20 Very Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Room Ideas – Nerd In The House
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Striking that perfect balance between chic and cozy in a small open floor plan can seem like an interior design conundrum.
As someone who appreciates both fashion and function, I’ve become somewhat of a pro at maximizing every square foot with style.
So let me divulge my top 20 savvy small open plan kitchen living room ideas that’ll make even the tiniest shared spaces feel breezy and beautiful!
Establish subtle separation between the cooking and living zones by incorporating a trendy half wall. Top it with shelving or a waterfall counter overhang.
Use an area rug to anchor each “room” and provide a visual boundary while still maintaining that wide-open flow. Layer a smaller kitchen runner too.
Bright white walls make cramped quarters feel clean and airy. Punch up the cozy factor with vivid accent hues in textiles and decor pieces.
A trim, streamlined sofa without bulky arms saves valuable floor space while still offering plush lounging. Look for low-profile arms and clean lines.
Lend visual interest by installing a boldly patterned backsplash like Moroccan tile or geometric cement varieties behind open shelving.
You don’t need a massive island cluttering up the kitchen. A compact, counter-height version perfect for quick meals delivers function without sacrificing flow.
Open-base furniture like slender-leg sofas and chairs with generous clearance underneath create an airy, less obstructed look.
Make the most of vertical space by hanging a drop-leaf or fold-out table on the living room wall for a multipurpose eating/work surface.
Swap heavy walls for sleek glass partitions or sliding doors to visually expand both rooms while enabling light transfer between spaces.
Keep the kitchen feeling uncluttered while increasing storage by installing wall-mounted cabinets or open shelving rather than freestanding furnishings.
Maximize natural light by positioning any windows between the two zones. It’ll help the rooms flow together organically.
Take advantage of french doors, skylights or solar tubes to usher in ample sunlight and prevent the open floor plan from feeling gloomy and cave-like.
If possible, expand doorway portals between kitchen and living areas to create a seamless, free-flowing transition rather than defined separations.
Extend the same flooring material like hardwood or plank tiles throughout for a connected, expansive ambiance across both rooms.
Strategically placing a large wall mirror in either space helps reflect light and create a sense of extended square footage.
Accentuate the feeling of ample headspace by leaving ceilings high and unencumbered rather than adding beams or drop-down details that’ll constrict.
Carve out a pocket pantry with sliding doors so the full kitchen’s functionality doesn’t overwhelm the living area’s sightlines.
Streamlined, lower cabinets + open shelving = airier kitchen with less cramped, weighted-down vibes. Keep those uppers off the walls!
From paint hues to materials and finishes, sticking to a cohesive color scheme and aesthetic throughout prevents compartmentalization.
Ottomans can serve as coffee tables; counter-height chairs can sub in for dining seating. Double-duty pieces are problem-solvers in small spaces.
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