How to Design a Functional Kitchen-Living Room: 6 Ideas from Our Projects

It's easier to plan the layout of a kitchen and living room separately than when these spaces are merged into one. You need to consider furniture placement so it doesn't block natural light or hinder communication. At the same time, you want to maintain a sense of informal separation. Based on our projects, we explore how these aspects can be skillfully handled.

Zone by Color

Small spaces sometimes don't allow for clear demarcation between the kitchen and living room zones. In this project, designer Ksenia Yerlakova chose to highlight the living room with a bright yellow color in textiles, creating a cozy and sociable atmosphere. Shades of curtains, sofa, and carpet are also present in small details within the kitchen area to ensure the overall space feels harmonious.

Island for Cooking

A combined kitchen-living room is an excellent place not only for friendly gatherings but also for cooking together. To make it convenient for large groups to chat at the kitchen zone or watch TV while preparing meals, designer Julia Vlasova installed a square island with convenient storage drawers in the center of the kitchen zone. Nothing obstructs the view of the TV from this spot, and it can be watched just as if you were sitting on the sofa in the living room area.

Bar Counter as a Unifying Element

In this project, a small partition was installed between the kitchen and living room. However, at the studio "Cozy Apartment," they decided to create a smooth transition between spaces by installing a bar counter for two people. It serves as a functional extension of the partition and is the most convenient spot for conversation when someone is cooking in the kitchen and someone else is seated on the sofa in the living room.

Design: Studio "Cozy Apartment"

Work Zone Near the Window

In this Scandinavian project by Irina Goryachko, all kitchen work surfaces were moved to the window area, and the living room zone was placed in the back of the space. The kitchen unit does not block natural light, so the space feels light and airy. It was also possible to realize every housewife's dream of a sink with a view into the courtyard. During darker hours, each zone (kitchen, dining area, living room) can be lit individually, offering a wide range of lighting scenarios.

Design: Irina Goryachko

Stovetop in the Table

In small spaces, every centimeter counts. In this project, designer Svetlana Kuksova decided to arrange the kitchen as compactly as possible, so the stove had to be built into the bar counter. A small air partition made of slats separates it from the TV zone. This allows natural light to reach the cooking area. Right behind the partition, there's a TV and turntable from the living room, ensuring that cooking and eating don't become boring.

Design: Svetlana Kuksova

Including the Balcony

To increase the usable area of the apartment in this project, they decided to incorporate the balcony. It was merged with the kitchen, and the former balcony area was planned as a living room. The only reminder of the original separation is a P-shaped partition with glass inserts.

Design: Viktoriya Vitkovskaya, Viktoriya Stupak

Cover Design: CO:interior Studio Project