This post shows you the best open plan kitchen living room ideas!

I know creating an open-plan kitchen and living room can be quite tricky.

It can be challenging to make each area look separate while making it a cozy and stylish place to live.

But with strategic planning and some creativity, an open-plan kitchen living room can become your dream space for entertaining and everyday living.

open plan kitchen living room ideas

Now, let's get into these open plan kitchen living room ideas!

1. Breakfast bar

small space living room

How lovely does this open-plan kitchen living room look?

What better way to enjoy breakfast than with your very own breakfast bar?

Adding a breakfast bar maximizes space and is super easy to create. All you need are a few bar stools underneath your kitchen island.

2. Enhancing with natural light

small kitchen living room open concept

Maximizing the natural light in your open-plan area gives it an airy and open feel.

Large windows should be left bare or covered with sheer curtains to invite in the sunlight.

Don't have much natural light?

Strategically place a mirror to reflect any light throughout the area; this will create the illusion of more space.

3. Kitchen island

small kitchen living room ideas

A kitchen island is super important in an open-plan kitchen living room!

It offers additional counter space and doubles as a casual dining area.

Place it strategically to help define the cooking area and create a seamless flow.

4. Make it cozy

small kitchen living room layout

Mood lighting is so important in any space.

Use table lamps, string lights, or pendant lights to create a warm and inviting feel.

To finish it off, top your sofa with throw cushions and blankets to create an extra cozy feel.

5. Make each area distinct

small kitchen living room design

How beautiful is this open floor plan!

I know not everyone is lucky enough to have these huge windows, but notice how each area is distinct?

Arrange sofas and tables to create a natural division between living and dining areas.

An area rug is a great way to visually define different zones, and lighting fixtures can help highlight each area as well.

6. Wood tones and greenery

small kitchen living room

Wood tones and greenery look super good together.

Add in wood elements through flooring, furniture, or small decor pieces.

Pair these wood tones with greenery, such as potted plants, succulents or hanging baskets to add life into your space.

7. Use pendant lights

small kitchen living room ideas layout

A dining area in a kitchen-living room combo should feel cozy and inviting.

Use a pendant light to help define the space and add warmth.

Arrange the pendants in a row along the length of an island unit to boost the impact.

8. Use multifunctional furniture

small open kitchen and living room ideas

In an open floor plan area, it is easy for the space to feel overwhelming and cluttered.

So, it is a good idea to maximize space and functionality and go for multifunctional furniture.

Opt for items like modular sofas, storage ottomans, and coffee tables with built-in storage to minimize clutter.

9. Keep it neutral

small kitchen living room open concept layout

Neutrals are your alley when furnishing/decorating your open-plan area.

Neutral colors can make the area appear larger and brighter and pair well with almost everything!

This means it is easy to update your space whenever you're in the mood.

10. Grey and white aesthetic

small kitchen living room dining room combo

Keeping to the grey and white aesthetic might be just what you're after.

It creates a modern, sophisticated look without feeling cold.

Add some plush pillows, throw blankets, candles, and mood lighting to make it feel even cozier.

11. Dark wood and metal accents

small kitchen living room apartment

If you want to achieve that modern, sleek look, opt for dark wood and metal accents.

Light colors on dark floors are stunning.

Pair it with metal accents, candles, artwork, and interesting mood lighting, and you can transform your space.

open plan kitchen living room small

This boho living room and kitchen create a warm atmosphere for all those boho lovers and plant moms.

The woven decor pieces, textured throw pillows, and a plant in every corner, combined with the simple white furniture, look amazing.

Stick to earthy shades to achieve this look.

13. Modern open plan kitchen

open plan kitchen living room layout

If you love the simple modern look, this one is for you.

To avoid your space looking sterile, add some colored throw pillows and a statement art piece. The grey pairs well with the orange tones.

It creates the perfect balance between colors while staying subtle.

14. Storage ottoman

small living room with kitchen ideas

Ottomans can be used for many purposes, making them perfect for small living rooms.

An ottoman with storage space is an easy way to add a little extra space to your living room.

This one is used as a coffee table, but you could even use it as an extra seat.

15. Blue, white, and wood open-plan kitchen

open plan kitchen ideas

Stick to only a few colors.

This open plan kitchen and living room combo only uses blue, white, and wood, and it looks fantastic.

Adding a dark accent wall with some wood accents is just what you need to set the mood.

While having a simple living room can be great, adding a little bit of color never hurts.

16. Keep it simple

open plan kitchen dining living

If you want to keep your area's decor simple, recreate this open-plan kitchen and living room layout.

Every element in this small space serves a purpose.

This living space is the perfect balance between rustic and modern. The wood offers warmth, while white furniture brightens the space.

Add an area rug and a couple extra throw pillows to make the space feel more cozy.

17. A statement piece

small open kitchen and living room ideas

If you're looking for a more minimalistic approach, this is perfect.

Using only one piece of art can create a focal point and separate spaces within an open floor plan. 

This living area allows for a sophisticated look without feeling sterile. 

The artwork fills up the empty wall space, making it feel more personalized and homely.

18. Kitchen living room combo

open floor plan living room and kitchen small

This living room decor gives a fun little twist to the space.

These blue tones add a vibrant atmosphere to the home.

Include some fresh flowers, greenery, and an area rug to liven up the space too.

open plan kitchen diner living room

This post shows you the best open plan kitchen living room ideas!

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