Easy Living Room Kitchen Combo Decorating - Small Space Solutions

Decorating a small living room kitchen combo presents unique challenges. With limited square footage, every design decision must maximize the space. Careful planning allows you to create defined living areas that feel open and inviting. Follow these tips to decorate a stylish, efficient shared living room and kitchen.

Determine the Layout

The layout sets the foundation for decorating an open concept living room kitchen. Consider your lifestyle and space needs. A galley kitchen maximizes countertops along one wall. The L-shaped kitchen creates an efficient work triangle with counters along two adjoining walls. For more separation, choose a U-shaped kitchen with counters wrapping three walls. A kitchen peninsula or island visually separates the kitchen while adding extra seating and prep space.

Arrange furniture to carve out distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging without closing the space off completely. Position the seating area and TV entertainment unit along one side, with the kitchen layout on the other. An island or peninsula in the middle creates a natural barrier. Ensure sightlines allow for conversation between the spaces.

Select a Cohesive Color Scheme

A cohesive color palette keeps the spaces feeling connected. Choose one bright accent color you love for the living room, like teal or yellow. Use subdued tones of that color, like a sage green or pale gray, in the kitchen. Neutral wall colors like white or beige prevent the bolder color from overwhelming. Wood finishes on cabinets and floors warm up the space. Pops of color from accessories and greenery give vibrance.

Limit the accent color to key furnishings like pillows, a rug, or chair in the living room. Keep kitchen walls, cabinets, and larger appliances neutral. The kitchen will feel fresh without competing for attention. For harmony, pick one or two secondary accent colors for items like bar stools, dishes, and artwork.

Incorporate Multifunctional Furniture

Consolidating uses into singular pieces streamlines furnishings for a compact room. An island or peninsula replaces a traditional dining table. Look for a sectional sofa or bench seating with hidden storage inside. Ottoman poufs give extra seating and stash blankets. Floating wall cabinets maximize vertical real estate. The right multipurpose furniture minimizes visual clutter.

In the kitchen, opt for clean-lined cabinetry with internal organization systems. An open shelf unit adds display space when wall cabinets won't fit. The living area benefits from coffee tables with lift-tops for dining, media consoles with closed storage, and nesting side tables. Dual functionality means fewer pieces vying for floor space.

Add Lighting for Brightness

Abundant lighting makes a space feel open and airy. Capitalize on natural light from windows and skylights. Supplement with fixtures like an eye-catching pendant or chandelier above the dining area. Under-cabinet LED strips illuminate kitchen tasks. Position floor and table lamps throughout the living room.

Vary lighting sources for utility and style. Overhead can lights ensure whole-room brightness. Task lighting targets the sink, stove, and other work areas. Ambient lighting like pendant lights or sconces add personality. Place mirrors strategically to reflect and amplify light. Dimmer switches allow adjusting brightness as needed.

Define Spaces with Area Rugs

Area rugs distinguish the living room as a separate zone without physically dividing the space. They also make lounging on hard floors more comfortable. Choose a rug size that fits the primary furniture footprint. Layer a few smaller rugs under the coffee table and TV stand. Include a kitchen rug in front of the sink or stove.

Tie rug colors to the rest of the palette for cohesion. For example, bring in greens and blues from accent walls or pillows. Mixing materials like jute and plush adds textural interest. Just avoid overly busy patterns. Simple solids or subtle stripes keep the small space feeling tranquil.

Use Wallpaper or Paint for Accent

An eye-catching wallpaper or bold paint color lets you incorporate more personality without overwhelming the compact room. Use it to make a statement, like in the living area behind the sofa. Limit the vibrant tone to one wall as an accent.

Select a fun contemporary print or textured geometric pattern. Restrict other furnishings in that zone to solids and neutrals so the wall covering pops. For paint, look for an on-trend hue like deep teal or rusty orange. Paint only one wall an accent color to give that area focus without going overboard.

Decorate with Multipurpose Furniture

Make every piece earn its square footage through smart multifunctionality. Ottomans banish bulky coffee tables and provide bonus seating with flip-top surfaces. Backless barstools slide under counters when not in use. Built-in or floating shelving units replace freestanding bookcases.

Benches lined with cushions and pillows double as window seats. Look for a slim console that fits behind the sofa for media storage. In the kitchen, mount spice racks to the inside of cabinet doors. An adjustable breakfast bar offers extra prep space that can disappear when company comes over.

Add Pops of Color with Accessories

Inject color and vibrance through decorative accents and finishing touches. Toss bright throw pillows onto neutral sofa and chairs. Hang artwork featuring bold colors and prints. Fresh flowers and potted plants give an instant boost of life.

Display collections of colored glassware. Choose appliances like a retro mint green mixer or robin's egg blue toaster. Layer colorful rugs. Use kitschy patterned dishware for eclectic charm. Affordable accessories enliven the decor.

Prioritize Hidden Storage Solutions

Out of sight storage keeps clutter contained in a small space. Tuck baskets, bins and organizers inside closets, under beds and sofa cushions. Repurpose space behind furniture or appliances for narrow shelving.

Maximize kitchen cabinets with pull-out shelves, lazy susans and vertical organizers. Hang a wall-mounted pot rack or utensil hooks. Slide stools and benches underneath counters when not in use. The less chaos in view, the more open and relaxing the room will feel.

A small living room kitchen combo can feel just as inviting as separate spaces. Define distinct zones using layout, furniture placement and area rugs. Build a cohesive look through a coordinated color scheme. Add style and function with multipurpose furnishings and abundant lighting. The result is a stylish, efficient space perfect for relaxing or entertaining.