An open concept kitchen living room has become a hit in modern interior design. Why? Because it creates a spacious, bright, and sociable space perfect for a modern lifestyle.
But how do you create it without making a mistake?
This guide provides practical tips and tricks to help you transform your home. You will learn how to make the best use of every square meter, and how to choose the right lighting, furniture, and decorations. Enjoy the freedom of designing a kitchen that not only looks great but also functions perfectly. Let’s get going.
What is an Open Concept Kitchen Living Room?
An open concept kitchen living room means merging these two spaces into one large, multifunctional space. The walls disappear, and the space becomes more spacious and bright.
Why is that so appealing? Because it eliminates barriers. While you’re cooking, you can chat with your guests or watch the kids play.
Simply put, an open concept creates fluidity. The kitchen flows into the living room, and the living room into the dining room – everything is connected. The result is a space that looks bigger and brighter.
This design concept also allows for better use of space. Without walls, you have more freedom to arrange the furniture. You can create different zones within one large space. A kitchen island can be a focal point where you gather or work on projects.
But it’s not all about aesthetics. An open space also improves the flow of air and light. Natural light can penetrate deeper into your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. It also allows for better ventilation, which is useful when cooking.
Of course, there are challenges. For us, the biggest challenge is smells from the kitchen spreading throughout the room. If you like to cook dishes with strong aromas, consider good ventilation and a powerful hood.
Is Your Home Ready for an Open Concept Design?
You may like the design idea, but can your home handle an open concept kitchen living room? To determine this, check the layout of the space. How many walls need to be removed? It’s important to know which walls are bearing because their removal should be approached carefully and professionally.
Measure the space. Ideally, you should have at least 25 to 30 square meters for this transformation. If the space is smaller, it can feel cramped instead of open.
The height of the ceiling also plays a key role. High ceilings (over 2.5 meters) are better suited to an open concept as they add a feeling of spaciousness. If the ceilings are lower, you may need to consider lighting and colors further to avoid a claustrophobic feeling.
An open concept works best in spaces with lots of windows. Observe how much natural light enters the space during the day – if light is limited, plan for additional artificial lighting.
Check existing installations. Where are the water and electrical connections located? Moving those installations can be expensive and demanding. It’s better if you can keep the kitchen appliances and the sink in the same place.
How will you use the space? Do you need a large dining room or do you prefer a cozy coffee corner? Plan zones according to your needs (keep reading to learn how to create zones).
Additionally, an open concept kitchen living room can be financially demanding. On top of the cost of tearing down walls, be sure to consider the cost of new floors, lighting, furniture, and finishing touches.
To sum it all up:
- Layout of the space: Check how many walls need to be removed and which are load-bearing.
- Space size: Ideally 25-30 square meters or more.
- Ceiling height: High ceilings (over 2.5 meters) are better suited.
- Natural light: A space with lots of windows is more suitable.
- Installations: Check the locations of water and electrical connections.
- Functionality: Plan zones according to your needs.
- Budget: Include the cost of demolition, new flooring, lighting, furniture, and finishing touches.
How to Create Zones in an Open Concept Kitchen Living Room
Creating zones in an open concept kitchen living room is key to functionality and aesthetics. Here’s how to achieve it:
Furniture as a Partition
Use sofas, shelves, or kitchen islands to visually separate rooms. A sofa can mark the border between the living room and the kitchen, while a strategically placed shelf can provide additional storage and display space. Kitchen islands can also serve as a natural divider, offering a place for cooking and casual dining.
Rugs
Place rugs of different sizes and patterns to define different zones. One large rug can mark the living room, creating a cozy seating area, while a smaller rug can delineate the dining room, providing a distinct visual cue for where the dining area starts and ends. Rugs add warmth and texture, making each zone feel more inviting.
Lighting
Use different types of lighting for each zone to create a distinct ambiance. Pendants above the kitchen island can provide focused task lighting, a chandelier above the dining table can add elegance and central focus, and floor lamps in the living room can offer softer, ambient lighting. Layer your lighting to ensure each area has the right brightness and mood.
Colors & Materials
Combine different colors and materials to create visual boundaries and highlight specific zones.
For example, you can use wooden floors in the living room for a warm, homey feel and tiles in the kitchen for durability and ease of cleaning. Paint walls in complementary colors or use wallpaper to further distinguish different areas, adding depth and character to the space.
Decor
Use wall decorations, pictures, or plants to mark transitions between zones. A large plant can be a natural partition between the kitchen and the living room, adding greenery and a sense of freshness. Wall art and decorative items can reflect the personality of each zone while maintaining a cohesive look throughout the open space.
Furniture With Dual Functions
Choose furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes to maximize efficiency. The kitchen island can serve as a work surface for meal prep and transition into a dining area with bar stools for casual meals. Similarly, a bench with storage underneath can provide seating and a place to store blankets or kitchen items, blending practicality with style.
Open Shelves
Open shelves can serve as a partition while maintaining the impression of spaciousness. They allow light to pass through and keep sightlines open, making the room feel larger. Additionally, they provide extra space for storage and decoration, allowing you to showcase your favorite books, plants, or kitchenware without closing off the space.
Space Height
Use ceiling height to emphasize different zones within your open concept. For example, a suspended ceiling above the kitchen can create a feeling of intimacy and define the cooking area, while higher ceilings in the living room can make the space feel grander and more open. Using beams or different ceiling treatments can add an architectural element that visually separates the zones.
Dining Table
A centrally placed dining table can be the heart of an open space, clearly defining the dining area. It acts as a focal point where family and friends can gather, bridging the kitchen and living spaces. Choosing a distinctive table and chairs can add character and make the dining area stand out.
Mistakes to Avoid When Designing an Open Concept Kitchen Living Room
Designing an open concept kitchen living room can be challenging if you lack experience. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Without clearly defining the zones, the space can look messy. Use carpets, lights, and furniture to highlight different areas.
- Open spaces need a lot of storage space. Built-in cabinets and shelves are key to maintaining order.
- One type of lighting is not enough. Combine ambient, task and decorative lighting for functionality and atmosphere.
- A crowded space loses functionality, while an empty space looks cold. Find a balance.
- Open spaces can be noisy. Carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture can help absorb sound.
- Everyone needs some privacy. Consider screens or room dividers for intimate corners.
- Open concept kitchen living rooms need good ventilation. Consider additional windows or ventilation systems.
- Mismatched styles can create chaos. Maintain a consistent aesthetic throughout the space.
- The furniture should match the size of the space. Pieces that are too big can overwhelm it, and pieces that are too small will look lost.
- One color can make a space boring. Play with shades and patterns for a dynamic look.
- A space without a focal point can seem disjointed. A fireplace, piece of art, or central furniture can serve as a focal point.
3 Best Layouts for Open Concept Kitchen Living Rooms
Central Kitchen Island
Place the kitchen island in the center of the space. This not only serves as a work surface, but also as a place for dining or socializing. Choose an island with enough space for food preparation and seating.
For example, a 2.5-meter-long island can have space for four bar stools on one side and enough cooking space on the other. The island can also contain additional storage space underneath, where you can place pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils.
Pro tip: Illuminate your space with pendant lights to create a pleasant atmosphere and functional lighting.
L-Shape Layout
The L-shaped layout allows a clear flow between the kitchen and the living room. Situate the kitchen against one wall and the living room against the other.
The L-shaped kitchen provides a wide work surface and allows easy movement between different cooking zones. This arrangement leaves a lot of open space in the middle for free movement and setting of the dining table.
In the corner of the living room, you can place a sofa facing the kitchen, which encourages interaction. Also, install shelves or cabinets along the walls for extra storage space without disrupting the open layout.
U-Shaped Layout
The U-shaped kitchen provides plenty of work and storage space, keeping the kitchen separate but open to the living area. This layout includes three walls with work surfaces and cabinets, providing maximum space for preparation and cooking.
Ensure a corridor width of at least 1.2 meters between opposite work surfaces so that there is enough space for two people to move freely. A kitchen island can be added in the middle for additional work and seating space.
Place tall cabinets or wall shelves at the ends of the kitchen for extra storage space, while the open end of the kitchen will provide an unobstructed view of the living room.
Creating Focal Points to Anchor Your Design
What are focal points? The official definition is that a focal point is the thing that people concentrate on or pay the most attention to.
So, how do you create a focal point in your open concept kitchen living room? Easy!
First, choose one main point in the room. It can be a fireplace, a large window, art or a TV. That point will attract the most attention. Use colors and textures that stand out.
For example, a colored wall or wallpaper behind the fireplace can be a great way to create a focal point. In the living room, a colorful rug or an interesting piece of furniture can immediately attract attention.
Place lighting that will emphasize your focal point. Wall lamps, spotlights, or table lamps can illuminate key areas of the room.
A large piece of art on the wall can be the perfect focal point. Choose pieces that are in line with your style, but striking enough to attract attention. Place the furniture so that it directs the view toward the desired focal point. For example, turn sofas and chairs toward the fireplace or TV.
A large plant or group of smaller plants can also serve as a focal point. Add decorative elements such as vases, sculptures, or candlesticks.
Pro tip: Incorporating too many focal points can confuse and reduce the effect. Stick to one or two main focal points per space.
How Much Will It Cost?
Wondering how much an open concept kitchen living room design will cost? Here are some estimates to consider:
| Item | Cost (USD) |
| Wall Demolition | $550 |
| Wooden Flooring (per sq meter) | $65 |
| Vinyl Flooring (per sq meter) | $27 |
| Kitchen Island Pendants | $80 each |
| Ceiling Lights | $110 – $330 each |
| Basic Kitchen Island | $1,100 |
| Granite Countertops Add-on | $1,900 (total with island) |
| Modular Sofa | $1,650 |
| Dining Table | $550 – $2,750 |
| New Kitchen Installation | $8,250 |
| Open Shelving (per meter) | $165 |
| Large Living Room Rug | $440 |
| Small Area Rugs | $220 each |
| Ventilation System | $2,750 |
| Additional Windows | $500 each |
| Art and Wall Decor | $55 – $550 each |
| Large Indoor Plants | $80 each |
| Decorative Pots | $27 – $55 each |
| Electrical Outlets | $100 – $200 each |
| Smart Home Installation | Up to $1,000 |
| Interior Designer Fee | $50 – $200 per hour |
| Handyman Services | $30 – $100 per hour |
Demolishing a wall can cost around $550, depending on size and structure. Wood floors cost around $65 per square foot to install, while vinyl floors are cheaper at about $27 per square foot. Kitchen island pendants are around $80 each, and ceiling lights range from $110 to $330, depending on design.
A basic kitchen island is approximately $1,100, but granite countertops can raise the price to $1,900. A modular sofa costs about $1,650, while dining tables can go from $550 to $2,750. In total, installing a new kitchen can cost around $8,250, including cabinets, countertops, and basic appliances.
A large living room rug is around $440, while smaller rugs are about $220 each. Installing a ventilation system costs around $2,750, and adding windows costs about $500 each. Artwork and wall decor range from $55 to $550 each.
Labor costs should not be overlooked. Interior designer fees range from $50 to $200 per hour, while hiring a handyman can cost between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on the job’s complexity.
Plan your budget accordingly to accommodate these costs and ensure a smooth renovation process!
Final Thoughts
Designing an open concept kitchen living room can be challenging, but worth your time.
To review some of our most important tips: Maximize the space by arranging the furniture properly and choosing multi-functional pieces. Choose a color palette that will blend harmoniously into the entire space. Make sure there is sufficient natural light and strategically place artificial lighting.
Keep functionality and aesthetics in mind when designing an open concept kitchen living room. Experiment with different styles or use 3D designing software until you find the perfect balance. And always let your kitchen design reflect your personal style! Don’t just blatantly copy from Pinterest.
Are you ready for a home transformation? Start planning today!
