My Experience With Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Rooms

My Experience With Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Rooms

When my husband and I moved into our new home, we were excited about the open plan kitchen and living room. We loved the idea of being able to cook and entertain guests at the same time. However, we quickly realized that designing a small open plan kitchen living room was not as easy as we thought it would be.

Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Room Ideas

Designing a small open plan kitchen living room requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with a color scheme that creates a cohesive look between the kitchen and living room.
2. Choose furniture that can serve both purposes, such as a kitchen island that can also be used as a dining table.
3. Use lighting to create different zones in the space, such as task lighting for the kitchen and ambient lighting for the living room.
4. Add storage solutions that blend in with the overall design, such as built-in shelves or cabinets.
5. Use rugs or different flooring materials to define different areas of the room.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Maximize vertical space by installing shelves or cabinets up to the ceiling.
2. Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as storage ottomans or coffee tables with drawers.
3. Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.
4. Invest in quality lighting fixtures to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Use a neutral color palette to create a cohesive look between the kitchen and living room.
6. Install a sliding door or room divider to separate the kitchen from the living room when needed.
7. Use a kitchen island with wheels to create a flexible workspace that can be moved around as needed.
8. Choose decor that adds personality and style to the space, such as artwork or throw pillows.
9. Install open shelving to display your favorite items and keep the space feeling open and airy.
10. Invest in quality appliances and fixtures that will last for years to come.

Pros and Cons

Like any design choice, there are pros and cons to a small open plan kitchen living room:

Pros:

• Creates a sense of openness and flow between the kitchen and living room.
• Makes it easier to entertain guests while cooking.
• Maximizes a small space by combining two rooms into one.

Cons:

• Can be difficult to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
• Noise and smells from the kitchen can be a distraction in the living room.
• Can make it difficult to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in the living room.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After living with a small open plan kitchen living room for several years, I have found that it can be a great design choice if done properly. My suggestion would be to invest in quality storage solutions and furniture that serve multiple purposes, such as a kitchen island with built-in storage. It is also important to create different zones in the space using lighting and rugs to define different areas. Overall, a small open plan kitchen living room can be a great way to maximize a small space and create a sense of openness and flow.

FAQs

Q: How do I create a cohesive color scheme between the kitchen and living room?

A: Start with a neutral color palette and add pops of color through decor and accessories. Use the same accent colors in both the kitchen and living room to create a cohesive look.

Q: How do I separate the kitchen from the living room?

A: Install a sliding door or room divider that can be closed when needed. You can also use a kitchen island or different flooring materials to define the different areas of the room.

Q: How do I keep the space organized and clutter-free?

A: Invest in quality storage solutions, such as built-in shelves or cabinets. Use furniture with built-in storage, such as a storage ottoman or coffee table with drawers. Keep decor and accessories to a minimum to avoid cluttering the space.