Open Plan Kitchen Living Room Ideas Small Ideas

by jowe April 3, 2024

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Open Plan Kitchen Living Room Ideas for Small Spaces

Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. An open plan kitchen living room can be the perfect solution for creating a bright, airy, and inviting space in a compact Home. Here are some ideas to help you maximize your square footage and create a dream open plan living area:

Smart Space Planning

L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens: These layouts hug the walls, leaving more room for the living area. Consider incorporating an island or peninsula for extra prep space and casual dining.

Multi-functional furniture: Invest in furniture that serves double duty. Ottomans with built-in storage can provide extra seating and hide away blankets or throw pillows. A console table behind the sofa can act as a desk or buffet.

Vertical storage: Take advantage of wall space with tall cabinets, open shelving, and hanging pot racks in the kitchen. Floating shelves in the living area can showcase decorative items without feeling bulky.

Light and Bright

Light color palette: Paint your walls, cabinets, and furniture in light colors like white, beige, or light gray. This will reflect light and make the space feel larger.

Natural light: Maximize natural light by keeping windows uncluttered and using sheer curtains. Consider adding skylights if possible.

Strategic lighting: Layer your lighting with recessed lights, pendants over the kitchen island or breakfast bar, and task lighting for reading or working.

Defining Zones

Even though it’s open plan, you still want to create a sense of separation between the kitchen and living room. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Area rugs: Use a large area rug to define the living space.

Furniture placement: Position your sofa with its back to the kitchen to create a natural division.

Partial walls or room dividers: A half-wall or shelving unit can separate the areas visually without feeling closed off.

Flooring change: Use a different flooring material, like tile in the kitchen and wood in the living area, to subtly define the space.

Creating a Cohesive Look

Color scheme: Maintain a consistent color scheme throughout the open plan area to create a sense of flow. You can add pops of color with artwork, throw pillows, or accent furniture.

Style: Choose a design style that you love and carry it through both the kitchen and living room. This could be minimalist, Scandinavian, industrial, or any other style that suits your taste.

Focal point: Create a focal point in each area, such as a fireplace in the living room or a statement backsplash in the kitchen.

Small Space Living Hacks

Folding furniture: Consider using a folding table and chairs for dining or a fold-away desk for occasional work needs.

Mirrored surfaces: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and make the space feel larger.

Declutter regularly: Clutter can make a small space feel overwhelming. Regularly declutter and keep surfaces clear.

By following these tips, you can create a stylish and functional open plan kitchen living room that maximizes your small space. Remember, the key is to be creative, think vertically, and prioritize light and flow.