Planning of kitchen
How to plan a kitchen – 10 steps to creating your dream space
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Perfecting your kitchen design is a big and exciting job. You get to make all mood boards, order all the paint samples, subscribe to all the magazines, all in the name of research, but there's no denying that it can get a little stressful if you aren't really sure what you are doing.
Whatever your remodeling plans may be, we are here to help you when it comes to how to design a kitchen like a professional. Whatever your budget, and whatever your style, our ten steps will have the process as easy as possible.
In this feature, we take you through all the stages, from kitchen planning and finding your ideal kitchen design style, to choosing the best cabinetry, kitchen flooring and more. So, if your current kitchen is outdated and needs a drastic makeover, or if you have a blank canvas to design your new kitchen from scratch, read on for all the kitchen planning advice, design ideas and more that you need.
Looking for more kitchen decor rather than practical advice? Go to our kitchen ideas page next for heaps of inspiration.
Choosing a kitchen designer, architect or builder is a big part of the process, which is why we've put together specialist guides aiming to help you find the best professional for your project. Do take a look, and if you want budgeting advice and information on how much a new kitchen costs we can help too.
How to plan a kitchen in 10 steps
(Image credit: Chris Snook)
Kitchens used to be hidden-away workspaces, but today they’re rooms in which we spend huge amounts of time. Not only do they need to offer the preparation and cooking facilities that suit all the home’s occupants, but they must also be stylish space we want to enjoy being in.
Often, they’re a zone in an open-plan kitchen diner and living space, so the kitchen’s decor must work harmoniously with dining and relaxing areas as well.
Proper kitchen planning is key if you want a successful kitchen design that fulfills all your expectations, and these ten steps will get you there, whether you’re doing it alone or have called in the help of an expert.
(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)
Analyzing what you currently have in your existing kitchen versus what you need and want from your new kitchen design is key. Often, it's best to do this yourself before you go to a kitchen planner or kitchen designer, using what works in your kitchen now – and changing what really doesn't. This process will also allow you to get creative, to realize if anything can be reused or recycled.
Think about your kitchen cabinets, do you want a kitchen island? Does a living area need to be incorporated? Even go into what style of sink you might want and how many appliances you need to fit in.
(Image credit: Farrow and Ball )
When considering different kitchen design and layout ideas, think about the following to gain a clearer picture:
- How do you use a kitchen? The kitchen layout should be designed to perfectly fit your lifestyle.
- Is it an open-plan space? Focus on the layout of the working part of the kitchen first, but also on its relationship with a dining table, if there is one, or – in an open plan kitchen-living-diner – the other zones.
- Don't forget the working triangle. To plan the preparation and cooking space, use the design concept of the working triangle of the kitchen. The three points are the fridge, sink and hob with imaginary lines between these forming the triangle shape. The three points should be near enough to each other to make meal preparation efficient but each workstation shouldn't feel restrictive.
- What will work best with your kitchen's shape? Think of the triangle imposed on the possible layouts a kitchen can take. These are galley kitchens, U-shaped kitchens, L-shaped kitchens, curved kitchens, and open plan kitchens. Keep scrolling down the page to the section that best suits your kitchen shape.
3. Draw up a detailed kitchen floorplan
(Image credit: CRL Stone)
With your list done, you can begin to work up a floorplan. When you design a kitchen, it’s important to understand the space you’re working with. Ask a kitchen company, an architect or architectural technologist – or use graph paper and do it yourself – to carefully make scale drawings of your kitchen's floorplan.
Marking up a floorplan. Mark the exact location (to scale) of internal and external doors and windows, so you have the best flow possible between your kitchen, outside space and the rest of your house. You'll need to factor zones into your plan if you're designing an open plan kitchen too for example.
Plotting in the cabinetry and appliances. Best way to do this? With little paper cut-outs of to-scale appliances and cabinets. Failing that, use a pencil and have an eraser to hand. Once you see exactly how much room you have to work with, you can start planning how to make the most of it. It will also give you a clear idea of how much you want to spend before beginning the design process proper, ensuring you end up with a scheme you can afford – and helping you reduce excess costs early in the process if your plans don't match your budget.
We have plenty of guidance for planning a small kitchen design or creating a family kitchen too, if you want tips on creating a successfully cohesive, well-laid out room.
(Image credit: Remedy Design)
Once you've considered the starting points above, you can really start to gather your kitchen inspiration to have the end result in sight.
Finding a style to suit the practicalities of your kitchen design is vital, think about the following:
Do you want it to compliment the style or period of your home or contrast it? To match the decor of your other rooms, or to stand out? What style of units do you want to go for? How will you use color or bring texture into the room with materials?
All of these elements should be considered before any work takes place. Once you have a look in mind, you can start to put your kitchen planning into practice.
Below, are some kitchen design ideas – modern, traditional and freestanding (use these links to jump straight down to them) – to inspire you and to help you envisage how your new kitchen could look.
(Image credit: James French)
Contemporary kitchens can work in modern or period homes, but they do look most at home in light-filled, simple spaces. Think elegant, minimalist cabinetry, carefully selected color simple schemes and perhaps a few feature pieces in there too.
You'll see that modern kitchens often have fitted storage and built-in appliances to keep that minimalist look. If you want to design a kitchen that is clutter-free, a modern kitchen is the best kitchen design for you.
See modern kitchens in our design gallery for tons of inspiration.
See luxury kitchens with a contemporary edge in our kitchen design gallery – you needn't have a big budget to mimic these looks.
Traditional kitchens: choose formal, rustic or country for a period feel
(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)
Traditional kitchens fit perfectly if you live in a period home with traditional features and lovely quirks – but can also really suit modern homes in need of a touch of character. There are plenty of kitchen styles that come underneath the umbrella of 'traditional' so you can find a style to suit your tastes.
See Shaker kitchens in our kitchen design ideas gallery if you want a classic, traditional kitchen that never dates. This kitchen design suits all styles of settings, from modern kitchen extensions to rustic country cottages. Unlike some traditional kitchens, the Shaker style is simple and uncomplicated, with no elaborate moldings or fussy decorations – a perfect blank canvas to add your own personality.
If you are designing a kitchen and want a more traditional look, see more country kitchens and farmhouse kitchens in our design ideas galleries for rustic inspiration. Country kitchens include painted designs, while farmhouse kitchens are more ruggedly rustic.
See vintage kitchens for inspiration for creating a kitchen design that's more about homespun charm. These highlight the original features of your home, like beams or original tiles, and are the perfect kitchen design if you want a space with loads of personality and coziness.
Freestanding kitchens: flexible furniture for all types of home
(Image credit: Polly Eltes)
Freestanding kitchens will work in modern or period homes, and are less about that new, built-in kitchen look and more about mixing and matching one-off pieces to create a one-off kitchen design.
This kind of kitchen design takes more thought because it's not as straightforward as just choosing a fitted kitchen. Instead, you will need to design your own kitchen completely and decide on various routes:
- Get the bones of the kitchen sorted by buying the key parts like cabinets and the worktops from a company that specializes in made-to-measure pieces (more expensive) or one that makes fitted kitchen furniture with a freestanding look (more affordable!).
- Spend time finding pieces that will work together and fit in your space (this is very time-consuming and sometimes fruitless).
- A combination of the two routes above: get the main elements from a kitchen company or designer and then source one-off pieces to give it that unique feel.
Either way, when designing your kitchen, we recommend making a list of your freestanding essentials (cabinets, dressers, kitchen islands, etc), take measurements, keep them to hand and then talk to both kitchen designers and joiners, but also to keep your eye out for suitable pieces on online markets, vintage stores and even charity shops.
See freestanding kitchens in our design gallery to get inspiration and more advice for your scheme.
(Image credit: Meir Australia )
Once you know the look you want, you can start selecting kitchen units, finishes and the likes. This will mostly come down to your budget, but we will say investing in the best quality kitchen you can afford will add value to your home. And, it goes without saying that the better quality materials you choose, the longer your kitchen may last.
These materials lend themselves more to a traditional kitchen design:
Hardwood is the best and most hard-wearing material you can choose for your kitchen cabinets.
Plywood is also a good choice and often slightly cheaper than a solid wood kitchen.
If you want a sleek modern kitchen design:
Fibreboard cabinets: they are usually inexpensive but are long-lasting and give you that totally smooth surface for a chic, minimalist look.
Which materials to avoid?
Cabinets and cabinet doors that have a wood veneer tend not to last very long as the veneer layer can peel and chip. The same goes for particleboard. However, both these materials are budget-friendly so if you are trying to keep your cost at a minimum they might work for you.
For more tips on how to choose kitchen cabinets head to our guide for loads of practical advice and inspiring ideas.
6. Choose the best colour scheme for kitchen cabinets
(Image credit: Floors of Stone)
Colour is perhaps as important as the style of cupboards you choose as it will be the first thing anyone notices about your kitchen.
The most popular color choice for a kitchen is white, closely followed by cream, off-white and pale grey, and this is a good option if you want your kitchen to be a backdrop for you to add your own color and personality in decor while retaining a classic kitchen design that won't date, is easy to redecorate around in future, and which won't put off future house-buyers.
A white or pale-colored kitchen design also allows you more options when it comes to choosing decor – from kitchen tiles to kitchen flooring – as you can be bolder in your choices there. See white kitchen design ideas in our design gallery.
Grey kitchens are also very on-trend and work with both traditional and contemporary kitchens. See grey kitchens in our design gallery.
See dark kitchens – another massive trend at the moment – in our design ideas gallery, too.
If you're feeling brave or just love color, just check out our kitchen color scheme feature to get inspired.
7. Select the best kitchen worktops
(Image credit: B&Q)
Kitchen worktops need to work with your budget as well as tastes. Laminate, at the budget end of the market, can take on the appearance of other materials and is easy to look after. Opt for the best quality you can. Wood looks warm and is pleasing to touch, but does need regular care. Natural stone can look spectacular and each piece has a unique appearance. It should be sealed. Man-made composites are hard-wearing and easy to look after.
Don’t rule out more unusual materials, though. Stainless steel will create a professional look; concrete and concrete-look quartz can look beautiful and colored as well as the expected shade; and glass is eye-catching as a work-surface.
If you're not sure which kitchen worktop will work best with your new space, our guide to the best kitchen worktops talks you through the options in-depth, providing practical advice and design inspiration.
8. Choose the best kitchen wall tiles and flooring
(Image credit: Kitchen Makers)
What you put on the kitchen walls is vital in a busy working space. And, it's a wise move to choose tiles around working areas. For all the know-how on choosing the best kitchen tiles, head over to our dedicated feature.
While kitchen flooring equally, has to be hard wearing to deal with splashes and high condensation. Find out more information on how to choose the best flooring for kitchens in our specialist feature; options include the following:
Tiles
Ceramic, porcelain or real stone are all possible for a kitchen. Take care requirements into consideration as well as costs. Explore your options in our guide to choosing floor tiles.
(Image credit: Nest)
Wood
Solid wood is not generally recommended for kitchens because of the moisture in the room. Instead, we'd recommend opting for engineered wood, which has the appearance of real wood, but is designed to be stable in the conditions.
Find out how to choose the best engineered wood in our specialist guide.
(Image credit: Quickstep)
Laminate
If you love the look of wood – or tiles – laminate is a budget-friendly option that convincingly mimics the look of real materials. It's always recommended to buy the best quality laminate you can for your budget, as the cheaper options can look a little shiny.
You'll find plenty of inspiration, as well as more information on how to choose the best laminate flooring, in our guide.
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Vinyl
A budget-friendly option, vinyl not only mimics natural materials, but is also renowned for its durability, scratch resistance and easiness to clean.
Find out more in our guide to choosing vinyl flooring.
(Image credit: Amtico)
Rubber
You might also consider rubber if you're on the look out for flexible and contemporary flooring. Durable, hygienic and comfortable to walk on, it's becoming an increasingly popular option for kitchens.
As you might have guessed, we've got all the information you need when choosing rubber flooring, too.
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Concrete
Stylish, with a distinctly contemporary feel, resin and concrete flooring are fast becoming the flooring of choice for contemporary homes.
Perfect for kitchen floors and well-prepped bathroom floors, concrete and resin are durable and resistant to spills, dirt and stains, making them a practical material, too.
Find more tips on how to choose the best resin and concrete flooring in our specialist guide.
(Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)
(Image credit: Shutterly Fabulous)
Factor kitchen lighting in early if you're determined to successfully design a kitchen. Ambient, task and accent lighting should all have their place in a kitchen lighting scheme whether it’s in a separate room or part of an open-plan area.
Ambient light for a kitchen needs to be good enough for working with sharp knives and hot dishes. Ceiling spotlights can be supplemented with wall lights. Task lighting should illuminate work surfaces, cooker and sink area. It includes under-unit lights and directional ceiling spotlights. Accent lighting can include pendants for islands or a dining table, and LEDs beneath units that make them appear to float. Consider, too, lighting cabinet interiors to show off beautiful tableware placed on glass shelves. Make sure you plan in separate lighting circuits to operate the different types of light individually.
For more on how to plan kitchen lighting, check out our kitchen lighting ideas page.
10. Settle on kitchen window dressings
(Image credit: The Shutter Store)
All kitchen window treatments stand up to the room’s moisture, be unaffected by splashes if they’re near the sink, and should be easy to clean. Explore our kitchen window treatment ideas to find the solution that works best for your kitchen design. Remember to consider the following:
- Shutters work on both windows and French doors in a kitchen extension for a consistent look – browse our guide for tips on how to choose window shutters.
- Kitchen blinds are practical and offer kitchen specific designs – find examples in our kitchen blind ideas.
- For privacy and an option that doesn't take up space on the windowsill, window films are worth a thought. We have plenty of wonderful window film ideas, too.
Does your new kitchen need planning permission?
If you’re planning to make internal structural changes to your kitchen, you won’t usually need planning permission, as this is covered by permitted development.
The majority of single-story extensions are also covered by permitted development; however, certain exclusions and criteria apply, so always check with your local authority’s planning department before starting work.
Even if you don’t need planning permission, it may be worth applying to your local planning authority for a lawful development certificate, which proves that the work is lawful, and can be useful when you come to sell. If you are planning structural changes, make sure you use the services of an approved structural engineer – The Institute of Structural Engineers is a great place to source reputable people.
Read more about planning permission and permitted development in our specialist guides.
Who can fit a kitchen?
Many kitchen companies offer an installation service, although you can fit a kitchen yourself (our guide offers step-by-step instructions) if you’re looking to cut the cost of your new kitchen.
If you do choose this option, your extractor and cooker will need to be installed by an accredited electrician, and you may need a plumber to fit your sink and water-based appliances. Due to the cost of most worktops, it’s always best to ask a professional to fit these for you – mistakes can prove expensive.
Alternatively, if you’re working with a kitchen designer, they may take charge of the entire project.
If you're planning on carrying out any structural work, you might need to find a reliable builder, joiner, plumber, electrician and decorator.
For each of the different trades, you should get at least three detailed written quotes – use our guide to find out how to compare quotes from tradespeople if you're looking for more information.
That said, recommendations are always the best way to find people to work with, so ask friends and family before searching online.
Bear in mind that the cheapest quote may not be the best if it does not meet all your requirements, and you need to feel comfortable with the people you choose to work with.
How much does a new kitchen cost?
It's easy to get carried away in the design process and think about budget last, but it should be on your mind at all times will planning. Set a budget and stick to it.
The cost of a new kitchen will of course depending on the size of your kitchen and the quality of everything you choose but according to Homeadvisor, homeowners spent an average of $25,440 or $150 per square foot. However, prices can increase quickly from there if you choose to add high-end features like custom cabinetry, natural stone countertops, or luxury appliances so be sure to include all of those expenses in your planning.
For more advice on how much does a kitchen cost check out our full feature.
Kitchen planning apps are a new and very handy addition to the world of kitchen design, we have tested out a few and really rate them. They make the idea of planning a kitchen way less daunting and frankly more exciting.
The Ikea kitchen planner is an oldie but goldie, it's more of a software for your computer than an app but if you are planning on buying an Ikea kitchen (or an Ikea carcass you are going to get new doors made for) it's the first place you need to start.
Space Designer 3D is online, so no need to download anything and is great for planning a layout and seeing how different configurations will work in your home. You do have to pay for it, but you can play around with it for free and it can help you come up with the perfect floorplan.
Planner 5D is a free app that again is great for floorplans. Create your kitchen in miniature and play about with the design and configuration. You can flip between 2D and 3D too plus you can use the snapshot feature to 'take pictures' of your creation which we found ideal for adding to mood boards.
Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.
7 Kitchen Layout Ideas That Work
You may have your cabinets, flooring, tile, appliances, and paint all selected. But what makes a kitchen livable has little to do with the way it looks, and everything to do with functionality.
Blog | Kitchen
Today’s post comes from the home improvement experts at Modernize.
If you’re planning a kitchen, there are a few essential kitchen layout ideas you need to keep in mind as you’re designing and planning.
Before you make any big decisions or get carried away with the aesthetic, here are 7 essential kitchen layout ideas you will want to incorporate to make your kitchen design a success:
1. Reduce Traffic
No matter what, the kitchen is probably going to be a high-traffic area of the house. But there are ways you can get around making the kitchen a catch-all for mail and backpacks and coats.
Create a space before you get into the kitchen, like a mudroom, to control the chaos that can come sweeping in every day. Once in the kitchen, make sure the primary pathway through the kitchen is hazard-free and will not be obstructed by the refrigerator or oven door when open.
Create clear zones for circulation, meal preparation and cooking in your kitchen layout2. Make the Distance between Main Fixtures Comfortable
When laying out your kitchen it’s important to keep the main tasks in mind – preparing, serving, and cleaning up from meals. You don’t want to put the stove across the room from the sink, or the fridge too far away from the stove because that will complicate whichever task you are working on.
Lay out kitchen fixtures and appliances within comfortable proximity to each other3. Make Sure the Kitchen Island Isn’t too Close or too Far
A kitchen island is where much of the meal preparation happens. If your kitchen layout will include one, consider its location carefully. Make sure that it will not block the area in front of your major appliances, such as wall ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
Allow enough space for the appliance door swing plus room to pass when the doors are open. But you also don’t want to place it too far. Make sure your island is located within a comfortable arm’s reach from each of these fixtures.
Keep appliance door swings in mind when placing an island in your kitchen layout4. Place the Sink First
When creating a kitchen layout, many designers place the sink first and then design from there. While this is probably grounded in tradition from the days when people spent a long time scrubbing dishes, it remains a good rule of thumb.
The oven and fridge are vital to preparing meals, but somehow the sink seems to still be the place where we spend the most time. Think about placing the sink where there is a view out a window or into the room. A kitchen island is also a great location for the sink.
Place your sink with a view into the room, out a window, or in a kitchen island for both5. Always Put the Stove on an Exterior Wall
When you’re deciding where to put the stove and oven, remember to put them on an exterior wall rather than an island or interior wall. This will make it easier (and less expensive) to install a proper ventilation system.
Locate the stove or cooktop on an exterior wall for easy ventilation6. Keep Vertical Storage in Mind
Instead of focusing all of your energy on creating enough cabinet and drawer storage, put a little of that energy into configuring convenient wall storage.
Storage walls are a great way to incorporate pantry storage, small appliances, baking accessories, extra china, or even a broom closet – in one convenient location. Open shelves, wall hooks, and overhead pot racks are not only convenient – if stocked with the right stuff, they can also add dimension to the aesthetic.
Think Vertical – Combine storage walls, wall hooks, and open shelves for a mix of functional storage7. Create a Floor Plan and Visualize Your Kitchen in 3D
No matter how much designing, measuring, and pinning to your dream kitchen Pinterest boards you do, your completed kitchen can still come as a surprise once the contractors are finished – and not always in a good way.
Save yourself from costly mistakes and unfixable flaws with a kitchen layout tool. RoomSketcher provides an easy-to-use online kitchen planner that you can use to plan your kitchen layout. Draw your kitchen floor plan, add fixtures, finishes, and cabinets, and see them instantly in 3D!
Visualize your kitchen layout ideas in 3D with a kitchen layout toolGet Started on Your Kitchen Design
Create 2D Floor Plans, 3D Floor Plans, and 3D Photos just like these, to share with your family, friends, or contractor for more accurate pricing.
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125 photos of smart kitchen layout ideas
> Kitchen > Kitchen layout - the main types of modern planning (125 photo ideas)
When you are at home, you spend more than half of your time in the kitchen. You eat breakfast, lunch and dinner there. Apart from cleaning, which also takes a lot of time. So that time does not disappear, you do not feel tired and guests are delighted at the sight of your dining room, it is worth planning your kitchen space.
Questions of interest:
- How to plan your kitchen perfectly;
- Kitchen layout options;
- Kitchen furniture;
- Design Tips;
When planning a kitchen, it is important to consider factors such as the number of people in the family, what electrical appliances will be used and the habits of the household. A good design will allow you to create a nondescript kitchen, more comfortable and attractive.
The kitchen must comply with three basic rules:
- Functionality.
- Appearance.
- Safety.
When planning your kitchen space, you need to take into account all the pipes, niches and ledges that may interfere with the realization of your fantasies.
Table of contents:
- There are several kitchen layouts0012
There are several kitchen layouts.
Direct way - the kitchen set is installed in a straight line along the wall. This layout is suitable for owners of small areas. On the other half, a dining area is perfectly placed: a table and chairs. And in the headset you can install all the equipment.
If the kitchen area allows, then you can use a two-line layout - the set will be installed along two opposite walls. This will allow you to arrange the placement of equipment in the most advantageous location.
The most versatile is the corner so-called "G" - shaped kitchen. It will successfully transform a small and walk-through room. There will be a comfortable dining area. In this embodiment, the sink, stove and refrigerator should be nearby to increase the working surface.
A less common option - when the headset is installed along three walls at once, the so-called "P" - shaped. This layout is available only to those who have a large kitchen. The whole advantage of this design is that there will be no problems in the location of appliances and other kitchen utensils.
The next option is the so-called peninsular solution, when the room is divided by a bar or table.
There is also an island method. An example would be kitchens in restaurants or canteens where the modules and hob are in the center of the room. The main thing is not to forget that such design solutions can only be implemented in large rooms.
Arrangement of furniture and appliances
In this matter, three details of the interior are considered the most capricious. If you sort out the placement problems with these things, then we can assume that you succeeded.
Slab
Place it in such a way that it can be easily approached from all sides. Usually the stove is installed in the middle about 90 cm from the sink, but you can reduce the distance to 40 cm if the set is small. The hood above the stove is installed at a height of 70 - 75 cm from the stove.
Refrigerator
Usually, planning a kitchen with a refrigerator is the least of the problems. They put it on the opposite side of the stove, but in the case of a direct set or a small kitchen, the refrigerator can be placed at the end of the kitchen set, by the window.
Sink
Traditionally, the sink is placed on the opposite side of the window, for natural light.
The work area is used for daily cooking and storage of frequently used utensils. It contains the main drawers and cabinets. Usually the work area for convenience is located between the sink and stove, and the refrigerator or oven and stove.
The secondary technique, after planning the above three things, will now be easier to apply. For example, a washing machine should be placed next to the riser, that is, where the sink is. If you want the machine to be built-in, then it can be hidden in a double cabinet, between the sink and stove. If there is a dishwasher there, then the washing machine is installed on the right side.
Design
Avoid bright contrasting colors. It would be better to use warm and light colors.
There should be light in the kitchen. Beware of littering with small things, this will only spoil the overall look.
But still, I advise you to contact an experienced designer who will be able to fully and efficiently help by showing a lot of photos of the kitchen layout.
125 photos of the best kitchen layouts
Kitchen-living room: layout, life hacks and pitfalls
TipsRooms
Makedesign project.
Architects Victoria Lukyanova and Diana Karnaukhova
Personal website
Project by Anton and Natalia Petrov.
Do not overstep the bounds
There are rules and regulations that limit the combination of kitchen and living room. The first problem is moving the kitchen. Combining is possible provided that the location of the kitchen itself will be in the area where it is prescribed by the BTI plan and the redevelopment does not affect the load-bearing walls. Plus, the kitchen is a wet room, and you can’t transfer the sewer to the living area.
Even more stringent requirements apply to apartments with gas risers. According to safety code , there must be a partition wall between the kitchen with a gas stove and the living space. You can get by with a sliding glass structure, which can be closed at any time by separating the kitchen from the living room
House in the suburbs. Project by Anna Golovneva.
The second problem is load-bearing walls. They are the main "enemy" in your strategy to combine the living room and kitchen. They cannot be completely removed, as this will affect the design of the entire house. A compromise option that can be agreed upon is an opening in a load-bearing wall (for example, 90 cm). Remember that according to the norms, the height of the opening should be no more than 2.1 meters .
Apartment in Madrid. Plutarco studio project.
Redevelopment
Ideally, if according to the original plan of the apartment, the kitchen and living room are located next to and separated by an interior partition. Then you can break the wall and calmly do further planning and furniture arrangement. If the kitchen and living room are separated by a load-bearing wall, then make openings into the corridor, thereby uniting both zones.
Apartment of decorator Ilya Sologubovsky in Paris.
- Photo
- Frederic Ducout
Flooring
Porcelain stoneware is best suited for kitchen flooring. In our projects, we do not recommend relying on different coatings: feel free to use porcelain stoneware also in the living room and corridor. In some areas, you can lay underfloor heating, and lay a carpet in the living room for warm, cozy evenings. The overall coverage will help create the effect of a smoothly flowing space.
Makedesign project.
Ceilings
With the help of ceiling design, you can visually unite or, conversely, delimit zones. Anti-trend: many layers and intricate details . But, if the height allows, you can lower the ceiling a little in the kitchen or living room to visually zone the space.
Makedesign project.
Furniture
Kitchens and living rooms always need plenty of storage space. Our top tip: to keep the feeling of spaciousness, use as much hidden furniture as possible . It is better to choose the facades of cabinets in the color of the walls. Emphasis can be placed on the kitchen island or dining table. A cozy area for receiving guests is easy to create with the help of two sofas or a pair of armchairs, which allow you to additionally zone the space.
Project Berphin Interior.
Walls
Proper wall design helps visually unite functional areas and create a coherent interior . For example, if the kitchen apron is made of stone, then we transfer this coating to the wall, creating a smooth transition. In the kitchen-living room, it is best to use two or three different finishes, the colors and textures of which overlap with each other.
Lauri Brothers project.
Glass Partitions
Glass Partitions are the ideal solution when you want to create two or three zones in one space . Love to cook? Then sliding partitions are suitable for you, which can be easily closed so that odors do not spread throughout the apartment. Do guests come often? Your solution is a transforming living room where you can comfortably spend the night by closing the glass doors.