We are here to discuss open floor plans! 🏡 There is no such thing as having only an open living room and kitchen for aesthetic and functionality while saving space. From a small apartment to a big house, these ideas will help you nail down the idea of living room-meets-kitchen.
Are you ready to blur those boundaries? Here are 15 ways you can create a magazine-worthy living room-kitchen combo! 🛋️🍳
1. Define Spaces with Rugs
One of the easiest ways to distinguish between your living room and kitchen is using a statement rug. A boldly patterned rug under your sofa demarcates the “living” zone, while leaving the kitchen bare or sleek.
Pro Tip: In open space, a neutral rug helps keep the environment unified-nothing too loud or clashing.
2. Go for a Two-Toned Color Scheme
Select two complementary colors, one for the kitchen and one for the living room. For example, navy cabinets and soft grey furniture create a visually distinct but cohesive look.
Relatable Moment: My friend Lisa painted her kitchen island navy and used matching throw pillows on her couch. It pulls the whole space together, and everyone notices it.
3. Statement-Making Shared Lighting đź’ˇ
A statement chandelier over the dining table and a more modern pendant that matches in the kitchen are beautifully cohesive in tying these spaces together. It gives really good energy and is sophisticated.
4. Incorporate a Kitchen Island Bar
An island or peninsula is the ultimate living room/kitchen divider. Add bar stools to the kitchen side for casual dining and keep the living room side open for conversation. It’s perfect for hosting—trust me, I’ve had so many wine nights here. 🍷
5. Match Materials for a Seamless Look
Choose materials that work in both spaces. For example, wood floors running through both areas create flow, while a backsplash in the same tone as your living room décor makes everything feel intentional.
6. Add Floating Shelves for Style and Storage
Floating shelves that transition from the kitchen into the living room are not just functional—they’re an opportunity to show off pretty décor like plants, cookbooks, or art pieces. 🌿
7. Use Furniture to Create Flow
Place a sleek sectional sofa with the back facing the kitchen to subtly define the two spaces. Bonus points if it has a chaise for extra lounging.
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Pro Tip: Make sure your sofa doesn’t block too much light or the line of sight—you want it to feel open, not cramped.
8. Opt for Consistent DĂ©cor Styles
If your kitchen has modern, minimalist vibes, carry that theme into the living room. Think clean lines, neutral colors, and sleek materials like glass and steel.
9. Go Bold with a Feature Wall
Use one wall to create a focal point that unifies the spaces. A gallery wall, bold paint color, or textured wallpaper can work wonders. One client of mine added shiplap, and now it’s the star of her open floor plan.
10. Use Plants as Dividers 🌱
Tall plants, like a fiddle leaf fig or a row of snake plants, act as natural dividers without closing off the space. Plus, they add that fresh, cozy vibe we’re all living for.
11. Blend Textures Across Spaces
Mixing textures like a velvet sofa in the living room and smooth quartz countertops in the kitchen creates visual interest while maintaining harmony.
12. Install Sliding Glass Doors for Flexibility
If you want to keep the option of separating the spaces, sliding glass doors are the perfect compromise. Keep them open for an airy feel, or close them for cozy dinner parties. ✨
13. Bring in a Multi-Functional Piece
A stylish storage cabinet or a low-profile bookshelf can act as a divider while giving you extra space to stash everything from kitchen gadgets to living room blankets.
14. Coordinate Hardware and Fixtures
Match your kitchen cabinet handles to the hardware on your living room furniture. It’s a small detail, but trust me—it makes the whole space feel cohesive and intentional. 🛠️
15. Keep the Palette Neutral but Layered
If you’re unsure where to start, go neutral! Whites, beiges, and greys are timeless and make the room feel bigger. Add pops of color with décor like cushions, throws, or kitchen accessories.
Relatable Tip: I started with a beige base and swapped out bright orange throw pillows for a softer sage green last spring. It was an instant mood lifter! đź’š
Final Thoughts: Create a Space You Love
The beauty of combining your living room and kitchen is that you can truly make it your own. Whether you’re leaning into sleek modern vibes or cozy cottagecore, these ideas will help you find the perfect balance of style and functionality.
What’s your favorite way to style a shared space? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to save this post for your next design project. Happy decorating!