Introduction
Integrating a kitchen and living area can create a warm, inviting space for cooking, eating, and relaxing. The open design promotes togetherness by allowing family and friends to easily interact while doing different activities. It also enlarges the visual space, making even a modest home feel more expansive. When thoughtfully executed, a combined kitchen and living room offers the best of both worlds in terms of beauty, functionality, and comfort.
Benefits of an Open Kitchen and Living Room
An open concept kitchen and living area offers many advantages over keeping these spaces closed off from one another. Here are some of the top benefits of opening up the wall between kitchen and living room:
Promotes Communication and Togetherness
Removing barriers between cooking and living spaces fosters natural conversation. The cook can participate in family discussions or watch TV while prepping meals. Kids can do homework at the kitchen island while parents cook dinner. An open floor plan encourages togetherness and socializing.
Makes Rooms Appear Larger
Without a wall dividing the kitchen and living room, the space visually expands. The eye is able to take in the entire area, making it feel much bigger than having compartments. Open concept is excellent for small homes, enlarging the feel of modest square footage.
Fills Home with Light and Airiness
With fewer walls blocking the natural light, an open kitchen and living experience enhanced illumination. Wide spaces also promote air circulation, keeping the atmosphere lighter and fresher. No more feeling boxed in.
Allows for Multi-Tasking
A knock-down wall means it’s easier to tackle cooking and household tasks while also relaxing. You can fold laundry, sign papers, or help kids with homework while prepping meals or cleaning up. An open space enables efficient multi-tasking.
Facilitates Entertaining
Hosting parties is much simpler when the kitchen is open to the dining and living area. Guests can congregate in a main hub instead of segregating into different rooms. The cook can remain present at gatherings instead of being isolated. Traffic flow improves tremendously.
Adds Visual Interest
Creative blending of furniture, fixtures, colors and textures make an open kitchen and living area pleasing to the eye. The seamless look has greater visual impact than compartmentalized boxes. Careful design can really highlight the beauty of both rooms.
Allows Flexibility in Furniture Arrangement
With the wall removed, furniture can be freely moved around to create custom layouts. Sectionals, kitchen islands, media units, tables, chairs and more can be positioned to maximize both style and functionality. Open concept accommodates evolving needs.
Increased Home Value
Open kitchen and living rooms greatly appeal to home buyers. The spaciousness and connectedness add to a home’s desirability and resale value. Closed kitchens are seen as outdated. Open concept makes even a small home feel grand.
Design Considerations for an Open Kitchen and Living Space
Knocking down the kitchen and living room wall impacts furniture placement, storage, lighting, flooring, and more. Careful planning creates a cohesive, flowing space. Here are some top design factors to consider:
Establish Logical Zones
Divide the large open space into logical zones for preparing food, eating, entertaining, and relaxing. Use area rugs, distinct flooring types, ceiling fixtures, or furniture arrangements to define each zone while maintaining an open feel.
Incorporate Seating Options
Include plenty of comfy spots for sitting and chatting in both kitchen and living areas. Kitchen islands, bars, banquettes and café tables invite lingering. Sectionals, ottomans and armchairs in the living zone add lounging space.
Select Matching or Complementary Flooring
Unify open kitchen and living rooms through hardwood floors spanning the entire space. Or opt for complementing materials like wood in living room and stone tile in kitchen. Transitions between flooring should feel smooth and gradual.
Add Architectural Interest
Absent the dividing wall, seek architectural components providing visual interest. Floating shelves, exposed beams, backsplashes, accent lighting, vaulted ceilings and skylights prevent a boring blank span.
Include Plenty of Lighting Sources
Illuminate all areas of the open space effectively using plenty of light sources. Pendants work over kitchen islands while recessed lights provide overall ambient glow. Floor and table lamps in living zone add warmth.
Manage Noise Levels
Sounds bounce and amplify within wide open interiors. Add sound-absorbing furnishings and window treatments to soften echoes. Area rugs and wall hangings help minimize unwanted noise.
Establish Logical Kitchen Work Triangle
Position the sink, refrigerator, and stove/oven in an efficient triangular workflow pattern. Avoid work areas that interfere with living room seating or traffic pathways.
Include Sufficient Storage Space
Cabinets, pantries, islands with closed storage, built-in shelving units, and closet organizational systems accommodate kitchen, dining and living room items. Hide clutter to keep open space feeling clean.
Select Transitional Furniture Pieces
Furniture that transitions well between kitchen and living room helps unite the open space. Multipurpose islands, classic dining tables, comfortable armchairs and versatile media consoles adapt to both rooms.
Best Paint Colors for an Open Kitchen and Living Room
Paint color profoundly impacts the look, feel and spatial qualities of kitchen and living rooms sans dividing walls. Here are excellent paint shade options:
Neutral Tones
Stick with light neutrals like warm grays, beiges and cream tones. Avoid visually “cuts” the space. Neutrals add harmony and continuity across open rooms.
Whites
Crisp bright white on walls and ceilings makes the space feel airy and expansive. Try a true white or soft colors like almond or linen. Trim in contrasting white tones.
Green Hues
Sage greens, celadon, jade and other tranquil green tones bring a sense of closeness to nature indoors. Green hues blend kitchen and living zones seamlessly.
Muted Blues
Hues like powder blue, sky blue and slate blue are soft and inviting without dominating the open space. These cool tones contrast nicely with warm wood flooring and cabinetry.
Greige Tones
A blend of gray and beige, greige hues provide enough color to prevent blandness but without strong pigments. Greige is endlessly versatile across home spaces and styles.
Avoid:
- Bold primary colors – can clash
- Blacks or dark hues – feel confining
- Reds or oranges – too stimulating
- Rainbow brights – disrupt visual flow
Stick with light, neutral and subtly colorful paint choices to unify open kitchen and living rooms. Tie spaces together through cohesive, peaceful color palettes.
Fabulous Open Kitchen and Living Room Layout Ideas
How you arrange furnishings and define spaces impacts the functionality and visual appeal of a combined kitchen and living area. Consider these excellent layout options:
Centered Furniture Anchor
Anchor the open space by centering major living room seating on a focal point like a fireplace. Float additional seating toward kitchen and dining areas for fluid transition between rooms.
Parallel Islands
Place kitchen and living room islands/consoles parallel to each other to create a streamlined pathway between zones. Coordinate islands in materials and heights for cohesiveness.
Creative Peninsulas
Use kitchen and media center peninsulas protruding from rear walls to zig-zag and separate spaces. Peninsulas define zones while maintaining an open flow when positioned at angles.
Circle Flow
Situate sofa seating in a circled orientation facing both the kitchen and living zones. This invites movement in all directions and enables easy conversation.
Back-to-Back Anchors
Position the sofa back-to-back with kitchen banquette or island seating. This anchors the setup while directing sightlines both ways.
Defined Entry Points
Establish clear entry points to the kitchen, living room and dining areas using area rugs, distinct flooring or ceiling beams marking transitions between zones.
Choosing Furniture for Open Kitchen and Living Rooms
Furnishings must accommodate relaxed seating, dining and food prep within a seamless open interior. Select versatile, multipurpose pieces that fluidly fit both kitchen and living functions.
Multipurpose Kitchen Island
A sizable island works in open kitchens as a food prep surface, casual dining spot, and additional seating flowing into the living space.
Comfortable Dining Chairs
Dining chairs with armrests and padded seats transition nicely into the living room when pulled up next to coffee tables or sofas.
Bar Stools Do Double Duty
High bar stools tucked under kitchen islands can be pulled into the living zone for extra seating when entertaining.
Small Scale Sectional
More compact sectional sofas work well floating into kitchen areas unlike oversized ones dominating the entire space.
Storage Ottomans
Ottomans pull double duty in open rooms offering extra seating plus hidden storage for blankets and living room items.
Convertible Sofas
Sleeper sofas or futons allow converting living zones into extra sleeping space for overnight guests. This maximizes flexibility.
Multi-Level Island on Wheels
A rolling kitchen island with both counter-height and bar-height levels aligns seamlessly with dining tables and seating.
Buffets and Sideboards
These versatile pieces define dining areas while also providing closed storage for kitchen or tableware out of sight.
Backless Barstools
Barstools without full backs allow for easy transitioning between kitchen islands and open living areas without visual obstructions.
Best Flooring Options for Open Concept Kitchens and Living Rooms
Flooring significantly impacts the cohesive look and practical functionality of open concept kitchen-living spaces. Consider these excellent flooring ideas:
Wood Plank Flooring
Hardwood oak or maple flooring adds warmth while flowing beautifully between rooms. Just ensure wood is sealed properly to endure moisture and stains in kitchen.
Engineered Wood or Laminate
More affordable and durable than natural hardwoods, these realistic-looking synthetic wood floors integrate kitchen and living zones seamlessly.
Luxury Vinyl Planking
Vinyl engineered to emulate hardwood conveys visual consistency across open rooms. Seamless vinyl makes cleanup easy and resists moisture damage.
Porcelain, Ceramic or Stone Tile
Natural stone and porcelain tile flooring suit kitchens while coordinating tile patterns or neutral tones connect living areas stylishly.
Concrete Flooring
Sleek, modern concrete floors (stained, stamped or polished) complement both rustic and contemporary open room designs with durability.
Linoleum Sheet Flooring
Sheet linoleum made from natural materials comes in various wood or stone looks working in both kitchen and living zones. Budget-friendly option.
Groutable Vinyl Tile
These click-together durable vinyl tiles resemble stone, marble or ceramic but are more affordable. Use same tile throughout for consistency.
Blend Different Textures
Combine contrasting textures like wood in living spaces and tile in kitchen for defined separation with open flow.
Carpet Only in Living Zone
Carpet the living room only, varying the texture without interrupting kitchen-dining flow. Use low, gradual transition strips between floorings.
Clever Ways to Add Storage in an Open Kitchen and Living Space
Open floor plans mean less wall space for storage units. Get creative incorporating storage so clutter doesn’t accumulate. Useful ideas:
- Floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinetry maximizes every inch of space efficiently.
- Kitchen island with cabinets/shelves for storing cookware and pantry items centrally.
- Shelving above kitchen cabinets displays decorative items out of the way.
- Built-in cabinetry and shelving flanking the fireplace integrates storage.
- Media console with cabinets keeps movies and electronics organized but accessible.
- Storage ottomans serve as coffee tables or extra seating plus interior storage space.
- Bookcases with cabinet doors allow concealing clutter behind doors.
- Built-in window nooks with storage cubbies underneath for maximum space usage.
- Freestanding open-backed shelving divides kitchen and living room uses.
- Kitchen banquette seating with integrated storage inside the bench base.
- Under-stair shelving tucked into awkward unused spots for miscellaneous storage.
- Recess small appliances into the kitchen island for concealed storage.
- Use rolling carts for flexible storage moving between kitchen and living areas.
With some innovation and multi-functional furnishings, an open floor plan can accommodate all the storage needs of a combined kitchen, dining and living space.
Hanging Out in the Open Kitchen
Removing walls between kitchen and living areas fosters natural interaction and smoother hosting. Here are ways to make the kitchen an inviting, hangout-friendly zone:
- Add comfortable barstools or upholstered banquette seating perfect for sitting and chatting.
- Position the island near enough to the living room for easy communication.
- Use the island or a freestanding table as casual dining spots.
- Install pendant lighting over the bar area to create a warm, inviting glow.
- Display decorative items like fruit bowls or vases on countertops and shelving.
- Use an attractive ventilation hood rather than unsightly exposed ductwork.
- Add amenities like beverage fridges, wine racks, tech chargers for guests’ convenience.
- Float a flat screen TV on the wall easily visible from kitchen prep zones.
- Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation to prevent the kitchen from feeling too utilitarian.
- Incorporate homey touches in the kitchen like photos, art, fresh flowers and plants.
- Keep the kitchen tidy and free of lingering cooking odors which discourage lounging.
Small touches that increase comfort, ambiance and functionality transform kitchen spaces into favorite relaxation spots to mingle when the walls come down.
Displaying Art in the Open Kitchen and Living Room
Art displays add personality while cleverly helping to zone the open space when walls no longer provide divisions. Consider these tips:
- Hang coordinating artwork with similar color schemes or framing over the full open span to unify rooms.
- Spotlight eye-catching large art pieces as a focal point to anchor the living room zone.
- Use groupings of framed prints and photos to define dining spaces without a dividing wall.
- Choose inspiring food-related art murals or prints to place over the kitchen backsplash or island.
- Repeat art themes like botanicals or landscapes in both the kitchen, dining and living areas.
- Display collections of framed photos, plates or artwork in uniform rows to designate specific zones.
- Incorporate art niches or shelving cubbies as built-ins to display cherished pieces throughout the space.
- Install floating ledges or rail systems across the span to break up the space while showcasing decor.
- Position tall bookshelves or etageres divide the open layout while doubling as art displays.
- Use decorative textiles like tapestries, quilts or macrame as eye-catching art forms in neutral open rooms.
Don’t underestimate the power of curated, cohesive art arrangements to add personality and define territories within a wall-less interior.
Choosing Lighting Fixtures for Open Kitchen and Living Rooms
Proper illumination is key for navigating and visually unifying open kitchen and living layouts. Consider a layered lighting scheme:
Ambient:
- Recessed ceiling fixtures wash entire space in soft, even light.
- Surface-mounted ceiling lights enhance brightness in specific zones.
- Wall sconces provide ambient glow on living room perimeter.
Task:
- Undercabinet lights illuminate kitchen prep zones.
- Pendant lights hang over kitchen islands and dining tables.
- Adjustable task lamps provide directional light.
Accent:
- Track lighting spotlights art displays or shelving.
- Toe-kick lighting under cabinets casts a subtle glow.
- Light strips under bar counters or cantilevered cabinets add dramatic flair.
Controls:
- Use dimmers to adjust light levels for various needs.
- Include separate switches throughout the open space for custom control.
- Install motion sensor switches in low traffic zones.
Tips:
- Choose fixtures that complement your decor style for visual harmony.
- Ensure lighting is flattering, not harsh or clinical.
- Avoid using only recessed cans which can create dark, gloomy pockets.
Thoughtfully combining varied light sources creates the ideal ambiance and functionality for a stylish, welcoming open concept kitchen and living area.
Making the Most of High Ceilings
Soaring ceilings are a distinct advantage of open concept kitchen and living rooms. Maximize vertical space through these strategies:
- Install floor-to-ceiling shelving or cabinetry to gain storage space.
- Hang long draperies that puddle on the floor adding height and softness.
- Position tall plants like fiddle leaf fig trees that reach upward without crowding the room.
- Create visual interest with exposed wood ceiling beams.
- Add winding stairs to a loft space for an airy double height effect.
- Accentuate height with a linear fireplace design extending from floor to ceiling.
- Install pendant lights on long cords to bring lighting down closer to the open space.
- Use furnishings with tall vertical shapes slender rather than broad.
- Repeat vertical stripes or patterns on window treatments, area rugs, upholstery.
- Incorporate architectural elements like arched doorways, tall windows and elevated trim.
Drawing the eyes up with vertical elements keeps expansive ceilings from feeling empty and underutilized. Take full advantage.
Everything In Its Place: Organizing Open Plan Living
Open concept living looks beautiful but can become messy without sufficient organization. Conquer clutter through these tips:
- Store kitchen appliances not in daily use inside closets or cabinets.
- Use baskets, turntables and risers to neatly corral pantry items inside cabinets.
- Place everyday dishware on open shelving while extra pieces reside in closed
