All the keys to designing a kitchen open to the living room

Designing a kitchen open to the living room is one of the trends most popular in the architecture and the interior design current. This type of distribution not only provides spaciousness and brightness, but also promotes the functionality and the coexistence at home. However, to achieve a functional and harmonious space, it is essential to consider some key factors.

We share with you tips, Ideas and solutions so that your open-plan kitchen is a complete success.

Book your free design appointment now.

In Cocinas Plus We are custom kitchens specialists. Contact us for more information.

Why choose an open-plan kitchen?

The open kitchen to the living room, also known as American kitchen, has become the preferred option for modern homes and contemporary. Why? Mainly because it eliminates visual and physical barriers, allowing light to flow and spaces to integrate naturally. It also allows for interaction between those who they cook and those who they are in the living room, which is perfect for families and those who like receive guests.

Among the most notable advantages of having a kitchen open to the living room are:

• Greater feeling of spaciousness and brightness.
• Better communication and coexistence.
• Optimal use of space.
• Modern aesthetics and current.

However, they also arise frequently asked questionsHow to prevent odors from spreading? How to visually demarcate the two spaces? What materials and colors should you choose? Next, We resolve these and other issues.

6 key elements for designing an open-plan kitchen

1. Space planning: distribution and functionality

The first step in designing a kitchen open to the living room is analyze the available space and define the best distribution. It is essential that the kitchen be functional and that the ttransit between the different areas (eat, cook, rest) be continuous.

Practical tips:

• Choose a suitable distribution: Island, peninsula or L-shaped kitchens are the most recommended for open spaces, as they allow delimit environments without the need for walls.
• Respect the work areas: Following the rule of Work triangle, check that the storage, sink and cooking areas are properly connected.
• Leave enough space for traffic: To ensure comfort and security, it is necessary that there be at least 90 cm between the island or peninsula and the rest of the furniture.

2. Delimit environments without losing integration

One of the challenges main points when designing an open kitchen to the living room It is to ensure that both environments are connected, but maintain a certain visual and functional independence.
Ideas for separating environments:

• Islands or peninsulas: These are key elements that act as a natural boundary between the kitchen and the living room, as well as offering extra work and storage space.
• Breakfast bars: A kitchen bar It can serve as a space for informal meals and, at the same time, mark the transition between both environments.
• Different materials or colors: Use different floors (for example, ceramic in the kitchen and wood in the living room) or play with two colors and textures help define each area without losing harmony.
• Lightweight screens or open shelves: They facilitate visual separation without obstructing light or communication.

3. Choose materials and finishes that are easy to clean

In an open kitchen, the cleaning and the order are even more important, since everything is visible. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for resistant materials, easy to clean and? maintain their impeccable appearance with daily use.

Recommendations:

• Smooth, jointless surfaces: They facilitate cleaning and prevent the accumulation of dirt.
• Integrated appliances: They help maintain a uniform and orderly aesthetic.
• Furniture with anti-fingerprint finishes: Ideal for doors and drawers, especially in dark colors.

4. Control odors and noise

The diffusion of odors and noises into the living room is one of the most significant disadvantages of open kitchens. To minimize these effects, it is essential to invest in a good extractor hood and choose quiet appliances.

Helpful tips:

• High-power extractor hoods: Select models that are quiet and have an extraction capacity appropriate for the size of your kitchen.
• Sliding glass doorsGlass doors allow for privacy without losing light or the feeling of spaciousness, in case you want to temporarily close off the kitchen.
• Silent appliances: Check the decibel level before purchasing Integrated appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators or microwaves.

5. Lighting: key to creating welcoming environments

The lightning plays a fundamental role in open-plan kitchens. It is important to combine general lighting, punctual and environmental To create a space functional and pleasant.

Lighting tips

• General lighting: Use recessed spotlights or ceiling lamps to illuminate the entire room.
• Spot light: Add LED strips under tall furniture or pendant lights over the island or bar.
• Ambient light: Floor lamps or wall lights in the living room help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

If you need more information you can read our article about how to light your kitchen correctly.

6. Maintain order and organization

The order is essential in an open kitchen to the living room. A cluttered space can ruin the aesthetics and the functionality of the set.

Storage solutions:

• Custom furniture: They take advantage of every corner and allow you to hide small appliances or utensils.
• Open shelving: Ideal for decorative objects or pretty tableware, but without overloading the environment.
• Drawers and internal organizers: They facilitate access and keep everything in its place.

Create your ideal open-plan kitchen

Designing a kitchen open to the living room is an excellent way to modernize your home, gain space and improve coexistence. Following these keys, planning, delimitation of environments, choice of materials, odor and noise control, lighting and order will achieve a space functional, cozy already the last.

Are you thinking about remodeling your kitchen? Consult with our experts and discover how we can help you create the open-plan kitchen of your dreams.

Request your free design appointment Today!