The dream of many housewives is a spacious kitchen,where a large family would gather at the table and guests could be received with dignity. However, ordinary apartments in multi-story buildings cannot boast large kitchens. And you either have to put up with this or change the design, combining the living room with the kitchen.The modern design of the kitchen-living room is muchwill increase the space in the kitchen. However, the problem is solved quite simply. A spacious dining room can be obtained by combining the living room and kitchen. Quite often, owners of 2- or 3-room apartments resort to such a redevelopment of their homes. In this way, you can make the room functional and exclusive, and also visually enlarge it.
Fashion trends and convenience
Scheme of combining kitchen with living room.The main advantage of a combined kitchen and living room is the spaciousness. Such a room is quite convenient for gatherings with friends or parties. You can cook a dish without feeling locked in the kitchen and deprived of the opportunity to communicate with guests. Another positive aspect of combining the living room and kitchen is the ability to look after small children and do necessary chores in the kitchen. Buying one TV instead of two can also be a big benefit in this case. This will not worsen the design of the apartment, but will have a positive effect, since the family will gather more often, watching interesting TV shows. Return to the table of contents</a>
Zoning Space
Living room plan with kitchen.If you decide to redesign your home, you must first obtain permission to demolish the wall, having thoroughly thought out the design of the room. The variations can be quite varied. Two separate rooms, although connected, have different functionality, they must certainly be delimited. Three main zones should be distinguished:
- kitchen, where should be located a kitchen set, household appliances, sink;
- dining area with table and chairs;
- a recreation area where a TV, a sofa and a coffee table are located.
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Correct demarcation of zones
Three separate zones in the kitchen-living room shouldsimultaneously be separated and merged. It is best to place a bar counter, a large aquarium, a sofa, a plasterboard structure between the recreation area and the kitchen area. An island kitchen is quite attractive. It is multifunctional from all sides, but is not suitable for use in small spaces. It is best to place such an island in large areas.Three main zones should be distinguished:kitchen, dining area with table and chairs, recreation area with TV, sofa and coffee table. There are rules that allow you to advantageously delimit the space:
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If the kitchen is small
For a small kitchen, it is recommended to usea minimum amount of furniture. When the kitchen-living room has a small area, the kitchen table can serve as a bar counter, which will not particularly affect the design of the room. The height of the table should be about 80-85 cm. Then you can use ordinary chairs. It is best to cover the walls with wallpaper with a large pattern, but preferably in calm colors. You can hang pictures or photographs on them. An emphasis on a mosaic edging will give the walls and furniture a finished look. If the side is north, then you can hang blinds on the windows. A side mirror will add space and light to the room. The main rule for small spaces is a minimum of furniture, a maximum of modern machines that make life easier for the hostess, and well-thought-out, correctly executed lighting. It is best if the lighting is different in each zone. Return to contents</a>
When the room is big
If the kitchen-living room space is quitelarge, then the best option for delimiting the zones would be a fundamentally different wall design. This can be done by painting the walls in different colors. Or you can create a design based on contrast: decorate one zone with plain wallpaper in pastel colors, and decorate other zones with materials with a large pattern. Return to contents</a>
Pros and cons of the living room with kitchen
A huge plus in combining the kitchen and living roomis the fact that the free space increases and the problem of a small kitchen is solved. If there are small children in the family, they will always be under supervision, and the mother will be able to do her urgent business without running from the nursery to the kitchen and back. When receiving guests, the hostess will not leave either. Such a layout significantly simplifies the life of housewives. However, with all the advantages of a combined space, there are also some negative aspects. For example, when cooking, especially when frying fish, all the smells can get from the kitchen area to the recreation area. It is important to worry in advance about purchasing a very powerful and high-quality hood. The next inconvenience will be the constant maintenance of perfect order in the kitchen. Even individual cups can spoil the overall appearance of the space. Although such a problem is perfectly solved by purchasing a dishwasher. Another point is the noise component of the kitchen area. If family members decide to watch a movie in the living room, they will probably be disturbed by the sounds of cooking (the clanging of dishes, the hum of a blender, microwave, the noise of water). So, combined rooms solve the problems of freedom and space. The main requirement for the design of the room zones is their harmonious combination. None of them should prevail over the other and each should have a specific functional purpose. The owner can do the design to his taste. There cannot be specific rules and requirements for everyone. Each housewife chooses furniture, equipment and paint for the walls, floor and ceiling. Different materials can also be used for interior design.