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Design Dilemma Kitchens Smaller Homes

Integrating an open kitchen with a living room – help!

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hi,

I am looking for help in designing an open kitchen and living room area. The room is somewhat long and narrow, and the communications which are already in place possibly rule out some options. I have included photos from the actual apartment and my design attempts so far.

The “white” kitchen tries to limit the cabinetry in the longer wall (despite some electrical outlets extending farther) and fit in a proper dining table. It would have a classical Nordic/Scandinavian look. The silverware is designed in the middle of the range and sink (is 15.7’’ enough?). The dishwasher could be in the corner of the left wall, provided it would be possible to connect the communications around the 12.6’’ x 24’’ shaft in the corner. I would also extend the side of the fridge with an open shelf/bookcase to make it useful. Similarly, the last cabinet to the right of the sink could instead be a shelf. This would facilitate using the seat at the end of the table as a workspace (there is no other room in the apartment where a workspace could fit).

The “black” kitchen tries to hide the shafts and uses high cabinets in the entire wall on the left. It would have a more modern look, though doesn’t have to be black. It has less counter space. The upper part of the wall cabinets in the longer wall could extend over the shaft in the ceiling (see the picture from the side) with lighting below – the cabinets themselves could be narrower and made from the same wood finish as the countertop. The dishwasher is in the middle of the cooktop and sink; the silverware could be to the right of the sink; the spatulas etc below the cooktop. There is no dining table, the countertop is simply extended (higher than a regular table). The corner could still be used as a workspace – however, it too would be higher than a regular desk. The lack of a table allows a little bit more space in the living room area.

Which design would you prefer? Perhaps a combination of those? Where would you place the dishwasher and the shelf for the silverware? How would you integrate a workspace into the apartment?

All help and any ideas are highly appreciated – perhaps I have missed some possible solutions (though I have tried others – e.g. a peninsula or a layout with a small table in the kitchen area – but space is a limitation).

Thank you!

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Comments (5)

Ellie
3 years ago
Just thinking that with such a small kitchen perhaps not have a dishwasher and that will give you some much needed storage space
keiblem
3 years ago
Not have a dishwasher! I for one could never be parted from my dishwasher. Besides it doubles as storage. When the dishes are in it dirty or clean they are not taking up cupboard space.
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keiblem
3 years ago
I prefer option 2, the black kitchen, because I think a separate dining table takes up too much room and the peninsula is more effective at separating the two zones. This option also allows you to have an additional easy chair which is better than just having a sofa. With this option, as you say, you would have a breakfast bar rather than a dining table. Have you considered dropping the peninsula to dining table height?

I would however be tempted to have the oven under the hob and the cabinets on the end wall the way you have them in option 1 thereby freeing up more work surface. Either option you chose for the end wall would really depend on how much storage you need as opposed to how much work surface you can manage with.
If you drop the peninsula then you would lose work surface there but regain it by choosing option 1 for the end wall.

Do you have room in the entrance for a cupboard to store kitchen items not in regular use?

Whilst working in the kitchen the breakfast bar or drop down peninsula would only accommodate two chairs. The two on the kitchen side would get in the way of food prep. They could however be stored somewhere and brought to the table once you are ready to eat. Folding chairs that can be hung up might be an option.

Somewhere else that you could accommodate storage is where you have the table for the TV. Have you considered a run of built in cupboards here with shelves either side and above the TV?

Where is your washing machine?
HU-338178097 thanked keiblem
HU-338178097
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you for these ideas (and sorry for getting back to you so late!), all good advice! Quite likely I am going for the mix of these two options as you suggested – putting the oven under the hob and freeing up some cabinet space for the end wall as in option 1, but trying to work out a peninsula/table combination similarly to option 2.

Instead of folding chairs, I'm considering an adjustable table (like this one) with bar stools on the kitchen side. Such a solution would theoretically open up both food prep and dining options but of course, would need to think/consider how such a set-up would look and match up with the rest of the room.

The storage has traditionally not been a problem for me (another reason why not to go with option 2). I am considering shelves next to the fridge and to the living room area. However, the window-side of the TV needs to be free because there is actually a door to the balcony there which needs the space to open up.

The washing machine is not a problem – there is a dedicated place for that in the bathroom.

Thank you for thinking along, it is very helpful!
keiblem
3 years ago
The table looks like a good idea. There is a lot of transformational furniture out there that is perfect for small spaces that have to work hard.

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