colors and do not overwhelm the space.
Overall, the choice of colors in an open-plan kitchen should be well thought out to create a coherent and inviting atmosphere. Make sure that the colors harmonize well with each other and do not make the space appear restless. This way, you create an open-plan kitchen where everyone feels comfortable.
Improving the acoustics in an open-plan kitchen is important to create a pleasant sound environment that promotes cohabitation. Start by selecting materials that absorb sound. Carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture are ideal for dampening sound and improving acoustics. A large rug in the living area, for example, can help absorb sound and make the room acoustically more pleasant.
The walls can also contribute to improving acoustics. Acoustic panels or wall tapestries are an effective way to dampen sound while serving as a decorative element. These can be chosen in various designs and colors to blend well with the overall look of the open-plan kitchen.
The ceiling is another area that can be used to improve acoustics. Acoustic ceiling tiles or suspended ceilings are an effective way to dampen sound and improve acoustics. These can be chosen in various designs and colors to blend well with the overall look of the open-plan kitchen.
Overall, improving the acoustics in an open-plan kitchen should be well thought out to create a pleasant sound environment. Make sure that the various elements harmonize well with each other and do not overload the room. This way, you create an open-plan kitchen where everyone feels comfortable.
The right lighting is crucial to create a pleasant atmosphere in an open-plan kitchen and to optimally illuminate the different areas. A combination of direct and indirect lighting is ideal for creating different moods and making the space functional.
Start with the basic lighting that evenly illuminates the entire room. Ceiling lights or recessed spotlights are a good choice for this. Make sure the basic lighting is dimmable so you can adjust the light intensity as needed.
For the cooking area, targeted task lighting is important. Under-cabinet lights or LED strips under the wall cabinets provide good illumination of the work surfaces and make cooking easier.
In the dining area, pendant lights above the dining table are ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere. Make sure the lights are height-adjustable so you can adjust the light intensity as needed.
In the living area, floor lamps or table lamps create a cozy atmosphere. Make sure the lights match the style of the rest of the furnishings and do not overcrowd the room.
Overall, the lighting in an open-plan kitchen should be well thought out to create a pleasant atmosphere and optimally illuminate the different areas. Make sure the various lights harmonize well with each other and do not make the room appear restless. This way, you create an open-plan kitchen where everyone feels comfortable.
Preserving the open character of a kitchen-living room is important to maintain a sense of spaciousness and freedom. Start by selecting furniture that doesn't overcrowd the space. Choose sleek and minimalist designs that blend well into the room and support the open character.
Color choice also plays a crucial role. Light colors like white or pastels make the room appear larger and airier. Combine these with mirrors to reflect light and visually enlarge the space.
Zoning can be achieved through the clever use of furniture, rugs, and lighting without losing the open character. A large rug, for example, can separate the living area from the kitchen area without visually shrinking the space.
Room dividers or shelves can also serve as visual separations without losing the open character of the room. Make sure these elements are light and transparent to avoid overcrowding the space.
Overall, the design of a kitchen-living room should be well thought out to preserve the open character. Ensure that the various elements harmonize well with each other and do not make the room appear restless. This way, you create a kitchen-living room where everyone feels comfortable.
Choosing the right materials for an open-plan kitchen is crucial to creating a harmonious and functional environment. Start by selecting materials that are both durable and easy to maintain.
For flooring, materials like wood, laminate, or tiles are a good choice. Wood adds warmth and naturalness to the space, while tiles are particularly easy to maintain and durable. Make sure the flooring matches the style of the rest of the decor and doesn't overwhelm the room.
For kitchen countertops, materials like granite, quartz, or stainless steel are ideal. These are not only durable and easy to maintain but also aesthetically pleasing. Ensure that the countertops fit well into the overall look of the open-plan kitchen and don't overwhelm the space.
For furniture, materials like wood, metal, or glass are a good choice. Wood adds warmth and naturalness to the space, while metal and glass create a modern and minimalist look. Make sure the furniture matches the style of the rest of the decor and doesn't overwhelm the room.
Overall, the choice of materials in an open-plan kitchen should be well thought out to create a harmonious and functional environment. Ensure that the different materials harmonize well with each other and don't make the space feel chaotic. This way, you create an open-plan kitchen where everyone feels comfortable.
Designing a child-friendly kitchen-living room requires special considerations to ensure both safety and functionality. Start by selecting durable and easy-to-maintain materials that can withstand daily challenges.
For flooring, materials like vinyl or laminate are ideal as they are durable and easy to clean. Make sure the floor is non-slip to prevent accidents.
The furniture should be stable and tip-resistant. Choose rounded edges to minimize the risk of injury. A dining table with rounded corners and sturdy chairs are a good choice.
Secure all cabinets and drawers with child locks to prevent access to dangerous items. Ensure that all electrical appliances are placed out of children's reach.
The decoration should also be child-friendly. Avoid fragile or sharp objects and instead choose robust and safe decorative elements.
Overall, the design of a child-friendly kitchen-living room should be well thought out to ensure both safety and functionality. Make sure the various elements harmonize well with each other and do not overcrowd the space. This way, you create a kitchen-living room where everyone feels comfortable.
Designing a sustainable kitchen-living room requires conscious decisions when selecting materials and furniture. Start by choosing eco-friendly materials that are durable and recyclable.
For flooring, materials like cork or bamboo are a good choice as they grow quickly and are environmentally friendly. Make sure the flooring matches the style of the rest of the decor and doesn't overwhelm the space.
For kitchen countertops, materials like recycled glass or sustainable quartz are ideal. These are not only eco-friendly but also durable and easy to maintain.
Furniture should be made from sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood or recycled metal. Ensure that the furniture matches the style of the rest of the decor and doesn't overwhelm the space.
Opt for energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption. Make sure the appliances are Energy Star-labeled to ensure they meet the highest energy efficiency standards.
Overall, designing a sustainable kitchen-living room should be well thought out to create an eco-friendly and functional environment. Ensure that the various elements harmonize well with each other and don't make the space feel chaotic. This way, you create a kitchen-living room where everyone feels comfortable.
by Amelia Ford
Amelia Ford blends aesthetics with craftsmanship – not only is she a passionate interiors writer, she’s also a trained specialist in textiles and materials. For Amelia, room design begins with touch: How does a fabric feel? How does a surface reflect light?Her articles explore the sensory impact of materials – from the soft elegance of velvet to the cool clarity of glass and the grounded texture of natural stone. By pairing these elements with different interior styles – from classic British to Scandi-inspired – she creates concepts that are both functional and emotionally engaging. For Amelia, decoration is never just an afterthought – it’s an essential part of a well-balanced space.
Off-duty: Amelia lives in a lovingly restored Victorian terrace in Manchester. Her walls are adorned with carefully selected artwork, and her shelves are filled with fabric swatches, design books and handmade decorative pieces. She loves travelling to Scotland to discover new materials and connect with local craftspeople.
Transparency note: Amelia Ford writes her articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.