Designing an open living and kitchen space has become a popular choice for modern homes as it offers style, practicality and the perfect set up for hosting guests. However, successfully designing an open concept living and kitchen space involves strategic planning.
Far too often open plan spaces can fall short, resulting in a dysfunctional space that has poor flow and fails to differentiate between functions. This article will walk you through how to design an open plan space by considering zones, colour and material and flow, to create the ultimate multi-functional living and kitchen area in your home.
Define Zones with Furniture and Layout
When creating an open plan space, it is important to define zones by using furniture and design to create an obvious divide between the kitchen and living areas. Although an open plan space must work as one, it is crucial that you’re able to differentiate between the kitchen and living room to allow the space to flow well and feel organised.
In the living area it can be helpful to arrange your furniture facing each other surrounding an obvious focal point, like a TV. This will create a visual boundary and ensure that the space is separate, but not completely closed off from the kitchen. A sectional sofa is the perfect choice as you are able to rearrange the sections of the sofa to create different configurations, like U-shapes or L-shapes. Furthermore, facing your sofa and chairs inwards will encourage conversation and socialising, which is perfect for hosting guests in your open plan space.
Similarly, a kitchen island can act as a simple divider between the living area and kitchen. This will provide a seating area that faces directly into the kitchen which is perfect for entertaining, away from the living room or socialising with guests when cooking. In addition, placing pendant lights overhead will create a distinct separation between the two areas, as well as providing some ambience on an evening time.
Use Colour and Material to Connect the Two Areas
To ensure that your space flows between the kitchen and living spaces you can use similar tones, materials and textures to connect the areas.
Typically, a neutral base, like whites or beiges, works well to create visual continuity between the kitchen and living area whilst providing a versatile foundation. A neutral base can be combined with pops of colour to create harmony throughout the space. For instance, in the kitchen area coloured cladding backsplashes can be matched to kitchen appliances and accessories in the living space to create a cohesive environment.
Similarly, the use of complementary materials can provide the same effect. Flooring is a great way to incorporate complementary materials, for example, using hardwood flooring in the living space and durable tiled flooring in the kitchen will provide contrast whilst ensuring that the space flows smoothly. Hardwood flooring is ideal in a living space as it adds warmth and style, whilst sleek tiling is stylish and practical for a kitchen area.
Create Functional Flow
When designing an open plan kitchen and living area it is important to consider the flow and layout of the space to ensure that it is both stylish and practical. When designing the space, you want to avoid placing furniture areas that will block natural pathways or create lots of tight corridors. To achieve this, make sure that you’re able to comfortably manoeuvre around furniture when designing the layout.
In addition, although a central kitchen island offers style and visual appeal, if the area is too small it can hinder the ability to move freely throughout the space. Avoid incorporating a breakfast bar or island just because it looks good and ensure that it will comfortably fit within your space.
In conclusion, an open plan kitchen and living area is ideal for catering towards modern lifestyles. However, when designing an open plan space, it is important to place careful consideration upon layout and design if you wish to create a free-flowing, unobstructed space that enhances social interaction.
