Kitchen living room 18 sq m - options for layouts and sofa placement

Design is of great importance. Well-thought-out finishing allows you to hide the shortcomings of the room and emphasize its advantages. If the kitchen and living room are combined in one room, you should carefully consider the design. It is important to visually delimit and designate each zone, but respect the general style of the space.

An area of ​​18 square meters is enough to organize a comfortable kitchen-living room

How to decorate a kitchen-living room of 18 sq. m.

To create a comfortable room where several rooms with different functional purposes will be combined requires maximum effort. In addition to personal taste preferences, you need to take into account the features of the space, pros and cons. You can use color contrast to designate zones.

Combining rooms expands the functionality of the room

Any redevelopment must be carefully considered

Before starting major repair work, you should carefully study the location of communications, window and door openings, and load-bearing walls. It is recommended to consider the following:

1. The redevelopment must first be agreed upon with the relevant authorities and permission obtained.
2. Familiarize yourself with the nuances that imply strict prohibitions.
3. Determine in advance the availability of a gas point. The presence of a gas stove implies the impossibility of combining the kitchen and living room. This kind of thing should be abandoned.

Only after these issues have been resolved can we proceed to design development.

At the project development stage, it is necessary to take into account how the kitchen area will be separated from the living room

Interior design of the kitchen-living room requires knowledge of certain design tricks

See alsoKitchen living room 20 sq m with sofa

Interior styles that suit

A kitchen-living room of 18 square meters allows you to decorate the room as creatively as possible without being bound by any canons and rules. Popular in 2022 will be such design trends as high-tech, eco style, classic, Scandinavian, Provence and British style.

The modern kitchen-living room is decorated with a predominance of light colors in the interior

Interior decoration in eco style

Decorating a room in an eco-style will give us the opportunity to feel united with nature every day, and will also bring cheerfulness and positivity. It was created in order to save the inhabitants of the concrete jungle from negativity and nervous tension.

Eco-style involves the use of natural materials - wood, stone, ceramics

The easiest way to introduce eco-style elements into the interior is through decoration. For example, you can decorate white walls with wooden cuts

It is best to make the floor wooden, but ceramics or natural stone are also suitable

The main features of eco style will be the following points:

• In eco style there is no place for plastic and polymers. In addition, the surfaces cannot be painted, but are covered with a special protective primer and that’s it.
• Advanced technologies – modern appliances and household appliances will help save water and electricity.
• Materials must be natural without synthetic impurities.
• The presence of simple lines throughout the interior will also be characteristic.
• The color scheme in the eco interior is rich in natural and natural colors.

As a rule, in nature we find shades of sand, grass, earth, blue, white and pine.

The use of acidic and bright shades is strictly unacceptable. It would be correct to use wood, sand, beige, white, gray, blue and grass shades. Although other tones can be used, the main thing is that they are inherent in nature. For example, a pastel floral pattern on the walls and furniture in a rich grassy shade will look harmonious. In eco style, when decorating the interior, it is imperative to use pristine materials. These include wood, glass, stone, forging, ceramics, and many green plants.

The kitchen set is selected with smooth facades and a minimum of decor

• Furniture and accessories should be simple and unpretentious in shape. And the processing should seem rough, unfinished and emphasize the texture of the materials.

Live plants in all forms and combinations are welcome

The main feature of this interior is a lot of wood and wicker elements, such as baskets, chests, wicker or rattan. Also a distinctive feature will be many ceramic and glass elements.

Interior decoration in the “British” style

English design has always been characterized by not only restraint, orderliness and reliability, but also heredity. The fact is that many houses and apartments in England were inherited. And in the interior this was accompanied by a collection of things from different times.

Any stylistic direction is always conditional and British style is no exception. For some it's an old-fashioned Victorian decor, for others it's sweet country, for others it's 80s shabby chic.

The main features of the British trend are comfort, traditions and familiarity

The main features of the British style:

1. Strictness and high cost of interior items. Things should be discreet without flashy elements.
2. Presence of antiques in the interior.
3. Symmetry in the interior and the room as a whole. The main furniture units should be placed symmetrically to each other.
4. Wooden frames on the windows, as well as wooden doors.
5. The main materials for finishing will be natural stone, leather, plaster, striped or floral wallpaper.
6. The color scheme is calm, without harsh tones or contrasts.
7. For a living room, a fireplace will be a must.
8. Lighting should be central, and dark corners or specific areas should be illuminated using floor lamps.
9. Textiles should be natural, preferably monochromatic, but a small geometric pattern is allowed.
10. The decor on the walls and its abundance is important - paintings, figurines, photos, mirrors are all welcome in large quantities, but it is important to correctly design such elements. It is imperative to adhere to the principle that if something is hung on the wall, then it should be in a good-quality wooden frame, decorated in an antique style.
11. The furnishings are carefully thought out so that there is no impression of negligence and chaos.
12. It is better to use parquet or boards as flooring. But under no circumstances should you lay laminate flooring. It will be cheaper than parquet, but the appearance will no longer correspond to the canons of British style.

Furniture is selected from natural materials, or artificially aged

Decorative items should be present in sufficient quantities; antique or handmade items are good

Design of a kitchen-living room of 18 square meters in Provence style

Provence style is a French offshoot of country style. It is ideal for people who want to decorate the room with grace and charm, but at the same time add a touch of the countryside to their home.

Exquisite French Provence is perfect for decorating the interior of a modern kitchen-living room

In such a room it will be pleasant to spend time with your family or meet relatives and friends

This style is characterized by the following aspects:

• Only warm and pastel colors. Without bright and colorful fragments and without flashy details.
• It is customary to finish walls using rough textured plaster.
• The use of natural materials with natural structures will be mandatory. That is, if a wooden set is installed, then the panels should not be painted over, but simply varnished.
• It is recommended to artificially age furniture and decorative elements, make them shabby, or slightly silver the facades.
• The more fresh flowers, the better; this is an integral part of the Provence style.
• The Provence style will also be characterized by lace curtains and tablecloths, knitted blankets and rugs, as well as many small textile elements.
• The more floral patterns in textiles, the better.
• The colors that are used should visually look sun-bleached, that is, be pastel and muted. The most popular shades are white, sand, cream, green, blue, lavender.
• The ceiling is characterized by the creation of ceiling structures that imitate the ceiling of the roof.
• Windows are characterized by the absence of pompous curtains and lambrequins. They are decorated with thin gauze tulle, chintz or satin. Curtains are never completely closed; they are often permanently attached to special holders.

Beige, white, lavender and light green are the main colors of Provence

The walls can be plastered and painted, or covered with floral wallpaper

Despite the fact that the style is characterized by decorating the room with various little things, you should not clutter the room

Small details that add coziness to a Provence-style interior include items such as various ceramic painted plates, many small pots of flowers, a variety of different jars for herbs and spices, and a basket with ikebana.

Successful zoning of the kitchen and living room

Zoning allows you to combine several rooms on one territory without losing the individuality of each. It is recommended to decide in advance on the location of the segments, including the dining area and relaxation area. There are certain recommendations that should be followed. But you can add personality and make additions according to your preferences.

Usually in the kitchen-living room there are working and dining areas, as well as a place to relax

When planning your cooking space, it is important to follow the “working triangle” rule.

Useful tips:

1. Find out in advance what exactly you will do in the kitchen and living room.
2. Decide on the distance required to move comfortably around the existing area. There should be enough space to walk comfortably and perform various manipulations. It shouldn't be crowded.
3. Make a floor plan of the room, noting the areas that are used most often.
4. Based on your plan, draw out frequent travel routes. Assess how comfortable they are and whether they will be tight.
5. It is recommended to arrange furniture so that it does not take up extra squares, but saves space.

Each functional area has its own set of furniture pieces

Important. To achieve a unified style, you should purchase furniture of the same shade for each area.

Kitchen-living room design in Provence style

See also Room design 18 sq. m.

Multi-level ceiling, lighting

When renovating and combining the kitchen and living room, it is worth considering the ceiling area and lighting. The ceiling can be made at different levels, which has several advantages:

• Visual delimitation of space. A multi-level ceiling, as a rule, differs specifically in the recreation area and the kitchen itself. It may differ slightly in height (10-15 cm), but be the same color, or can be made in different variations. For example, there is a blue matte surface above the kitchen, and a white gloss surface above the living room.
• Possibility to customize the light. A large chandelier is installed in one zone, and small light bulbs in another.
• Style. Such ceilings are a design solution that is only gaining popularity. It is perfect for any style and interior.

There should be enough light in the kitchen both during the day and in the evening. If there is not enough natural light or it is completely absent in the room, then it is important to install additional lighting fixtures. The latter include:

• wall lamps;
• floor lamps;
• chandeliers;
• decorative candles;
• floor lighting.

By combining the kitchen and living room, you can create a cozy and comfortable room with an original design, where both family and friends will be happy to gather.

Furnishing options

The highlighted segments should be different to identify each zone. But it is recommended to maintain a consistent design to create cohesion. Therefore, you should not purchase items that differ in style. A single furniture design will create the effect of completeness.

Furniture, decoration and decor - everything should be combined with each other

When choosing furniture, you should consider many important nuances. It is worth deciding in advance on its quality and appearance, so as not to waste the best time and money if a selection error is made. Rely on the following recommendations:

• The material depends on the chosen style direction. Some interiors involve the use of exclusively natural raw materials. Buy models that are easy to care for. It is important that items can withstand high humidity atmospheres.
• Give preference to ergonomics and simplicity. The selected models should not become an obstacle to convenient movement around the space.
• Choose multifunctional furniture. Models that can be easily transformed are suitable. Such a solution will save more free space and will not take up extra squares. The room will look spacious.
• For zoning, you can use special partitions. They are solid, portable, stationary. The choice is huge, which allows you to find the right option for a specific case.

Convenience and capacity are the main qualities of kitchen furniture

Avoid placing the chandelier on the border of zones. It is recommended to choose small luminaires for each segment.

See also Studio design 18 sq m

How to arrange furniture in the kitchen

The photo shows a kitchen of 18 sq. m. you can see that the sofa is usually placed with its back to the cooking area. This will serve as both a delimiter of space and a place to relax.

It is better to choose a small sofa in the loft or high-tech style, which will not be massive, but, on the contrary, will complement the room with its elegant dimensions.

It is often mistakenly believed that a circular arrangement is more suitable for such a room. However, it is not. To make the room look even larger, they use a very cunning technique. Furniture is moved back 10 centimeters or more - this increases the space.

Sofa location

Since the main element of the living room area is the sofa, it is necessary to choose the optimally comfortable place for it. It is recommended to choose a model that will not look bulky in a small room. Of course, a corner sofa can also really fit on 18 square meters, but then you will have to slightly reduce the dining area.

The location of the sofa depends on the layout and tasks that the owner of the kitchen-living room of 18 square meters solves. If its main purpose is to separate zones, then the structure is placed across the room, with its back to the kitchen area. This is convenient, but can visually “eat up” the space.

The photo shows a mini-sofa that fits between the window and the kitchen unit.

Another popular option for placing a living room sofa is with its back against the wall. This is the optimal solution for owners of elongated premises. Sometimes the structure has to be placed near a window, since a TV is hung on the opposite wall or a fireplace is installed.

Decoration with color

Properly chosen shades can delimit several areas connected in one territory, visually making the space larger, lighter and more spacious. The style determines the basis of the tones used in the room. If you prefer Provence, then light shades will predominate. High-tech allows the use of contrasting, bright colors.

Different wall decorations are the most affordable way to divide space

You can choose wallpaper or paint as a finishing material. For the kitchen, you should choose coatings that can withstand certain, difficult conditions. This applies not only to covering walls, but also ceilings and floors. It is not recommended to use carpet in the kitchen. The option is not practical. Its frequent contamination and difficulty in maintaining it will cause a lot of trouble. For a living room, carpeting is more suitable. It will look organic and appropriate.

A large carpet will look stylish in the sofa area

There are several different color options:

1. A light and warm palette for paint or wallpaper.
2. A combination of contrasting and catchy tones.
3. Classic design in black and white.

The final choice will depend on the basic design of the room. It is important that everything looks harmonious. Significant differences in palette between segments are unacceptable.

Window decoration plays an important role in creating a kitchen-living room design

See also: 3 in 1 room design: kitchen, dining, living room layout with photo examples

Nuances in lighting

The small kitchen and living room are zoned in contrast with different lighting. You need not only lamps in the center, but also spot lighting. Often, spotlights are built into a ceiling with many levels or a suspended ceiling, edging a functional area. In addition to the ceiling, you can illuminate the podium with a multi-level floor covering.

Interesting! In minimalism, hi-tech and loft, I install lamps on long cords.

Varied layout of the kitchen-living room 18 sq. m.

There are various types of layouts that allow you to conveniently place the necessary items and comfortably move around the area. The most suitable options for the specified area are shown in the table:

Kinds	Description
Square	Items are arranged according to the specified form. It is possible to change the placement of furniture according to your own choice.
L-shaped	The most common layout. Allows you to use the corner, which increases the useful use of the available space.
U-shaped	Assumes the presence of only one free wall. The remaining three are occupied by necessary items and a dining area.

L-shaped layout is versatile, compact and convenient

It is reasonable to use a U-shaped layout if the room width is at least 2.5 m; with smaller sizes, the work area will simply be cramped and uncomfortable

If there is enough territory, you can place an island that will serve as a work area or dining segment. It will not be possible to implement such an idea in a small kitchen. But if there are enough meters, you should choose this option.

Walkways around the island must be at least 1 m wide

In a kitchen with an area of ​​18 square meters you can fit both an island and a dining table, but only if they are small in size

If the kitchen set is placed in one line, then you should delimit the work area and the relaxation segment. You can use an island or bar counter as a division.

A linear kitchen can be made more convenient by adding a peninsula to it

Planning can be done independently or with the help of professionals. They will help you correctly place accents and evaluate the available space. You can start zoning only after determining the layout.

Important. Proper placement of items will create practicality and comfort in one room. When installing furniture, remember that it should not create obstacles for movement.

The choice of furniture depends on the style direction and personal preferences

See also: Photo wallpaper in the interior of a modern kitchen: photos, ideas

Choosing furniture that fits perfectly with your interior design

When choosing furniture for kitchens and living rooms combined with them, the priority is usually the design style, color schemes and, of course, budget. For a small space of 18 square meters, it is traditionally recommended to purchase models that are simple in shape but comfortable. Instead of sets, it is better to choose transformable, comfortable products. For example, for the guest part of the room it is better to choose one sofa, rather than a set of one with armchairs.

For the dining room, a small table and simple chairs are often selected. The trend of our time is transparent plastic models - they are invisible, therefore they contribute to the visual release of space. Moreover, their design can be both current and classic.

Along with a simple-shaped sofa, designers recommend using the same laconic details - a coffee tabletop with an elementary cubic design, a plain carpet, smooth fronts for cabinets and cabinets. When the living room and kitchen are together, it is also better to choose a set with smooth, possibly glossy doors.

Subtleties of room zoning

A bar counter is often used as an element for dividing a room into segments. It can be stationary or retractable. Can serve as a work surface or dining table.

A small bar counter in the form of a peninsula can serve as a continuation of the work area and be used as a table for morning coffee

If you don't want to install partitions, you can create boundaries using color or furniture pieces. You can choose a corner sofa or several soft chairs arranged in a semicircle. The color palette should not create a sharp contrast between zones.

A popular zoning method is a multi-level ceiling or flooring. Tiles are often used in the kitchen; laminate or carpet are suitable for the living room.

A light wooden partition harmoniously divides the room into two functional zones

The most popular methods for dividing space should be noted:

• bar counter;
• dinner table;
• dividing island;
• floor with different height levels;
• partitions or screen;
• multi-level ceiling;
• sofa.

The final option should be chosen based on convenience and personal preference.

A bar counter located at an angle successfully divides an irregularly shaped room

See also: Refrigerator in the kitchen interior: how to combine with facades?

How to create a design project

After the dismantling work is completed, another stage follows - the creation of a design project. To develop it yourself, you will need a regular piece of paper, a pencil, and a ruler. You need to transfer the graphic plan of the resulting room onto a piece of paper and indicate the dimensions.

Next you need to decide on every little detail:

• choose the appropriate style;
• choose high-quality, safe building materials;
• determine the required amount of furniture and equipment;
• indicate on the plan the location of functional areas;
• if there is a balcony, consider combining it with a room
• decide on decorative elements.

On the graphic plan you need to schematically indicate the location of communications, draw the main pieces of furniture and appliances (refrigerator, oven).

A design project is a kind of action plan. The best solution would be to order a project from a professional designer. It will be easier to make repairs using it.

Stylistic directions

The eighteen square kitchen-living room can be decorated in almost any style. In the table we will look at the most popular destinations, their characteristic features and features.

Style	Peculiarities
Provence	Suitable for lovers of country life, nature, and romantics. This is a popular French destination, characterized by freshness and lightness. The interior uses light textiles and natural materials. Preference is given to putty, cotton, wood, brick. The apron is tiled. The furniture chosen is “aged”. You can purchase wicker chairs. The color scheme is quite light: pink, sand, beige, yellow. Decorate the dining table with fresh wildflowers.
High tech	High tech style. It is characterized by functionality, practicality, and space. The color scheme is light. Wood, metal and glass are used in decoration. Particular attention is paid to the selection of equipment.
English	Combines rigor, sophistication, and stiffness. The British style is characterized by decor using photographs and various paintings. For finishing the floor, choose dark-colored materials: parquet, laminate. Walls are often made monochromatic, furniture is bought with symmetrical lines.

Zoning methods

Having chosen the appropriate style, you need to select zones in the room. Usually in the kitchen-living room there are three:

1. Working;
2. Dining room;
3. Resting-place.

Each part will have its own set of items, decor, and equipment. It is better to place the work area closer to the window. This will make cooking more convenient.

A window sill is used as an additional surface. It is combined with a kitchen set. This practical technique helps save useful space. The dining room should be conducive to eating. It can be distinguished by unusual photo wallpapers on a kitchen theme. The resting place should be the main one, occupying the most space. A good-quality sofa should be its center. Nearby you can place a fireplace, TV, coffee table. How to separate all these parts? Let's look at a brief overview of the simplest zoning methods.

Furniture arrangement

Furniture plays a major role in separating one part of the room from another. For separation use: bar counter, shelving, sofa, table. The choice of item depends on your own desires and style direction. A bar counter is a great way for a small family. It is usually installed in bachelor apartments. The stand looks stylish and does not take up much space.

A shelving unit is a good way to divide a room and organize an intimate area. The rack can store books, cups, and various decorative items. The rack, facing the kitchen space, is used for storing beautiful dishes, glasses, and other utensils.

The easiest way is to use a sofa or table as a border. These are the central design elements. They will unobtrusively designate functional areas and will not clutter up the space.

Wall color, type of finish

The color scheme and building materials help with zoning. For the kitchen-living room, use the following useful recommendations:

• The cooking area and living room should be decorated in different colors. These rooms have different functions. The façade of the working part must be practical and wash-resistant. The walls can be decorated with tiles and regular paint. The paint can be light; it is better to choose tiles with an interesting pattern. In the hall you can hang wallpaper and apply decorative putty. Give preference to light colors: lilac, pink, violet, pistachio, beige;
• The tones of the walls of different parts should be compatible. Compatibility can be checked using a special shade table;
• If you want to make the space more cohesive, you can use different shades of the same color.

Flooring, podium creation

Different flooring materials and creating a multi-level base are excellent ways to divide space. It is customary to place a kitchen set on the podium. The podium can be small - about ten centimeters. This solution is typical of the modern style direction. The main disadvantage of the podium is the risk of injury. The multi-level floor will take some getting used to.

A safer way is to use different finishing building materials. Decorate the guest room using parquet, laminate, carpet. Natural wood parquet will suit the classic style. It looks presentable and will serve for decades. In a high-tech room it is better to put carpet or laminate. They are distinguished by an affordable price and a wide selection of colors. It is better to decorate the kitchen area with marble, floor tiles, and linoleum. These types of coatings can be easily washed from any type of contaminant.

Bar counter

Many people underestimate such an item as a bar counter. This is a functional countertop that can solve several problems at once. It significantly saves square meters. Replacing a standard table, the stand allows you to leave more space in the room. Such an item is widely used as a border between two functional parts. It visually marks the edge without overloading the small kitchen-living room.

When choosing a bar counter, consider:

• tabletop height. It should be comfortable for all members of your family. It is also important to choose comfortable bar stools for it. Better with a backrest;
• surface color. It should stand out against the background of the colors of the rest of the set. The ideal solution would be a black surface;
• reliability of the design. Its structure must be strong and stable.

Sliding structures

If you want to maintain the intimacy of the atmosphere in the guest room, you can build a sliding partition. The partition is installed on special rollers. It can be closed or opened at any time. Sliding structures are made to order. They are relatively inexpensive. The design will replace an ordinary wall and make the interior much more interesting.

When making a sliding structure, different materials can be used: glass, wood, fabric. Glass partitions suit modern design trends. They let in natural light and look airy. You can apply designs and patterns onto glass using various techniques. The disadvantages of glass are its relative fragility, high price, and tendency to quickly become dirty. Wooden and fabric partitions are more difficult to damage. They will last for years.

Multi-level ceiling, lighting

You can visually delimit the areas using ordinary light and installing a multi-level ceiling. A designer ceiling will make the interior unusual and more convenient to use.

The backlight can be turned on pointwise. Multi-level stretch ceilings have a lot of advantages:

1. Reliable protection against flooding and roof leaks. The film will protect the new renovation from water. Most importantly, do not try to release the water yourself. The film may be damaged.
2. Wide choice of colors. The ceiling can be plain, with an unusual effect or ornament. You can make it two-color. There are a lot of model options.
3. Possibility of installing spotlights. Installation of the light is quite simple. You can install lamps of different intensities.
4. Quick installation. Professionals install such structures in one day.

Location of the kitchen unit, equipment equipment

The kitchen-living room should be comfortable. Therefore, it is important to correctly arrange appliances and kitchen units. There are several accommodation options:

• linear. The simplest arrangement. Suitable for owners of narrow rooms. All items are placed along one wall. There is enough space in the center to install a full-fledged dining table. The sofa is placed in a free place, slightly to the side;
• angular. An excellent layout option for irregularly shaped rooms. The set is installed in the corner near the window opening. You can use the window sill. At the other end of the kitchen-living room, a resting place is organized, in the middle - a table and chairs are installed;
• U-shaped. This method is used in rectangular rooms. Furniture is placed in the letter P. In the middle you can place a counter or a dining table. At the other end there is a comfortable sofa, TV, coffee table;
• insular. This is an original way of layout. However, there may not be enough space for it. In this case, you should contact professional designers. They will create the right project, tailored to the characteristics of a particular apartment.

Decorative touches

The interior of a kitchen-living room would not be complete without decorative elements, various little details, and finishing touches. You can start decorating from your workplace. To do this, it is enough to purchase beautiful kitchen utensils, oven mitts, towels, and unusual spice jars.

Textiles must be of high quality and easily absorb moisture. Spice jars can be placed on a small shelf, not far from the work surface.

A beautiful still life decorates the place for eating. You can also put bright cushions on the chairs and cover the table with an original tablecloth. All elements must be in a similar color scheme. You can place a statue or a structure with living plants near the sofa.

As you can see, creating an attractive room interior is quite simple if you know certain design tricks. Proper zoning, a thoughtful approach to the choice of furniture, and bright decor will allow you to create a cozy, ergonomic kitchen-living room even of a small area.

Lighting is another important aspect

Lighting is of great importance. If a mistake is made, care will become gloomy and cold. Combining a living room and kitchen involves creating a work area, a dining segment and a place to relax. Individual lighting should be selected for each area. No chandelier at the junction of segments. Such a solution looks tasteless.

Pendant lamps above the bar counter also participate in zoning the kitchen-living room space

The workspace requires maximum lighting. Better cold light, spotlights in a suspended ceiling. Additionally, you can place lighting below and on the shelves for evening time. For the dining area, choose bright, warm light. The resting place should have dim and light lighting.

Spotlights on a dedicated ceiling beam look good

See alsoHow to beautifully and correctly create a 3 by 3 meter kitchen design

Large kitchen interior

Since 18 square meters is a fairly large space, any style can be embodied in it, including classic, which is distinguished by the breadth and massiveness of the furniture. Other styles will also look good.

• If zoning is carried out using finishing materials, then it is necessary to use different materials during repairs, not only in color, but also in texture.
• Before you start, you just need to decide which zone will be decorated with what.
• It’s even better to draw up a plan on paper, schematically and color-coded to indicate one or another element.

It is also important to consider how the space will be lit. It is better to abandon the central massive chandelier and choose several small spotlights around the perimeter: above the cooking area, above the dining table, near the relaxation area.

You can even hang a sconce: it will be both functional and stylish at the same time. There should also be a contrast in lighting: if the light above the work area should be bright, then in the rest area you can leave it dim.

Take your time to make the most of the space. If you are planning a relaxation area or living room, it is important to carefully consider how everything will be arranged so that it is comfortable to be in it.

An aquarium, which will look very harmonious and quite unusual, can serve as a decoration for such an interior. Accessories have their place, but even here there is no need to overdo it and fill the room with them to the maximum.

Finishing of various zones

Finishing allows you to visually differentiate several rooms without disturbing the overall style. It is important to consider the characteristics of each segment to select the correct material. Not just any covering is suitable for the kitchen. It is better to tiling the floor with tiles with a special surface that allows you to avoid slipping. The selected coatings should be as easy to care for as possible.

Tiled tiles, stone trim or porcelain tiles are appropriate for the kitchen backsplash

See alsoKitchen design in an apartment. Popular design styles

Combination and integration of different directions

People often ask whether it is possible to harmonize several styles without compromising the design of the room?

There are no instructions for such cases, but there are several rules that should be followed:

• Styles should be clearly separated; you should not create a slight illusion that modernism is flashing in your classic kitchen.
• It is better not to use more than two styles in a room, even a spacious one. You will not get comfort from such a living space.
• The combination of two styles can be done with materials used in both directions.

You can use a bar counter to divide the room

Photo gallery

See also: Dining room kitchen design requirements

Kitchen-living room with corner set

See also Wall design in the kitchen. What should you pay attention to when planning the walls in the kitchen?

Kitchen-living room with partition

See alsoRed color in the kitchen interior: meaning, influence, who will suit it

Other ideas for a kitchen-living room with an area of ​​18 square meters

Advantages and disadvantages

See the advantages and disadvantages of this layout in the table:

Advantages	Flaws
Instead of two rooms, you get one - lighter, more spacious	Instead of two independent rooms there will be only one. In the case of living in a one-room apartment, this option means that the owners will sleep in the same place where they eat. There will be no privacy at all
The number of windows increases proportionally	The absence of partitions can create significant noise, which will be generated as a result of mixing sounds from the kitchen and from the living room. For example, there is a TV in the living room, and a mixer in the kitchen
In the space occupied by the dismantled wall, you can place some things, objects	Smells from the kitchen, even with a powerful hood, will still penetrate into the living room
While cooking, you can monitor what is happening in the room: watch children, communicate with guests, watch TV, etc.
New options for decorating a room are emerging: delineating rooms using a bar counter, a screen, an aquarium, color schemes, textures of finishing materials

Wonders of planning

It happens that on 18 sq. m. we have to connect together the seemingly unconnectable. Living room and kitchen. Be patient. The advice of real gurus of design imagination will help in this matter. The familiar zoning will become a lifesaver here too. Separating the kitchen area from the relaxation area will improve the quality of your stay in the living room kitchen. It is better to draw a rough plan of the room in advance. Having determined what percentage is better to allocate for the kitchen and what percentage for the living room.

Furniture

Select a furniture set that is similar in style to the furniture in the entire living room. Arrange furniture to save space whenever possible. When choosing furniture, experts advise taking into account the following parameters:

• Materials must resist moisture and be easy to wipe clean.
• Ergonomic furniture is important.
• It is preferable to purchase furniture - such as a transformer. You should move freely around the room.

You can delimit the space with a bar counter, a partition, a floor of different levels, a dining table or a sofa. Stick to a U-shaped or L-shaped furniture arrangement.

All about color

An interesting way to diversify a living room combined with a kitchen is to create a color contrast between them. It all depends on the initially chosen style. We opted for high-tech - use rich, contrasting shades. The hall is white, the kitchen is blue. Eco style - mix natural colors - beige living room, green kitchen.

Walls

Wall decoration can be done using paint, wallpaper, natural lining, stone. Decorate the walls with mirrors. It is better to decorate the floor with high-quality parquet or laminate. Tiles are suitable for kitchen walls and floors. In the design of mixed rooms, it is better to resort to a simple ceiling, light in color.

Let there be light

Light the kitchen and living room in several levels, as for the living room and bedroom. Kitchen sets are often equipped with built-in lights. This is convenient when you are standing at the stove, sitting down to have dinner at the table, and not using the living room. Use standard lighting in the room. It is better not to hang the main lamp between the living room and the kitchen. Place it above your entire family's sitting area. Complete the room with stylish floor lamps. Interesting details. Beautiful textiles.

Style selection

The style of an eighteen-meter square kitchen-living room can be very different. It depends on the taste preferences of the owners.

Such a Scandinavian-style room would look wonderful. It involves the use of light colors in the decoration. Upholstered furniture is usually white in this case. To prevent the room from looking like a hospital ward, bright accents are added to this interior. This could be, for example, a blue or black table, brightly colored chairs. The design assumes the presence of ornaments of geometric shapes, for example, blue or green tones.

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In the loft style, elements of brickwork, open ceiling beams, and rough plaster finishing can be used. The decor of window openings is emphasized by interestingly shaped frames, and curtains are not expected at all. The distinction between functional zones is very arbitrary.

Which style and design to choose

The room where they will relax and periodically receive guests should be cozy and comfortable. With a detailed study of the interior of the living room and bedroom in one room of 18 sq.m.

it is important not to rush to extremes and stick to the golden mean

You should not overload your perception with too bright colors, inappropriate installations or art objects, even if it is an apartment in the Art Deco or Art Nouveau style. It is better to display small items on glass shelves or open double-sided shelves, which are recommended to be used as partitions for zoning.

Many small souvenirs or hand-made items can clutter up a room, even if initially it is planned to place an exhibition of handmade products here. When they are placed everywhere, it resembles a cluttered warehouse, and not the interior design of an 18-square-meter living room-bedroom. Minimalism does not accept any decor, but the use of one large painting on a free wall is acceptable.

You need to hang pictures or portraits in frames not randomly, but adhering to a certain geometry if there is no symmetry. This decor is appropriate in classic, historical and retro styles.

It is undesirable to use a dark ceiling in a small space; it seems to be overhanging. However, in some modern styles, a stretch ceiling with a glossy (varnished) black fabric that has a mirror effect is acceptable. The “starry sky” effect with point diodes is applicable when zoning a bedroom area. This is especially beautiful when combined with white furniture and a beautifully decorated window opening.

The room can be decorated in any style

The minimalist style is best suited for a small room.

To visually expand the space, the shape and size of the windows matter. Low window sills or their absence - the so-called “French windows” look good in the modern interior of a room like a living room-bedroom (up to 18 meters). But this makes sense if there is a picturesque panorama behind the property - well-kept neighborhoods or a suburban forest. It is better to hide the industrial area behind the windows with multi-layer curtains with draperies or other complex styles.

If you want more free space, you need to give up bulky furniture and a large chandelier in the center of the room. A flattened ceiling lamp, spot lighting of local areas, a diode strip near the ceiling and a floor lamp - this is quite enough for good lighting of a living room in a modern style. It is recommended to install a safe lamp or “night light” above the bed or folding sofa, which can be conveniently turned off at arm’s length.

Bright colors can visually expand the boundaries of the room

In small rooms it is better to use compact furniture

Modern style is very suitable for the living room-bedroom

Many design methods are suitable for visually expanding the living room-bedroom.

TABLE

1.	Large mirror	The ability to “double” the space of a room; they are not placed opposite another mirror or window
2.	Bright hues	The lighter the main background, the more spacious the room looks, white furniture is appropriate
3.	Mirror sliding door on the front of the cabinet	Built-in furniture with a sliding door and mirror does not take up space, but seems wider
4.	Stripes and geometry of contrasts	Horizontal lines of the ceiling, vertical stripes on the wallpaper will “expand” the walls
5.	Glossy cladding effect	Surfaces with a high coefficient of light reflection, but there should not be many of them
6.	Mirror wall or panels	Functional, effective, diffuse reflected light, “double” the room
7.	Large drawing on the wall	A large drawing suggests a lot of space and visually enlarges the wall
8.	Photo wallpaper with illusions and 3D effect	This works with a realistic panorama of the city or a photo of nature - it “blows down” the wall

A room in light colors will look larger

Spotlights, LED strip and chandelier will create a special atmosphere in the room

Selection of furniture

When choosing a furniture design, we recommend following these recommendations:

If the kitchen accounts for half the area of ​​the room, the second part for the living room simply needs to be lightened with light, visually inconspicuous furniture.

The table and chairs can be compact or transparent, on light metal legs.

The table can be folding, which is convenient when guests arrive. Instead of chairs, you can use bar seats.

A soft sofa can completely replace a couple of chairs at the dining table.

• It is better to buy a kitchen set with lower drawers than with shelves that are less functional.
• In general, the furniture should be spacious, and it is advisable to build in household appliances.
• Don’t be afraid to use furniture in the kitchen with two high or even three tiers. These will be additional places to store utensils. In addition, the top kitchen drawers will help hide unsightly ventilation ducts and other utilities, if any.