Merging spaces: the living room with the kitchen - is it worth it?

Pros and cons of open space

Open space where the kitchen and the living room are merged has an appeal that everyone can appreciate. It is perfect for instance for tiny flats. A small living room increased by the area of the kitchen becomes more spacious and brighter, and open space is conducive to talking during daily chores, such as cleaning or cooking. Instead of two tables – in the kitchen and in the living room – you can have only one. In addition, an open interior presents more possibilities of original, unique design ideas in terms of light, chairs, and the arrangement of the kitchen furniture. The solution also motivates you to keep the place tidy, as dirty dishes or mess on the countertop attract the attention of the family and guests. For the space to look elegant and stylish, the appliances and accessories need to have their fixed places. Just remember about children – an open kitchen gives them better access to hot pots, drawers with kitchen knives and other hazardous objects.

Make sure that the furniture in the living room is arranged in a way that makes it easy to move around the room and have the family members within sight. In this way, the merged space is harmonious and makes all household members feel comfortable. In addition to keeping the style consistent with the functional, uniform floor, take a look at other materials that go well together. Stone can be combined with wood, original tile patterns with glass, and decorative wallpaper with subdued colours and subtle textures. Brick is a recurring theme in modern spaces with a kitchenette. It gives raw interiors a warmer and more familial feel. A kitchenette separated within an open space will intensely attract the eye of all family members and guests. So pick an elegant and neutral design for the best effect.

Designing a kitchen-cum-living room

Island at the centre of the kitchen and living room

An island with a hot plate and a countertop serving as a table is an interesting idea for arranging the space between the kitchen and the living room. It fosters communication in the room. The person preparing the meals is facing those sitting at the countertop and can easily participate in the conversation. You may separate the kitchen zone by laying different material on the living room floor. Pick the elegant Grava White collection in soft colours to give the interior a natural, stony character and to clearly separate both spaces. If you choose an island, you may either opt out of having a table or, just the opposite, provide the room with two places where you can sit. The second solution will definitely increase the costs, but the advantages of having more seats, especially for those who cook or spend a lot of time in the kitchen, are invaluable. It is also very important to have matching furniture colours in both rooms because, after all, they form one space. For example, you may choose kitchen cupboards with wooden veneer fronts – they will look good next to the living room furniture.