The design of a small open kitchen can transform a small space into a convivial and functional room. With the right tips and the right choice of furniture, you can optimize every square centimeter while bringing style to your interior.
For those in a hurry, here are our best tips for successfully furnishing your small open kitchen, which we’ll cover in detail in this guide:
- Compact furniture: High cupboards, extending tables.
- Central island: Storage and delimitation.
- Light colors: Enlarge visually.
- Reflective materials: Glass, stainless steel for light.
- Decorative harmony: Coordinate kitchen and living room.
- Exploit light: Bright surfaces, integrated lighting.
Discover now our complete guide to help you successfully furnish your small open kitchen.
Why choose a small open kitchen?
Opting for an open kitchen in a small space can offer many advantages, both in terms of practicality and aesthetics.
The advantages of an open kitchen in a small space
An open kitchen creates a feeling of spaciousness by removing partitions between the kitchen and other living areas, such as the living or dining room. This layout offers a feeling of space and avoids the sense of enclosure often felt in small, closed kitchens.
How open-planning improves circulation and brightness
By opening up the kitchen to the living room, you facilitate circulation between the different areas of the house. What’s more, the absence of walls allows natural light to circulate more freely, making the room brighter and more pleasant to live in.
How to optimize the layout of a small open kitchen?
To design a small, open kitchen efficiently, it’s essential to choose the right furniture and storage solutions.
Choosing the right furniture to maximize space
By opting for a kitchen that opens onto the living room, you optimize the flow of traffic between the different living areas. This configuration eliminates visual and physical barriers, creating the impression of a larger, more welcoming space.
What’s more, the absence of partitions allows natural light to diffuse unhindered, bathing the entire room in a more uniform luminosity.
Use a central island or bar to delimit spaces
A central island or a bar can be used to subtly delineate the kitchen from the living room, while remaining in an open layout. These elements also create additional storage space and can double up as a convivial dining area.
Space-saving, intelligent storage solutions
In a small kitchen, every inch counts. That’s why it’s important to provide clever storage solutions to organize space efficiently.
Multifunctional furniture and ceiling-high cupboards
Multi-functional furniture are your best allies in a small kitchen. What’s more, ceiling-high cupboards maximize vertical space, while avoiding floor clutter.
Tips for storing in tight spaces
Use clever storage accessories like pull-out drawers, corner shelves or wall-mounted utensil holders to organize space and keep your kitchen from looking too cluttered.
Decorating ideas for a small open kitchen
Decorating a small open kitchen plays an important role in creating a pleasant atmosphere while optimizing space.
What colors should be favored to visually enlarge the space?
Light colors, such as white, beige or pastel tones, are ideal for visually enlarging a small kitchen. They reflect light and give an impression of lightness. To add dynamism, you can add touches of brighter colors via accessories or wall decoration.
How to choose materials for a small kitchen?
The materials you choose for your kitchen influence both its aesthetics and functionality. Opt for surfaces that are easy to maintain and maximize light.
Worktops, credenzas and wall coverings
The choice of worktop and credenza must combine aesthetics and practicality. Kichechef offers materials such as granite, ceramic and quartz, which combine durability with elegant design.
These materials are not only durable, but also easy to maintain, while resisting impact, heat and splashes.
Optimize light with the right materials
Materials such as quartz, granite or ceramic surfaces help to optimize light in the kitchen while adding a contemporary touch. These materials, while robust and durable, create a luminous effect.
Also consider integrating under-cabinet lighting, an ideal solution for illuminating the worktop without taking up space, maximizing both brightness and functionality.
Integrating the open kitchen into the living room: practical advice
When the kitchen opens onto the living room, it’s essential to harmonize the two spaces to create visual and functional continuity.
Harmonizing decoration between kitchen and living room
For a fluid transition between kitchen and living room, be sure to harmonize colors and materials. For example, if your kitchen furniture is white, choose a sofa or cushions in similar shades to maintain visual consistency.
How to organize the space for a smooth transition?
The organization of the space must allow for easy circulation. Use light delimiting elements, such as a rug or low furniture, to mark the separation between the two zones without totally isolating them. This ensures a fluid transition between the different living spaces.
Inspiration for a small open kitchen: our best ideas
Looking for inspiration for your small open kitchen? Here are a few design ideas to help you create an optimized, stylish space.
Examples of layouts for small kitchens open onto the living room
A successful example of a layout might be a small white kitchen with a quartz or granite worktop for an elegant, long-lasting touch, accompanied by a central island that doubles as a dining area. Hanging furniture frees up floor space, while open shelving offers a storage solution that’s both practical and decorative. This type of layout optimizes space while creating a warm, functional atmosphere.
Minimalist or modern decor: which style to choose?
A minimalist style, with clean lines and neutral colors, creates an airy, orderly space. If you prefer a more modern style, rely on contrasting materials such as granite, ceramic or quartz, combined with metallic elements such as stainless steel. Add touches of bright color to energize the space and create a contemporary, sophisticated ambience.
Trust Kichechef to design your small open kitchen
For a successful design project, call on professionals who can advise and support you every step of the way.
Our experts accompany you in your custom furnishing project
At Kichechef, our experts are on hand to help you design a bespoke kitchen that perfectly suits your space and needs. From planning to realization, we’re here to support you.
Discover our showroom and be inspired
Come and visit our showroom in Capellen to explore different ideas and configurations for small, open kitchens. Be inspired by our layout solutions and benefit from our specialists’ advice to create the kitchen of your dreams.
Last update: 29 November 2024
