In this guide, we will look at how to furnish a modern open space with a kitchen and living room combined into one.
You will find photos, advice and examples of open-plan apartments to help you organise and position your furniture in a functional and intelligent layout.
Here are the topics which we will discuss:
- - choosing furniture for an open space
- - measurements and floor plans
- - style, colours and materials
- - organising the different zones
- - furnishing the living room: sofa, coffee table, TV, bookcase, storage, reading corner
- - furnishing the kitchen and dining room
- - the hallway
- - more ideas: office corner, double-sided bookcase, wall-adjacent bookcase, suspended elements
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- - rectangular kitchen and living room (with floor plan)
- - long and elongated kitchen and living room (with floor plan)
- - “L”-shaped kitchen and living room (with floor plan)
Choosing furniture for an open space
Until recently, the concept of an open kitchen and living area was mostly seen in studio and two-room apartments. In recent years, this formula has become a standard that is increasingly popular with both clients and professionals..
One layout that in the past would have been called "American", is now one of the most desired options: that with a kitchen island or breakfast bar with stools, used to divide the living room from the kitchen area.
But let’s not stop at the kitchen. The sofa, the bookcase, the TV stand and the table can all be used at 360°.
This possibility paves the way to innovative and flexible design.
The ideal furniture for this type of interior can be enjoyed from both sides. So that’s a green light for sofas with bookshelves integrated into the back or double-sided sofas with weighted backrests that can be moved around. There is also the option of an island with a built-in dining table, or an extendable console table for those who don’t want a standard dining table. Alternatively, instead of an island, you could choose a dining table with a striking base structure.
In an open space, a bookcase can enter into the kitchen to function as a partially see-through wall. This could either be placed on top of the kitchen units or could separate the two sections of the open space with floor-to-ceiling solutions or free-standing uprights. This bookcase could be used on both sides for different functions, with a TV integrated into one side.
Furthermore, the TV stand can be placed in a corner, either hanging on the wall with a panel that can be orientated as you wish, or embedded into a wall in the middle of the room.
Whether the house is intended for you or for other people (to rent for long periods or holidays), answer the following questions before planning what furniture to purchase for your open space:
- - Who will occupy the space?
- - How many people?
- - For how long?
- - How will it be used (for what function)? What are the habits of the future occupants?
Let's look at some examples:
A Single Person
A student, elderly person, professional. All of these people will have different needs in terms of the use of the various spaces. It is unlikely that a student will spend much time at the stove, but it is possible they will need a large table for studying or hosting friends. An older person will need a comfortable sofa, or perhaps a reclining armchair, for relaxing. If the house is intended as a holiday home, there will be no need to invest in a fully-equipped kitchen, but you might prefer a sofa bed, an extendable console table, or some other transformable furniture.
A Couple
Do you love to spend a lot of time in the kitchen together, inviting guests for gourmet evenings of good food? Or do you prefer spending the weekend watching TV series with a sushi takeaway? Based on your answers to these questions, you’ll know if it’s better to focus on designing a mega kitchen with all the extras your could want, or if you should focus your efforts on a super organised relaxation area with a maxi sofa, a 65 inch TV on the wall, and a coffee table with a lift-up top for pizza parties in front of your favourite movie.
A Family
If there are 3 or more people, the kitchen, table and sofa certainly cannot be reduced. You will need a table for a minimum of 4 people and a sofa for 3 people, better still if it’s a corner sofa or a sofa with a chaise longue. If the available space allows, you could also add one or two armchairs, a coffee table and a carpet. The kitchen should have a good number of cabinets and/ or column cupboards to contain a proper pantry, and a sufficiently large refrigerator.
Measurements and floor plans
The shape of the room, the measurements of the free walls along which you can arrange the furniture, the amount of doors and windows, the placement of electrical installations and connections: these are the factors that will massively affect the arrangement of the furniture.
But first, let’s remember that - like it or not - measurements are EVERYTHING. We start from the assumption that it is always necessary to start with a plan of the area to be furnished, complete with:
- - measurements
- - doors and windows including jambs, door and window frames, their opening radius (if not sliding), and any shutter boxes
- - an indication of load-bearing walls, possible pillars, irregularities (anything off-kilter, oblique walls, niches...)
- - location of system installations (water, gas, smoke outlet), electrical outlets (including TV antenna, internet, cables and conduits for audio or home theatre systems, projectors, etc.)
- - any other encumbrances such as: radiators, air conditioners, intercom, heating system regulation screens/ thermostats, home automation screens, fireplaces or pellet stoves.
We can dream of an island with a hob and sink, or a counter in perfect American style, but if our open space is only 20 square metres this will be impossible. Or rather, everything is possible, but at the expense of the functionality, usability and harmony of the room.
First of all, if the systems and electrical outlets have already been set up and you do not want to or cannot move them, you will be bound to these for the kitchen design. The wall on which the gas connections, extraction unit and water connection are located will be dedicated to the operating area of the kitchen.
If you still want the island, you can use it as a table/ breakfast bar and for storing utensils, pots and pans, and food.
If, on the other hand, you have carte blanche and your house is still in the planning phase, you can indulge. You can choose to have an island with a sink and hob in the centre of the room. Alternatively, if you are not interested in a kitchen island or peninsula, you could separate the two areas with an accessorised partition wall featuring a TV, stereo system and other electronic devices.
Our advice is to contact a professional, but if you prefer to do it yourself, get a floor plan that is large enough in scale to allow you to draw the furniture. This way, you can get an idea of the space each piece takes up and the balance between the various elements in the room. For the kitchen it will be essential to seek the assistance of an interior designer who will check the feasibility of the composition.
Read our complete guide on measurement surveys, fixtures and materials..
Once the arrangement of the fixtures and electrical connections has been clarified, you will need to decide where to place the free-standing furniture: the table, chairs, sofa, armchair, and perhaps a sideboard or cupboard.
The Interior Designer's Advice
In an open space without a hallway, we always recommend that you place the kitchen area away from the front door of the house. Even if the space is very small, you can always find a solution (a small plasterboard wall, a double-sided cabinet that acts as a filter…). In the absence of a real passageway, the ideal situation is that the first impression of the home occurs with the living area. The kitchen is in fact a work space, and may not always be tidy or sparkling clean, so it would be better that it is not immediately visible as soon as you step inside the house.
Style, colours and materials
Furnishing an open space means creating a dialogue between both sets of furniture. The kitchen units, the table, the sofa, the TV stand, the bookcase, the sideboard: all of the furniture must be coordinated in some way with each other.
The style, colours and materials must create a harmony that does not clash, an agreement that allows the eye to embrace the entire room and perceive it as a single and complete project.
This is very important in both large and small environments, but in the latter it really becomes fundamental.
How many times have we seen apartments with colours that are too noisy or with a surplus of accessories, large photos and ornaments?
As the great Mies van der Rohe teaches, “less is more” and decluttering is now an art that has been legitimised by Marie Kondo and her book "The magical power of reordering". These figures remind us that in a small open space even colour contributes to "filling" the area. An incorrect or exaggerated use of colour could create very claustrophobic or inelegant effects.
Imagine entering a space with an open kitchen in a shabby chic style.
Pickling white, with framed doors and solid-wood shelves on which there are ceramic jars decorated with hearts, for storing biscuits, coffee and herbal teas.
What do you expect to find in the living room?
A minimalist wall system in glossy black lacquer with a state-of-the-art 65 inch screen? A low, deconstructed sofa with movable backrest cushions and chrome aluminium feet? A glass table with an industrial-style base made of steel rods?
This is to say that the harmony of styles, colours and materials is a must when it comes to furnishing a unique environment in which the kitchen, living room and dining room coexist..
With a shabby kitchen we expect a sofa in light colours, upholstered in cotton or linen, with rounded armrests and comfortable feather cushions. A solid wood table, perhaps antique. Chairs in a traditional "osteria" style or in Vienna straw. A matt white bookcase with space for a TV and several shelves for books and plants.
With a minimalist black and white kitchen we would expect to find a contemporary sofa with tall legs (maybe black), a wall system with clean and elegant lines, a Saarinen table with design chairs, and spotlights instead of pendant lamps.
In an environment characterised by a Nordic style, the colours and materials will only play on a few combinations: light-coloured wood, white or grey surfaces, natural fabrics in neutral shades, a few refined decorative elements, and chairs inspired by the Northern European vintage style.
Our advice is to rely on a combination of 3 (maximum 4) materials or colours and apply these few shades to the various furnishings..
Doing this doesn’t mean giving up your personality or style, but everything must be done by focusing on a seemingly very simple, though not insignificant, goal: that is creating a relaxing and welcoming home environment, not a bazaar or a “themed” room.
An orderly environment, with natural and relaxing colours, will help to free us from tensions and make us feel...at home.
Remember
Attention - the palette also includes the floors and any kitchen tiles.
If the floor is parquet, include the wood with which it is made as an integral part of your moodboard. Carefully consider the introduction of any other wooden furniture so that it doesn’t create a sharp contrast (There is nothing worse than a room with 3 or 4 different types of wood next to each other).
If you have a grit floor, focus on neutral decor and don’t overdo it with the addition of colours, in order to avoid a messy effect. If you do want to add some colour, try to stick to one (maximum 2) colours that are present in the fragments of grit.
Organising the different zones
The trick to a balanced open space - small or large - is an intelligent division of zones, designed so that each functional area shines with its own light.
The kitchen, living room and dining room: these are the 3 main areas. Each area must be designed and furnished to be as "happy" as possible, without being sacrificed at the expense of the other zones.
The transition between each zone can be marked in various ways, but it must be done in such a way as to create a sense of fluidity, and not of clear separation. There are walls for that, but if you chose to live in an open space, why add walls?
For example, a full-height bookcase next to the kitchen can create a filter between this zone and the living/ dining areas. A painting or a series of culinary-themed prints can define where you have lunch or breakfast, while a carpet can trace the invisible boundaries of the relaxation area.
The visual connection between the zones is very important in order not to lose the very essence of the open space, but you can certainly opt for partially see-through partitions.
Small walls, a plasterboard bookcase to cover the side of a refrigerator, full-height shelves to divide the dining area and living area, sliding glass doors or fixed structures in metal and glass.
Another way to define these areas is the use of floor platforms or variations in ceiling height.
These methods, and many other tricks, can be used to separate the different zones and possibly to hide certain elements - such as the refrigerator - that we don’t want to be entirely visible.
Furnishing the living-room zone
The sofa
The sofa, which is the focal point of the living room, is a fundamental element of the open space. It must be comfortable yet also beautiful, from all sides. In fact, if you decide to place the sofa in the middle of the room, it must be carefully finished at the back.
If you want to give your sofa an extra edge, choose a model that integrates a bookcase or shelf into the backrest, making it a piece of furniture with a double function. If the square metres allow, another idea is to place a sideboard at the back of the sofa, perfect if the dining table is on that side.
Positioning a sofa so that it divides the kitchen and living area will also have the advantage of allowing you to relax with your back to the work area… perfect for when you don’t want to clean up and prefer to turn a blind eye to the mess in the kitchen.
For a fluid environment in which the gaze can wander freely without obstacles, opt for a sofa model with a low backrest or an unstructured sofa that alternates modules with and without a backrest..
If, on the other hand, you do want to use it to divide the living room and kitchen, a sofa with a large backrest and which is raised off the floor will do a great job.
In an “L”-shaped open space, the sofa could be placed along the wall, while in larger rooms you can opt for a conversation area with a corner sofa or two parallel sofas.
The icing on the cake is a large carpet and lighting designed to create a "room in the room" and mark, once again, a well-defined relaxation area.
The coffee table
An often underestimated piece, the coffee table can offer much more than you think. Functioning as a surface area for placing magazines, books and remote controls, this small table can be positioned in front of the sofa or beside the sofa.
The placement will depend on the space available. If the distance between the TV and the sofa allows, you could place a low coffee table between the two, on which you can place remote controls, books and magazines.
If you have a smaller living room, maybe one that is very narrow and long, opt for a model that sits beside the sofa. End tables are usually higher than standard coffee tables, and are proportioned to the height of the armrest so that the table top is easily accessible.
There is also a third type: i transformable coffee tables, which are useful in studios and two-room apartments. There are some models which can be extended up to 3 metres, transforming into dining tables which can accommodate more than 10 people at a time.
Where to put the TV
Even though it is not possible to define fixed rules in the world of interior design, it is also true that, as far as possible, the TV should not be placed in front of a window. The reason is very simple: when sitting on a sofa or in an armchair, nobody wants to see the reflection of the window or direct sun rays on the TV screen.
Depending on the size and layout of the room, you can place the TV:
- - in a wall system / bookcase: standing on base units with drawers, in a dedicated compartment, fixed to the wall panelling
- - on a TV stand: you are spoiled for choice with these freestanding cabinets, between fixed or swivel models, consisting of simple shelves or mini sideboards with cupboard doors
- - on the wall: on swivel panels, suspended console tables, shelves or hanging directly on the wall by means of a special mounting system
Usually the TV area with any connected electronic devices (game consoles, stereo systems, decoders, blu ray players) is placed along a wall.
It’s a little more tricky to have this area in the centre of the room for one simple reason: the cables.
But not impossible!
In fact, there are many solutions that allow you to integrate and hide the wires, while also allowing you to create an elegant partition between the kitchen and living space.
A double-sided bookcase with a built-in TV stand could be the perfect alternative for those who want a clearer division between the two areas, without having to resort to masonry work.
The bookcase
Whether against a wall or in the middle of the room, a bookcase can carry out many functions. It can be used instead of a wall system, or transformed into a beautiful partition that can be used on both sides.
For maximum freedom in your design, we recommend choosing a modular bookcase, into which you can integrate the TV. A bookcase of this type will also allow you to include storage solutions, such as drawers and cabinets, which can be used in many different ways.
These storage modules can replace or integrate other storage units in the room such as cupboards, sideboards or kitchen cabinets. You can use these modules to store kitchen items such as dishes, glasses, tablecloths, bottles and glasses. Or, alternatively, for storing remote controls, sofa blankets, reading glasses and chargers for smartphones and tablets.
When placed between the kitchen and the living room, the bookcase acts as a partition and can be set up in such a way that it is functional on both sides. There’s more: some models feature an integrated swivel TV stand that allows you to watch television both from the living room and the kitchen.
Storage solutions
Remember that in an open space everything is visible, not only the kitchen but also the mess!
Organise the space so that there is sufficient furniture with a storage function: a bookcase with drawers, a wall system with wall units, a sideboard or a cupboard, a sofa with built-in storage, an ottoman with a lift-up seat for storing blankets, a coffee table with a lift-up top that conceals a compartment for storing remote controls and magazines.
Don't underestimate the importance of a bespoke wardrobe, which can be used as a partition or to create a corridor towards the bedroom.
Bonus: the reading corner
If you have a large open space it shouldn’t be difficult to create a dedicated relaxation area, and even better if positioned close to a nice fireplace.
The reading corner could include a bookcase and a carpet, on which one can place an armchair or chaise longue. For music lovers, you can install a stereo or keep your guitar here. If, instead, your passion veers more towards the world of food and wine, you could include a drinks cabinet stocked with tea, herbal teas, liqueurs and high-quality chocolates.
Furnishing the kitchen and dining room
The kitchen
Read the complete guide' “How to furnish an Open Plan Kitchen”
We know that all homeowners with an open space dream of having a kitchen island. Unfortunately this is not always possible, often due to a lack of space.
Alternatively, if the size of the room allows, you can opt for a shallow island without a sink or hob, to be used as a counter with stools.
Or you might choose a peninsula without cupboards, which can also be used for eating breakfast, lunch or dinner if you’re on your own or with one other person.
If you don’t have the space for any of the above solutions, a linear or corner kitchen might be the answer. .
For a modern open space choose a model with a simple design that can be combined harmoniously with other furniture without imposing its presence in the environment.
Our advice is to avoid handles that are very large and showy, and instead to opt for doors with groove handles. We also advise that you choose neutral colours, especially if the open space is not particularly large or doesn’t have ideal lighting.
If you’re looking for a minimal style, you can choose a kitchen without cabinets. If you do, however, remember that it would be better to make up for the lack of cabinets by installing some column cupboards. For this reason, you should have at least two walls.
If there is only one wall available, the perfect choice would be a beautiful linear kitchen that occupies the entire width of the wall. You could opt for double-height modules for a more aesthetically refined result (and to create more storage space).
A final alternative is the retractable kitchen, where the operative areas are hidden by large, recessed doors. This is an excellent idea for those who want to maintain maximum tidiness and cleanliness: with this solution, the result will always be impeccable.
Household appliances play a leading role in furnishing an open-plan kitchen. They must be efficient and quiet, so as not to disturb those who are watching TV or working in the home office area.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of extractor fan, because we want to prevent the smell of food from constantly invading the living room. Since everything is visible, our advice is to focus on an extraction system with a very neat design. Some of the best options include an extractor fan that is integrated into the hob, one that is fixed to the wall, or one that is integrated into a false ceiling.
The table
In order to avoid acrobatic gymnastics every time you’re carrying plates and glasses to set the table, the ideal situation is to have one that is positioned near the kitchen and with no obstacles in between the two.
Ricorda
The minimum distance to be maintained between the table and other furniture or walls is at least 60-70 cm.
If we then add in the space required so that we can move around the table while people are sitting at it, we must add an additional 60 cm (minimum), making a total of 120 cm. In some cases, it may not always be possible to have 120 cm of space on all sides of the table. We do, however, always have to calculate the space needed to pull the chairs out and sit down comfortably, without having to perform acrobatics just to sit down and get up from the table. If the table is close to the kitchen area, you should also consider the opening radius of any drawers and cupboard doors, as well as the space needed to access and utilise them comfortably.
The same idea must be applied to any windows or adjoining doors.
In general, if you are dealing with a rectangular area, rectangular or oval tables are preferable. If the area is square, round or square tables are best.
But, as always, there are no fixed rules and everything also depends on the relationship between the table and the rest of the furniture in the open space. Let's look at a few examples.
If the kitchen is linear, it can be a good idea to place a rectangular or oval table in a parallel position. This will create a pleasant filter between the living area and work area. You can define this area with a spectacular chandelier that acts as an additional partition between the sections of the room. This also provides you with an extra surface for preparing food.
If you are working with a smaller space, you can opt for a small table with a square or rectangular shape. The advantage of this is that you can position the table along the wall and only move it out when you need more seats around the table.
Another option would be a round table which, thanks to the lack of corners, would guarantee a more convenient and harmonious use of the available floor area. A further advantage of a round table is that there are several models available with a central support, which makes sitting at the table more comfortable.
If you prefer using a counter or island for everyday use, you’ll still need to think about where to seat your guests. Two great alternatives to a dining table are convertible coffee tables or extending console tables. These 2-in-1 solutions are very useful and perfect for smaller houses.
Find more tips in our guides on “The shape, size and positioning of a table” e “How many seats to place around a table”
The hallway
In many cases, a modern open space will not have a separate entrance. This is especially true for newly-built apartments.
Houses have become more compact in comparison to the past. Where we would have previously had a three-room apartment, a four-room apartment is being built in the same space. This downsizing has led to a revision of the classic floorplan, which eliminates areas that were perceived not to be strictly necessary. These areas include the entrance hallway (along with rooms that we no longer hear about such as the dinette, the parlour, the broom closet…). For an apartment with a direct entrance into the open-plan living room/ kitchen, there are many possibilities:
A floor-standing or wall-hanging coat rack: ideal if you have limited space. Remember, however, that you can also avoid hanging your jackets here and put them, for example, in a bedroom or passageway. If you do prefer having a coat rack in the hallway, we recommend choosing a model with a unique design.
Hallway furniture or closet: if you have more space you can opt for a classic hallway closet with a shoe rack, cabinet and mirror. Alternatively, you could opt for a more sophisticated custom wardrobe, which can be incorporated into a niche or made full height to "blend in" with the wall.
Shelves, console table or bench: in case you simply need a surface area for placing keys, coins etc.. All three of these options can be accompanied by a wall-hanging mirror that, in addition to having a decorative function, can help make the space appear wider.
A partition: a wardrobe, floor-to-ceiling wooden partitions, a double-sided bookcase. These are all options that allow you to create a filter between the entrance and the heart of the house, outlining the areas in a more defined way. Ideal for those who want a sense of greater privacy.
In general, we recommend that you opt for solutions that allow you to conceal everyday objects, so they are out of sight and not creating a sense of disorder or untidiness. Let’s remember that an open space is a multipurpose room and that the goal of a good interior designer should be to make the environment look flawless at all times, despite the coexistence of very different features.
So perhaps the best choice might be a closet for coats and bags, or a wall-mounted cupboard (perhaps integrated into a wall system) for storing keys and other small accessories.
Some more ideas
A study/ work corner
In the absence of a study in which you can set up a work area, the living room turns into a small office. In this case there are several options to choose from.
- 1. The dining table can serve as a temporary desk.
- 2. If you have more space, you can integrate the desk into a bookcase or a wall system.
- 3. If your living room is very large you can create a separate corner with plasterboard walls, or you can set up a home office with a desk and chair that won’t negatively impact the aesthetics of the room if left in plain sight
The choice of desk and chair will depend on how much time you spend in front of the computer. If you plan to spend whole days at your desk, the seat should have an adequate depth to ensure an ergonomic posture (60 - 80 cm). You should also consider what type of computer you want to install: a desktop computer will take up more space than a laptop.
If your work at home is limited to a few hours or is sporadic, an elegant writing desk would also fit perfectly into the living room. If you have set up a reading corner, you could place the desk in the same area.
A wardrobe
A wardrobe is a large multifunctional container and it is limiting to think that they are only suitable for the bedroom. In fact, a wardrobe can be used to separate two different areas or to create entire storage walls. You can also create a corridor or entrance hall where there was none before, while simultaneously leaving plenty of space for the different zones in the open space.
One smart solution (space permitting) is to install a double-sided wardrobe.
For example, we could place a double-sided wardrobe between the kitchen and the living room, setting it up on one side with doors and drawers for what you need in the dining area, and on the other side with large doors, deep drawers and a TV compartment with open shelves.
Alternatively you could use it to define the entrance area and use one side as a coat cupboard and the other as a TV stand, bookcase and more.
Built-in wardrobes and hidden storage solutions
Make the most of the power of built-in wardrobes to hide storage spaces or even a mini home office. Not only that, if your open space is on the smaller side, these doors can conceal coats, sports equipment, a bicycle or even a washing machine and dryer.
Suspended is best
In order to make the most of the vertical space, suspended solutions are a must for optimising the environment and making it appear more spacious. As well as this “aesthetic” advantage, there are also several practical advantages, including the fact that it is easier to clean (especially if you have a robot vacuum cleaner). Furniture such as a wall system, TV stand, bookcase or sideboard can all be suspended off the ground.
Furnishing a small open space: floor plans and design ideas
In the case of smaller apartments, an open-space living room with a visible kitchen is preferred by those who favour an open and airy environment, with greater freedom of movement and furniture arrangement. Often, clearly dividing these two areas only results in creating two narrow spaces with a kitchen that is separated but perhaps small, poorly ventilated and poorly lit.
In this situation there may not be enough space for the table, or we might be forced to choose a small sofa (or a small TV stand, depending on the layout of the room) that coincides with the width of the wall that separates the two rooms. These are limitations which can be eliminated if you do not opt for partition walls..
A 15 sqm open space
Creating an open-space kitchen and living room in 15sqm is possible! The important thing is to rationalise the space carefully and to opt for small, space-saving furniture.
In order to fit all the key furniture into this small open space (for a maximum of one or two people), we took into account the shape of the environment, the number and placement of the windows and doors, and the available free walls. The result is a mini living room with a kitchenette that is spread over a single wall, i.e. a small kitchen complete with a hob, sink, oven and refrigerator column, and pantry column. All of this is out of view from the entrance door, thanks to the bookcase at the end of the kitchen units. The relaxation area and dining area take up the remaining space. The relaxation area consists of a compact, 2 or 3-seater sofa positioned in front of a TV stand. The dining area is defined by a rectangular table with four chairs.
An 18 sqm open space
This 18 sqm open-plan kitchen and living room is slightly more generous in size. The main difference lies in the elongated and irregular shape of the room, which naturally subdivides the space into different functional areas. This is a unique environment with multiple areas that communicate with each other. .
The front door faces directly onto the dining and relaxation area, set in a decentralised position to the kitchen. The furniture in the kitchen is arranged in a corner layout and is finished with a peninsula unit which can be used as a snack counter for quick meals either alone or as a pair. The actual dining area is then furnished with a round table and four chairs. The open area is finished off with a 2 to 3-seater sofa, a coffee table in front of the sofa and a TV stand.
Bonus idea: a swivel TV stand fixed to the wall which allows you to rotate the screen either in the direction of the sofa or the table, depending on your needs at that moment.
A 20 sqm open space
In a unique space of 20 sqm, the kitchen and living room can co-exist more easily. Sometimes, in addition to a kitchenette, dining area and living-room area, you can also make space for a piece of hallway furniture. The entrance door overlooking the living room suggests the need to create a corner which can be used as a coat rack and shoe rack.
In furnishing an open space of 20 square metres, you can offset the balance by choosing a small corner sofa with a chaise longue or a peninsula. This sofa could be facing a wall with a TV stand, modular storage furniture, bookcases, cube shelves or other similar furniture. Then there is a fully functional kitchen and a table and chairs. In this design, we have opted for a corner kitchen with an open end and a round, space-saving table that accommodates up to 4 people but can be extended so that it accommodates 6 or 8 people.
Remember
According to the building regulations in force, the minimum size (usable floor area) of a living room with a cooking space is 17/18 sqm. This may vary slightly depending on municipal regulations. This is a suitable floor space for a person living alone. For two people the ideal situation is to have at least 20 sqm. In such a space, there will be room for a linear kitchen or small corner kitchen, a sofa for 2-3 people, a TV stand or a bookcase, or a table for 2-4 people.
A large kitchen and living room: floor plans and design ideas
In houses with generous square footage, in penthouses and lofts where the availability of square metres is not a problem, having a kitchen open out into the living room is a purely aesthetic choice. Kitchens have become design objects and now more than ever they can be shown as an integral part of a harmonious and refined furnishing design.
A kitchen island with space for preparing, cooking and eating meals? a peninsula with a snack bar for eating breakfast or having an aperitif? These are just two possible solutions for defining the kitchen area and “separating” it (even if only conceptually) from the living area.
A 30 sqm open space
In this 30 sqm open-space design, the door seems to divide the space into two zones. This constraint was fundamental in deciding which walls to allocate to the kitchen units, which to allocate to the living room, and what portion of the wall to use for the wardrobe and shoe-rack area.
On the left-hand side of the room we have planned a corner kitchen complete with a sink, hob, oven, fridge column cupboard, pantry cupboard, and an open-ended unit with shelves by the door. On the other side of the door is a cupboard for storing jackets and shoes. There is a rectangular dining table with four chairs in front of the kitchen, which can be extended if required. On the other side of the open space is the relaxation area with a 3 to 4-seater sofa, a decorative rug, a set of coffee tables and a customisable, modular wall system. We chose to position the linear sofa with one armrest resting against the wall in order to exploit the portion of the wall between the two windows and to ensure smooth opening of all windows.
A 40 sqm open space
An open-space kitchen/ living room without a main front door offers multiple possibilities when it comes to furnishing and design. The lack of a primary entrance means there is no need for a hallway area with a coat rack, shoe rack and pocket emptier. As a result, the available square metres can be fully exploited to organise the kitchen and living room furniture..
For this specific project, there were three windows and two sliding doors that we needed to take into account. Opening these doors and windows affects every wall in the open space, so we have chosen to position the relaxation area in between the only two contiguous walls and their respective corner. As there isn’t a second set of contiguous walls, and also as there was no desire to build a large and complete kitchen, the kitchen centres around a large, long island. This architectural choice is derived from the desire to furnish this unique and open-plan environment without building any dividing walls. In summary, the furniture in this open space includes: a wall-mounted kitchen, a kitchen island with a snack counter, an extending rectangular table, a corner sofa, a rug, a coffee table, and a wall system with an adjustable TV stand.
A 50 sqm open space
A larger space allows you to add larger furniture and gives you more freedom in where you can position it.
In this specific project, we opted for a multifunctional, spacious and ergonomic living room. By the entrance door there is a long piece of hallway furniture with a coat cupboard, shoe rack, pocket-emptier shelves and a mirror. The relaxation area is furnished with a large corner sofa, which alternatively could be replaced with two linear sofas or with a sofa and one or two armchairs. This sofa in the centre of the room could also be fitted with a bookcase in the backrest or armrest, or a low cabinet attached to the back. To complete this area there is a wall system for a TV with large shelves, bookshelves, storage containers, display cabinets, a bench and a desk. The kitchen area is characterised by wall-mounted furniture and a kitchen island with a countertop hob and stools. Between the kitchen furniture and the sofa, there is a dining area with a large dining table which is over 3 metres in length and can accommodate up to 10 people, a number which can be increased if you choose the extending version.
A rectangular kitchen and living room: floor plan and design ideas
A rectangular open space which is to be transformed into a kitchen and living room is one of the most popular layouts. In defining the design project for this unique and multifunctional space, it’s best to take into account the position of the front door, windows and doors that lead to other rooms in the house.
In this plan, there is a free wall without any doors or windows which has become a support wall for both kitchen and living room furniture, one after the other. What differentiates the two different areas is the difference in depth between the two sets of furniture. Given their proximity, and in order to create a sense of harmony, we recommend that you choose furniture with matching shapes and colours.
In front of the wall we have placed a corner sofa with an open end, a set of low coffee tables, and a decorative rug. Positioned in this way, one side of the sofa visually divides the two zones. Next to the corner kitchen, we have positioned an extending rectangular table.
A long and elongated kitchen and living room: floor plan and design ideas
Here is another rectangular open space, though this time it is long and narrow. The elongated shape of this space has led us to place the kitchen and living room furniture at opposite ends of the room..
The large window in the middle of the wall serves as a partition between the two areas, naturally creating a space for the kitchen on one side and the actual living room on the other. This is a purely functional and visual partition because the room is still an open space.
The plan: a corner kitchen with a single sink, a hob with 5 rings, countertops with storage cupboards and wall units, and a fridge column cupboard at the end of the composition. There is also a rectangular table, which can be extendable if necessary, which seats 6 people though there are only 4 chairs here. Finally, there is a large sofa with a dormeuse section and a backrest which extends the whole way along the dormeuse side.
An "L"-shaped kitchen and living room: floor plan and design ideas
Now let’s see how to furnish an "L"-shaped open space with a kitchen, living room and front door which opens straight into the living space..
The shape of this open space suggests that we should organise it into two distinct zones: a relaxation area in one section and a kitchen in the other. Based on this idea, there is a corner sofa with an open end and a long wall system with a TV in the living area and kitchen furniture in the kitchen area. In the centre of the room, there is a round dining table with a curved shape and no sharp corners, contributing to the idea of a single space where everything comes together. We have chosen a corner composition for the kitchen which curves around into a “U’ shape thanks to the peninsula unit. Every inch, including the space under the window, is exploited to the fullest. Since this open space is located at the entrance to the apartment, and thanks to the space available, we have also chosen to include a hallway closet.
Recap: 10 tips for furnishing an open-space kitchen and living room
1. Focus on your needs. Don’t follow fashion trends and be persuaded to buy furniture which you either won’t use or won’t use very often. Think about your lifestyle: ask yourself what you really need, how you’ll use the space and how many people will use it daily, and how much you will use each of the 3 main areas (the kitchen, dining room and living room).
2. Choose furniture that can be used at 360°. A sofa with weighted and adjustable backrest cushions, a double-sided bookcase with built-in storage, a swivel TV stand, an island or peninsula with cupboards on one side and a counter with stools on the other. These are all free-standing elements which can be positioned wherever you want to define the different areas or indicate the transition from one to another.
3. Don’t combine more than 3 / 4 colours or materials. Creating a moodboard and sticking to it will help you create a harmonious, relaxing and stylish space. Remember to include the floor and any tiles in your palette, then choose a predominant shade (we recommend choosing a shade that is as neutral and clear as possible) and only use the others for a few items and for details and accessories.
4. Do the maths with your measurements. We can dream of large, fully-equipped kitchen islands for organising Masterchef evenings, but if the square meterage doesn’t allow it we risk sacrificing other furniture and ending up with a disharmonious, objectively meaningless result. To design an open space in an intelligent way, we always start with the floor plan (complete with dimensions, doors, windows, load-bearing walls, installations, sockets, pillars, irregularities etc.), then we identify the three main areas (kitchen, living room, dining room) and finally we move on to the actual design and arrangement of the furniture (not an agglomeration of furniture, but a balanced positioning based on a harmonious balance between solid items and empty spaces).
5. Create proportionate zones. Intelligent zoning is crucial for maintaining the fluidity that is typical of open-plan spaces (defining the different areas without actually clearly dividing them). Once the 3 main areas have been identified, dedicate the right space to each of them so that they are proportional to your needs.
6. Decluttering. The term open space doesn’t have to be a synonym for “everything in plain sight”. Always include closed storage solutions where you can hide all of the utensils and objects that could give a sense of disorder if left visible. We’re talking about remote controls and blankets for the sofa, but also coats and bags at the front door (and shoes, of course, which absolutely need a place to go). For the kitchen area we’re talking about cups, glasses, wine glasses, jars of herbal teas, coffee and biscuits, as well as the coffee machine and any other small appliances. So, make sure you have storage solutions in each area for storing these objects and any other everyday functional items you might have.
7. The highest performing kitchen appliances should be chosen, for several reasons. First of all, the new generation of appliances will have a minimal design that is ideal for a modern, open-plan kitchen. Aesthetics aside, they will also be silent which is a fundamental feature if you don’t want to disturb those who are watching TV, reading or working in the living area. One of the most important appliances in an open-plan kitchen and living room is the extractor fan. A high-quality extraction system will prevent odours and humidity, keeping the environment healthier and protecting the furniture and fabrics in the room.
8. Decor: accessories are not only pieces that make a room more beautiful, they can actually become elements that define the different areas. A rug can mark the boundaries of the relaxation sofa area or the reading corner, a large painting or a set of kitchen-themed prints can define the dining area, as well as a unique pendant lamp. The same can be done with the colour of the walls or with wallpaper.
9. Lighting: never underestimate the power of lighting technology. Don’t make the mistake of leaving dark areas, as it creates a perception of a smaller room. Each zone must have its own specific lighting that will be more or less intense depending on the function being performed. The lamps can be a mix of ceiling lights, floor lamps or wall lamps, though we would recommend that you don’t overdo it with the combinations in order to avoid a ‘showroom’ effect (especially if you choose the same model in all its variations). Also, it’s best not to overdo it with the number of light sources. In particular, pay attention to the temperature: you should avoid having warm and cold lights in the same room. The help of a professional can make a huge difference in this situation.
10. Invest in the advice of a professional: interior designers, surveyors, architects… there are various different figures available who can really make a radical change to your home. You will receive help with the choice of materials, the arrangement of the furniture, the designing of the kitchen (which is definitely the hardest and riskiest part if faced alone).
