Make the Most of Your Small Open Concept Kitchen Living Room
Gone are the days of closed off, compartmentalized home layouts. Today, small open concept kitchen living rooms are a smart, efficient way to maximize limited square footage. By opening walls between cooking, dining, and living spaces, the possibilities expand in your petite home.
With some thoughtful planning and savvy design choices, you can create a stylish, functional open concept kitchen living area even on a tight budget. Read on to explore ideas for lighting, storage, furnishings, layouts and more to make the most of your small open plan.
What is a Small Open Concept Kitchen Living Room?
An open concept kitchen living room removes barriers between cooking, eating and living zones. This unified layout contrasts with more traditional closed off rooms. It opens sightlines, making compact homes appear more spacious.
Variations of a small open floorplan include studio, efficiency, micro and tiny home layouts. These integrated spaces are suitable for one or two people. Strategic organization and multi-functional furnishings allow you to cook, dine, entertain, work and relax in the shared footprint.
Design Considerations for Small Open Kitchen Living Rooms
Natural Lighting
Incorporating plentiful natural light is key for a small space. Strategically placed windows, skylights and glass doors allow sunshine to fill every corner.
Supplement with accent lighting like pendant lamps, track lights and recessed cans. Dimmer switches create customizable ambience. Position fixtures to illuminate cooking, dining and living zones.
Storage Solutions
Built-in cabinetry provides plentiful enclosed storage. Floating open shelves keep items visible and within reach. The streamlined look complements modern decor.
Kitchen carts with storage bins roll where you need extra surface area. Islands with drawers and lower cabinets increase capacity. Shelves and racks on walls or ceilings make use of vertical real estate for pots, pans and utensils.
Hidden compartments like pull-out vertical drawer organizers, cabinet Lazy Susans and built-in benches optimize all available nooks. Concealing clutter helps keep tight spaces tidy.
Multi-functional Furniture
Seek furnishings that multitask. Stools pull double duty as side tables or extra seating. Ottomans with lift-tops hold hidden storage. Folding dining tables expand for company then collapse when not in use.
Pieces on wheels allow you to easily reposition furnishings and transform the layout. Look for compact, convertible designs perfect for small dwellings, like nesting tables or chair beds.
Delineating Separate Zones
Area rugs help define individual living, dining and cooking areas within the open concept. Strategic changes in floor materials like tile, stone or hardwood also visually distinguish zones.
Room dividers such as screens or curtains semi-separate spaces. Arrange furniture to create logical living room, dining and kitchen areas. Carefully positioned lighting accents specific spots.
Built-ins like ceiling beams, soffits and shelving establish boundaries without erecting walls. Even in a studio, you can create designated activity hubs.
Smart Open Concept Kitchen Living Room Layouts
Galley Kitchen Setup
This efficient layout positions the lengthwise galley kitchen along one wall. Add a peninsula or island to distinguish the cooking zone. Situate the living room furniture at the opposite end of the space.
L-Shaped Kitchen
An L-shaped kitchen hugs two adjoining walls with counters and cabinets. Include an angled peninsula or island to separate the cooking area. The living room flows out from the end of the L.
U-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen layout occupies three walls. This creates ample prep space and storage. Place living room seating facing the open end of the U for an inviting conversation area.
Tips for an Efficient, Functional Open Concept Kitchen Living Room
Stay organized through concealed storage to avoid a cluttered look. Allow over three feet between furniture pieces and traffic areas so the space doesn't feel crowded.
Position furnishings to encourage natural conversation flow. Incorporate greenery to soften hard surfaces. Choose window treatments that layer light and privacy.
Select movable, multi-functional furniture like nesting tables, ottomans and rolling carts. Take inspiration from these tips to create a small open concept kitchen living room you'll love.
Seeing real-world small open concept spaces brings smart ideas to life. Browse photos online or in design magazines. Note layout dimensions, arrangements and special features to find your perfect small home flow.
Visit model tiny homes or micro apartments in your area to experience the spacious sensation of open plans firsthand. With strategic furnishings and finishes, even a compact abode can feel cozy and fresh. Embrace the small open concept trend to maximize and modernize your petite place.