Kitchen open to the living room

The article was written in collaboration with Rigo

If in past years, kitchen design focused on creating one clear space for the kitchen separated from the rest of the house, today it seems that the world of design is going in completely different directions. One of the hottest trends of recent years is the so-called open kitchen to the living room, a smart and aesthetic combination between the kitchen and the adjacent living space. Let's talk about the pros and cons, design options and tips that will ensure you get the most out of an open concept kitchen. 

The advantages of a kitchen open to the living room

An open kitchen to the living room, which connects smoothly and naturally, has many advantages that upgrade the functionality of the kitchen as well as its aesthetics. This design style promotes social interaction, allows family and guests to communicate with whoever is cooking and encourages a more collaborative and interactive environment. In addition, it creates a spacious feeling by eliminating walls, making small homes feel larger and more inviting.

The open layout also improves the distribution of natural light and illuminates both the kitchen and the living area. A kitchen open to the living room also has quite a few practical advantages, such as the possibility to easily supervise the children during cooking. This option is great for people who like to host, as the hosts can stay part of the conversation while cooking and serving arrangements. A kitchen open to the living room also encourages organization and cleanliness of the entire central part of the house, which happens naturally in a common and uniform space. A kitchen open to the living room combines modern aesthetics with practical life and creates a homely, harmonious and functional environment.

The disadvantages of a kitchen open to the living room

As we said, a kitchen open to the living room has many advantages, but also some notable disadvantages that need to be recognized and taken into account. One major disadvantage is that it is impossible to minimize the mess created while cooking because the kitchen is visible, so an open layout also requires more careful organization and cleaning. In addition, noise from various devices such as dishwashers and blenders may interfere with conversations in the living room or watching TV.

In the same direction, smells from cooking and frying can easily spread throughout the space and cause an unpleasant feeling (which proper ventilation and a quality hood can solve). In addition to all of these, it should be remembered that the combination between the kitchen and the living room may limit the storage space for cabinets and electrical appliances. Finally, renovating or redesigning an open kitchen can be more complex and expensive due to the need for cohesive design elements and structural considerations.

Combining an island in the kitchen open to the living room

Combining a kitchen island in a kitchen open to the living room is a great way to upgrade the space and the atmosphere. It is part of the space that serves as a natural divider and demarcates the kitchen from the living area while maintaining an open and airy feel. It provides additional space for cooking, serving and meals, which is a big advantage in open-plan kitchens. In the kitchen island we can also integrate other elements such as a stove, sink or dishwasher and thus improve work in the kitchen. In the social and family aspect, a kitchen island is a focal point where the family and guests can gather and spend quality time together.

Bar stools and seating will allow a versatile addition to meals, casual meetings and even as a table for the children's homework. In addition to these, the island offers additional storage with built-in cabinets or shelves, which helps keep the kitchen organized and free of unnecessary clutter, critical in shared spaces. The combination of functionality, aesthetics and social interaction makes this option excellent in kitchens open to the living room. 

Visual separation between the spaces

Creating a visual separation between the kitchen and the living room in open concept designs is essential to maintaining functionality and aesthetics as well as maintaining privacy. Using different design elements we can achieve this balance in a good way. One approach is to use different flooring materials or rugs to elegantly delineate any space. For example, wooden flooring or tiles in the kitchen can be changed to a carpet in the living room and thus clearly define each space while maintaining design continuity. Another original option is the use of lighting fixtures to create distinct areas.

Hanging lamps or recessed lighting above the island in the kitchen could be a contrast to the chandelier in the living room and thus create a conceptual separation between the spaces. Another thing that can be done is choosing different colors that complement each space. Finally, placing furniture such as sofas, bookshelves or screens at strategic points can offer physical separation without compromising the open feel. It is definitely worth combining the techniques to achieve the best result. 

Tips for designing an open kitchen for the living room

Designing a kitchen open to the living room requires careful planning to balance functionality, aesthetics and comfort. Before you open a kitchen catalog to choose the next design of your kitchen, here are ten winning tips for creating an inviting and comfortable space with an open concept:

Smart layout planning: make sure that the working triangle in the kitchen (sink, stove, refrigerator) is efficient and convenient to maintain functionality despite the connection to the living room. 

Combination of an island: combine an island for the kitchen to be used as a boundary, for additional work space and a social center with seating. 

Consistent design: use complementary colors, accessories and design elements to create a harmonious look between the kitchen and the living room. 

Effective ventilation: install a quality hood to get rid of cooking smells and maintain a pleasant atmosphere in the living room. 

Combined lighting: try to combine work lighting and ambient lighting to demarcate spaces and improve the general atmosphere. 

The placement of the furniture: arrange the furniture so that they clearly define the different areas and make sure there is a logical flow and easy movement in the space. Storage solutions: optimize storage with built-in cabinets and shelves to maintain an environment free of clutter and unnecessary clutter. 

Sound control: Use soft furnishings, carpets and acoustic panels to minimize the amount of noise that travels from the kitchen to the living room. 

Dedicated flooring for each space: Create a separation between spaces using different types of floors to create a unique visual appearance for each part. 

Functional design: Choose design items that are both aesthetic and functional, such as stylish storage containers or attractive cookware. 

In conclusion

An open kitchen to the living room is a wonderful design style that offers many advantages and largely reflects the modern lifestyle. If you are also in doubt about your kitchen, Regba's experts are available for you at every step and will be happy to give additional tips and information that will help.

Want to know more? On the Regba Kitchens website you will find more information and interesting articles, such as the boho chic trend in kitchens, which will help you get to know more styles and find the style that speaks to you the most. successfully!