Designing a Modern Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Room

Open plan living has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing for a more flexible and sociable use of space. By combining the kitchen and living room into one cohesive area, you can create a bright, airy feel while enabling better interaction between the cook and guests. However, designing a small open plan space requires careful consideration to ensure the different zones work together harmoniously.

Choosing a Cohesive Color Palette

One of the keys to making a small open plan kitchen and living room feel unified is by using a consistent color scheme throughout. This doesn’t mean everything has to match exactly, but rather that you choose a palette of complementary colors to tie the spaces together.

A great way to start is by finding a patterned fabric you love, like a colorful rug or throw pillow, and pulling out the main colors to use elsewhere. These can then be incorporated through artwork, accessories, and even the kitchen backsplash tiles. Using a soft, neutral wall color like warm white or pale gray helps balance out bolder hues and creates an open, inviting feel.

Defining Distinct Zones

While an open plan layout is meant to feel seamless, it’s still important to define the different functional areas. This can be achieved through clever furniture placement and zoning techniques:

• Use an area rug to anchor the living room seating and visually separate it from the kitchen
• Position the sofa to face the TV, creating a clear living space
• Place a console table or sideboard between the kitchen and living room to divide the spaces
• Hang pendant lights over the dining table to highlight that zone
• Use a freestanding kitchen island as a physical and visual divider between cooking and living

Defining these zones helps create a sense of flow while ensuring each area has a clear purpose.

Choosing Multifunctional Furniture

In a small open plan room, it’s crucial to select furniture that serves multiple purposes to maximize the available space. For example:

• An extendable dining table that can accommodate more guests when needed
• A sofa with built-in storage in the arms or chaise
• A coffee table with shelves or drawers for books and magazines
• A kitchen island with seating on one side for casual dining

Choosing multifunctional pieces reduces clutter and creates a more streamlined look. Opt for furniture with clean lines and minimal ornamentation to keep the space feeling modern and uncluttered.

Incorporating Smart Storage Solutions

Clever storage is key in a small open plan kitchen living room. Utilize every inch of space by:

• Installing floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets
• Adding pull-out pantry units in unused corners
• Using wall-mounted shelves for displaying cookbooks and decor
• Investing in a sideboard or credenza for the living room to stash away media equipment, blankets, and more

Keeping surfaces clear of clutter by hiding away essentials in smart storage solutions makes the room feel more spacious and inviting.

Choosing the Right Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial in an open plan space to create a warm, inviting ambiance. Layer different types of lighting:

• Recessed ceiling lights for overall illumination
• Pendant lights over the kitchen island and dining table for task lighting
• Floor and table lamps in the living area for a cozy glow
• Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen to brighten the countertops

Dimmers allow you to adjust the lighting to suit the mood and activity, from bright task lighting while cooking to low, intimate lighting for evening entertaining.

Maximizing Natural Light

Take advantage of any natural light in your small open plan space by keeping window treatments simple and minimalist. Opt for sheer curtains or roman shades that can be easily opened to let in sunlight. Position mirrors strategically across from windows to reflect and amplify the natural light.

Painting walls a light, neutral color also helps maximize the feeling of brightness and airiness in the room. Avoid dark, heavy window frames and instead choose sleek, slim profiles that won’t block precious daylight.

Incorporating Multifunctional Appliances

In a small kitchen, it’s important to choose appliances that offer multiple functions to save on precious counter and floor space. Look for:

• A convection oven with air fry and dehydrate settings
• A compact dishwasher that can handle a full load
• A refrigerator with an ice maker and filtered water dispenser
• A cooktop with a built-in downdraft vent

Opting for multifunctional appliances means you can achieve more with fewer machines, keeping your kitchen looking sleek and uncluttered.

Choosing the Right Flooring

The flooring you choose can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your small open plan kitchen living room. Opt for a durable, easy-to-clean option like:

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring that mimics the look of hardwood
• Large-format porcelain tiles in a neutral color
• Engineered hardwood with a low-maintenance finish

Choosing a continuous flooring material throughout the space creates a seamless flow between the kitchen and living areas. Avoid busy patterns or high-contrast borders that can make the space feel smaller.

Incorporating Multifunctional Decor

Accessorize your small open plan space with pieces that serve multiple purposes, like:

• A large, round ottoman that can double as a coffee table and extra seating
• A console table behind the sofa that provides storage and display space
• A wall-mounted TV that frees up floor space compared to a TV stand
• Decorative baskets that conceal clutter while adding texture

Choosing decor that multitasks keeps the space feeling uncluttered and intentional. Stick to a cohesive color palette and mix of materials for a polished, pulled-together look.

Conclusion

Designing a modern small open plan kitchen living room requires careful planning and smart choices, but the result is a bright, flexible space perfect for entertaining and everyday living. By defining distinct zones, choosing multifunctional furniture and decor, and maximizing natural light, you can create an open plan space that feels both stylish and functional. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to designing the small open plan kitchen living room of your dreams.

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