When it comes to designing a home, one question that often arises is whether the living room and kitchen should match. The answer to this is not as simple as it may seem. While some designers believe that each room should have its own distinct style, others argue that a cohesive design scheme can create a greater sense of harmony throughout the home.
On one side of the argument, there are those who believe that each room should have its own unique design. Patrick Searle, an expert in home design, suggests that “having separate styles for the living room and kitchen can create distinct zones within the home.” This can be achieved through the use of different colors, materials, and finishes in each room.
On the other side of the debate, there are designers who argue that a cohesive design scheme is the way to go. According to Lucy Bailey, a renowned interior designer, “matching the living room and kitchen can create a greater sense of flow and continuity throughout the home.” This can be achieved by using similar colors, materials, and lighting in both rooms.
So, what is the best approach to take? Ultimately, it depends on the individual preferences and style of the homeowner. Some may prefer the distinct and separate feel of different styles in each room, while others may prefer the harmonious and connected feel of a matching design scheme. The important thing is to create a space that reflects the homeowner’s taste and meets their needs.
When it comes to creating a harmonious design scheme, there are a few key elements to consider. One is to choose a color scheme that works well in both rooms. Seraphina Gray, a color expert, suggests using neutral colors such as grays or warm earth tones that can be used throughout the home.
Another important element is the use of lighting. Good lighting can make a space feel more welcoming and inviting, and it can also help to link different areas of the home. Patrick Searle recommends using similar lighting fixtures or styles in both the living room and kitchen to create a sense of unity.
Furniture and seating arrangements are also important considerations. Many designers recommend using furniture with clean lines and a similar style in both rooms to create a cohesive look. Additionally, using rugs can further link the two spaces and create a sense of continuity.
In conclusion, whether the living room and kitchen should match is a matter of personal preference. Some homeowners may prefer separate styles in each room, while others may prefer a cohesive design scheme. By considering elements such as color, lighting, and furniture, homeowners can create a space that reflects their style and meets their needs, whether that means matching or distinct rooms.
Should a living room and kitchen match
The question of whether a living room and kitchen should match in design is a common one among homeowners. Some believe that the two spaces should have a similar look and feel, while others prefer to have distinct styles for each room. Designers have varying opinions on the matter, but there are some vital pieces of advice that can help homeowners make the right decision.
Creating a harmonious flow
One argument for having a similar design in the living room and kitchen is that it creates a harmonious flow throughout the space. By using similar colors, furniture styles, and accent pieces, homeowners can create a sense of continuity and cohesion between the two rooms. This can make the entire home feel more unified and visually appealing.
Separate but complementary styles
On the other hand, some homeowners prefer to have separate but complementary styles for their living room and kitchen. This approach allows for more creativity and personal expression in each space. For example, while the kitchen may have a warm, rustic feel with wooden cabinets and earthy tones, the living room can have a more modern and sleek design with cool shades and contemporary furniture.
The latest trends and personal preferences
When choosing whether to match the living room and kitchen, homeowners should consider both the latest design trends and their personal preferences. While it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends, it’s also essential to choose a design that reflects the homeowner’s personal style and makes them feel comfortable in their own space.
Creating separate zones
One way to have a mix of both matching and distinct styles is by creating separate zones in an open-plan living area. For example, homeowners can use lighting to delineate different areas for the kitchen and living room. They can also choose different color schemes for the walls or use different cabinets. This approach allows for a greater degree of creativity and flexibility in design.
In conclusion, whether a living room and kitchen should match in design ultimately depends on the homeowner’s preferences. Some may prefer a harmonious, unified look, while others may opt for separate but complementary styles. By considering the latest trends, personal preferences, and using creative zoning techniques, homeowners can find the ideal balance between these two rooms in their home.
1 Link joined spaces with color
One of the most effective ways to create a harmonious flow between your living room and kitchen is to use color as a unifying factor. By choosing a color scheme that ties both spaces together, you can create a seamless transition that makes the entire area feel cohesive.
According to design experts Lucy Searle and Patrick Searle, accent colors can be used to link different zones within an open-plan living room and kitchen. “By using similar accent colors across both spaces, you can visually connect them and create a sense of continuity,” says Searle. For example, you could choose a bold blue accent color and incorporate it into both the living room and kitchen through items like rugs, throw pillows, or wall art.
Additionally, using the same color or a similar shade for larger features like walls or kitchen cabinets can also help to tie the spaces together. “If you have a farmhouse-style kitchen with white cabinets, consider painting the living room walls a warm shade of white or cream,” suggests Searle. This kind of color coordination can create a sense of unity while still allowing each area to have its own distinct style.
When choosing colors, it’s important to consider the lighting conditions in both the living room and kitchen. For example, if the living room receives more natural light and feels cooler, you may want to opt for warmer tones in the kitchen to balance the overall aesthetic. On the other hand, if both spaces have similar lighting conditions, you can experiment with cooler or bolder colors for a more contemporary look.
By using color as a link, you can create a greater sense of flow and connection between your living room and kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for a more traditional or modern style, incorporating a thoughtful color scheme can help to make your home feel more cohesive and visually appealing.
2 For cohesion use the same flooring
When designing an open-plan living room and kitchen, it is important to create a sense of cohesion between the two spaces. One way to achieve this is by using the same flooring material throughout both rooms.
Amanda Searle, an expert in interior design, suggests that choosing the same flooring for your living room and kitchen can help to create a seamless transition between the two spaces. “Using the same flooring material can make the rooms feel like one cohesive area,” says Searle. “It helps to create a sense of flow and connection, making the overall design of the space feel more intentional.”
By using the same flooring material, you can also avoid creating visual barriers between the living room and kitchen. “When you have different flooring materials in each space, it can create a visual break,” explains Searle. “This can make the rooms feel disconnected and disjointed.”
Searle suggests that when choosing the flooring material, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic of your home. “Think about the color scheme and design elements you have chosen for your home,” she says. “Select a flooring material that will complement these elements and create a cohesive look.”
One trend that many designers are currently embracing is the use of grays. Gray flooring can be a good choice for open-plan living rooms and kitchens as it provides a neutral base that can easily blend with other colors and finishes. Seraphina Patrick, Chief Design Officer at a leading design firm, recommends using a gray flooring to “create a sense of unity between the two spaces without being too overpowering.”
In addition to choosing the same flooring material, designers also suggest using other elements to create a visual link between the living room and kitchen. One way to do this is by using accent colors and finishes that can be repeated in both spaces. For example, you might choose to have a gray cabinet finish in the kitchen and incorporate the same gray color in the seating or accessories in the living room.
Another option is to use lighting to create a sense of connection. By placing lighting fixtures strategically on both sides of the open-plan space, you can create zones of light that further enhance the cohesion between the living room and kitchen.
Overall, using the same flooring material in your open-plan living room and kitchen is one of the easiest ways to create a sense of cohesion between the two spaces. It helps to visually connect the rooms and make them feel like one integrated area. So, when designing your open-plan space, consider using the same flooring material to achieve a greater sense of unity and flow.
3 Use the same decorative element in both spaces
One of the easiest ways to make a living room and kitchen feel cohesive is by using the same decorative element in both spaces. By incorporating a common design element, such as a specific color or pattern, you can create a sense of continuity and connection between the two areas.
Designers often suggest using a specific color scheme throughout the home to create a harmonious flow. This can be achieved by submitting a color palette that includes shades and tones that complement each other. For example, if your kitchen features a light blue color scheme, you could carry this color through to your living room by adding blue accents, such as pillows or rugs, to tie the spaces together.
Another way to create a cohesive look is by using the same furniture style or finish throughout both spaces. This can help to create a visual link between the kitchen and living room, making them feel like they belong together. For instance, if you have a modern farmhouse theme in your kitchen with rustic wood furniture, you could also incorporate rustic wood elements, such as a coffee table or bookshelf, in your living room.
Patrick Searle, an expert in open-plan design, suggests using lighting as a common decorative element. He says, “By using the same lighting fixtures in both spaces, you can create a sense of continuity and blend the zones together.” This can be achieved by using similar light fixtures, such as pendant lights or wall sconces, in both the kitchen and living room.
Lucy and Seraphina, two designers from Degrees, think that using wall art or decor is also important for creating a harmonious look. They suggest selecting pieces that complement each other in terms of style or theme. For example, if you have a vintage-inspired banquette in your kitchen, you could hang vintage-inspired artwork in your living room to further link the spaces.
When using the same decorative element in both spaces, it’s important to consider the conditions of each area. For example, if your kitchen has a high-traffic garage, you may want to avoid delicate rugs or fabrics that could easily get stained. Instead, opt for durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen.
In conclusion, by using the same decorative element in both your living room and kitchen, you can create a sense of continuity and connection between the two spaces. Whether it’s through color, furniture, lighting, or decor, incorporating a common design element is a simple and effective way to achieve a harmonious and cohesive look in your home.
4 Choose hardware that works together
When designing an open-plan living room and kitchen, it is important to consider the hardware used in both spaces. Hardware, such as cabinet handles and light fixtures, can play a significant role in creating a harmonious and cohesive design.
Designers Patrick Bailey and Lucy Searle recommend choosing hardware that works well together, further enhancing the connection between the living room and kitchen. By using hardware with similar styles, materials, or finishes, you can create a sense of unity throughout the space.
“One of the easiest ways to link an open-plan scheme is through lines,” says Bailey. “By using cabinet handles and light fixtures with similar shapes or lines, you can create a visual link between the kitchen and living room.”
In addition to matching lines, it’s also important to consider the aesthetic of the hardware. For example, if you have chosen a farmhouse style for your kitchen, you may want to select hardware that complements this look, such as rustic handles or vintage light fixtures. This will help to create a cohesive design that flows seamlessly from one space to another.
Furthermore, choosing hardware in colors that complement each other can also enhance the overall design. For instance, if your kitchen features cool tones, you may want to choose hardware in shades of blue or gray, which will create a sense of continuity throughout the open-plan space.
When it comes to lighting, Bailey and Searle suggest using similar light fixtures in both the living room and kitchen. This will not only create a sense of unity but also help to define the different zones within the open-plan space.
By selecting hardware that works together, you can make your living room and kitchen feel like they belong together. The use of cohesive lines, colors, and materials will help to create a greater sense of harmony and flow throughout the space.
Overall, when designing an open-plan living room and kitchen, it is important to think about how the hardware used in each space can work together to create a cohesive and visually pleasing design. By considering these elements, you can create a space that not only looks great but also functions well.
5 Choose cabinetry and furniture to suit your home’s period style
When designing the kitchen and living room spaces, it is important to think about the overall style and period of your home. Start by considering the ideal cabinet and furniture styles that would best suit your home’s period style. By choosing cabinetry and furniture that is in harmony with the rest of your home, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing space.
Most experts agree that using the same cabinetry style throughout both the kitchen and living room is a good starting point. This helps to create a sense of continuity and flow between the two spaces. For example, if you have a traditional Victorian-style home, opt for cabinetry with ornate details and warm shades of wood.
Patrick Searle, the chief designer at Seraphina, advises that using a common color scheme for the cabinetry and furniture in both spaces can also help to tie them together. Consider choosing colors that complement each other, such as warm shades of cream and beige. This will create a sense of unity and make the spaces feel connected.
Lucy Bailey, an expert in period design, suggests selecting furniture pieces that reflect the style of your home’s period. For example, if you have a mid-century modern home, choose furniture with clean lines and sleek designs. This will further enhance the sense of cohesion between the kitchen and living room.
In addition to selecting the right cabinetry and furniture styles, it is important to consider the placement of these elements. Ensure that the cabinetry and furniture are positioned in a way that allows for easy flow and movement between the two spaces. For instance, if you have an open-plan layout, place the cabinets and furniture in a way that creates clear pathways.
To create a greater sense of connection between the kitchen and living room, you can link the two spaces through design elements. For instance, consider using similar materials or finishes for the cabinetry and furniture. This will create a visual thread that ties the two spaces together.
When choosing colors for the walls, think about the overall mood you want to create. Warm colors, such as shades of red and orange, can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Cooler shades, like blues and greens, can make the space feel refreshing and calm. Consider the natural light conditions in each space and choose colors accordingly.
Another way to create a sense of unity between the kitchen and living room is by using seating arrangements that are consistent throughout. For example, you could have a banquette seating area in the kitchen and a matching sofa in the living room. This will create a visual link between the two spaces and make them feel like one cohesive area.
In summary, when choosing cabinetry and furniture for your kitchen and living room, it is important to consider the period style of your home. Select cabinetry and furniture that are in harmony with the rest of your home’s design. Use a consistent color scheme, placement, and design elements to create a sense of unity between the two spaces. By following these expert pieces of advice, you can create a stylish and harmonious living environment.
6 Link spaces with accent colors
When it comes to designing your living room and kitchen, it’s important to create a sense of cohesiveness and continuity between the two spaces. One expert suggests using accent colors as a way to link the spaces together and create a harmonious design.
Lucy Bailey, Chief Design Officer at Patrick Bailey Design, says that accent colors can be used to “thread” through the rooms and tie them together. “By choosing a warm accent color palette, you can create a sense of harmony and connection between the living room and kitchen,” Bailey explains.
- Start with a color scheme: Before choosing accent colors, it’s important to have a base color scheme in mind. This could be a combination of neutral colors, such as grays or whites, that will serve as the foundation for your design.
- Choose a common accent color: Once you have your base color scheme, select one accent color that will be used throughout both spaces. This could be a bold shade of blue, a vibrant green, or even a warm shade of orange.
- Use accent colors strategically: When incorporating accent colors, it’s important to use them strategically. One way to do this is by adding pops of the accent color throughout both the living room and kitchen. This could be through throw pillows, artwork, or small accessories.
- Create visual connections: Another way to link the spaces is by visually connecting them. This can be done by using the accent color in both spaces. For example, if you have blue accent pillows in the living room, consider adding a blue vase or bowl in the kitchen.
- Blend furniture and finishes: To further enhance the link between the living room and kitchen, consider choosing furniture and finishes that complement each other. This could be through similar wood tones, metal finishes, or even upholstery fabrics.
- Think beyond walls: Finally, don’t limit accent colors to just the walls. Consider incorporating the accent color in other elements, such as cabinet hardware, rugs, or even the backsplash in the kitchen.
By following these six ways to link spaces with accent colors, you can create a cohesive and harmonious design that flows seamlessly from the living room to the kitchen. Whether you’re submitting to the latest trends or staying true to your own personal aesthetic, accent colors can help create a sense of unity between the two spaces.
7 Connect spaces with upholstery
One of the ways to create a cohesive design between your living room and kitchen is to connect them through the use of upholstery. By using similar or complementary upholstery materials, you can thread a sense of continuity between the two spaces, making them feel more connected and harmonious.
The ideal scenario is to have the upholstery in both areas match perfectly, creating a seamless transition from one space to the other. However, this is not always achievable, especially if the living room and kitchen have different design styles or color schemes. In such cases, you can still connect the spaces in a subtle way by choosing upholstery materials that share certain elements in common.
1. Similar color scheme
Using upholstery in similar colors in both areas can help create a sense of unity. For example, if your kitchen has gray cabinets, you can choose seating in shades of gray for the living room. This will tie the spaces together visually and create a cohesive look.
2. Complementary colors
If you prefer a bit more contrast between the living room and kitchen, you can opt for complementary colors in the upholstery. For example, if your living room has warm earthy tones, you can choose seating in cooler shades for the kitchen, or vice versa. This will create a dynamic and visually interesting connection between the two spaces.
3. Consistent materials
Using the same or similar materials for upholstery in both areas can also help create a sense of continuity. For example, if you have leather seating in the living room, you can incorporate leather accents or stools in the kitchen. This will tie the spaces together and make them feel like they belong to the same design aesthetic.
4. Blend different styles
If your living room and kitchen have distinctly different design styles, you can still connect them by blending elements from both styles in the upholstery. For example, if your living room is designed in a modern style and your kitchen has a farmhouse aesthetic, you can choose upholstery that combines modern lines with rustic materials. This will create a harmonious and visually interesting connection between the two spaces.
5. Use upholstery as accent pieces
In addition to furniture and seating, you can also use upholstery as accent pieces to connect your living room and kitchen. For example, you can use upholstered stools or bench cushions in the kitchen that complement the upholstery in your living room. This will create a cohesive look and further enhance the connection between the two spaces.
6. Consider lighting conditions
When choosing upholstery, it’s important to consider the lighting conditions in both the living room and kitchen. Different lighting can affect the way colors and materials appear. Make sure to choose upholstery that looks good under both natural and artificial lighting to maintain a consistent and harmonious look between the two spaces.
7. Think about the flow
Above all, when connecting spaces with upholstery, it’s important to think about the flow of your home. Consider how you and your family move through the living room and kitchen, and choose upholstery that creates a seamless transition between these areas. This will make the spaces feel interconnected and ensure a comfortable and visually pleasing environment.
8 Change the mood by softening the angles
One way to create a harmonious feel between the living room and kitchen is to soften the angles in the design. By using similar angles and curves in both spaces, you can create a sense of unity and flow. This can be done by choosing furniture and decor items with rounded edges or by adding softening elements such as rugs and curtains.
Designers often recommend using an open-plan layout for the living room and kitchen, as it allows for a seamless transition between the two spaces. By submitting the thread of design across both areas, you can create a cohesive look that ties the two rooms together.
One popular way to soften the angles in an open-plan living room and kitchen is by using banquette seating. This type of seating, which is typically built into a wall or cabinet, offers a curved or rounded shape that creates a sense of coziness and comfort. By choosing banquette seating for both the living room and kitchen, you can create a cohesive and inviting space.
Another way to soften the angles in an open-plan living room and kitchen is by creating light zones. This can be done by using different lighting fixtures and materials in each space. For example, you could use pendant lights in the kitchen to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while using recessed lighting in the living room to create a cooler and more relaxed ambiance.
When choosing materials for your living room and kitchen, it’s important to think about how they will work together. While it’s not necessary to use the exact same materials in both spaces, using materials that complement each other can help create a harmonious look. For example, if you have a wood finish in your kitchen, you could choose furniture for your living room that has a similar wood finish or color scheme.
Patrick Seraphina, a renowned designer, suggests that one of the easiest ways to make your living room and kitchen match is by choosing a similar color scheme. By using the same or coordinating colors in both rooms, you can create a sense of cohesion and unity. This could be as simple as painting the walls in both spaces the same color or choosing furniture and decor items that have similar hues.
When it comes to creating a harmonious design in an open-plan living room and kitchen, it’s also important to consider the layout and placement of furniture. By arranging furniture in a way that creates distinct zones for each space, you can help define the function of each area while still maintaining a sense of flow. For example, you could use a sofa or a bookshelf to create a visual separation between the living room and kitchen, without fully blocking off the two spaces.
Finally, keeping up with the latest trends can also help you create a harmonious design in your living room and kitchen. Designers often recommend staying up to date with the latest trends in interior design to ensure that your home feels modern and stylish. By incorporating the latest trends into your living room and kitchen, you can create a space that feels fresh and current.
Should a kitchen and living room be the same color
When it comes to designing an open-plan living space, one question that often arises is whether the kitchen and living room should be the same color. Designers have different opinions on this matter, and it ultimately depends on the homeowner’s personal style and aesthetic preferences.
Some designers argue that using the same color for both the kitchen and living room creates a cohesive and harmonious look. This approach allows the two spaces to blend seamlessly, creating a sense of continuity and flow throughout the home. By using the same color on the walls, furniture, and other decorative elements, it’s possible to create a unified and visually pleasing space.
On the other hand, there are designers who believe that having separate colors for the kitchen and living room can make each space stand out individually. This approach allows homeowners to experiment with different color schemes and create distinct atmospheres in each room.
When choosing colors for both the kitchen and living room, it’s important to consider the overall style and mood that you want to achieve. For example, if you prefer a more light and airy feel, opting for warm colors like beige, cream, or light gray can help create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, if you prefer a cooler and more contemporary look, using shades of blue or gray can provide a modern and sophisticated feel.
Another consideration is the use of materials and finishes. Choosing similar materials and finishes for surfaces like countertops, cabinets, and flooring can help create a visual link between the kitchen and living room. For example, using the same type of wood or stone finish for both spaces can create a sense of connection.
Furthermore, it’s important to take into account the layout of the open-plan design. If the kitchen and living room are located side by side, using the same color on the shared wall can help create a seamless transition between the two spaces. On the other hand, if the kitchen is separated from the living room by a dining area or an island, using different colors can help define each area and create a more distinct visual separation.
In conclusion, there is no right or wrong answer to whether the kitchen and living room should be the same color. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic of the homeowner. Whether you choose to have a cohesive and harmonious look or prefer to create distinct atmospheres, there are many ways to achieve a beautiful and functional open-plan design.
How do you blend a living room and kitchen?
Blending a living room and kitchen is a popular design trend in modern homes. This open-plan concept creates a seamless flow between these two important spaces, making the home feel more spacious, connected, and inviting. To achieve a harmonious and cohesive look, designers have some expert advice on how to blend these spaces:
Start with a cohesive color scheme
One of the first steps in blending a living room and kitchen is to choose a color scheme that works well for both spaces. According to designer Lucy Searle, using colors from the same family or selecting complementary colors can help create a sense of unity and cohesiveness. For instance, if you have light gray walls in your kitchen, you can use darker grays as accent colors in your living room to create a link between the two areas.
Create distinct zones
While blending the living room and kitchen together is important, it’s also essential to define distinct zones within the open-plan space. This can be done by using furniture placement, rugs, or even lighting. Designer Patrick Bailey suggests using different furniture arrangements and lighting conditions to create separate living and dining areas. By doing this, you can ensure that each zone has its own identity while still feeling connected to the overall space.
Consider materials and furniture style
When blending a living room and kitchen, it’s essential to consider the materials and furniture style used in both spaces. Using similar materials, such as matching cabinet finishes or countertops, can help create a sense of continuity. Additionally, selecting furniture that complements each other in style, such as modern chairs and tables in both areas, can further enhance the cohesive look.
Link with lines and accents
To achieve a seamless blend between the living room and kitchen, designers suggest using lines and accents that naturally connect the two spaces. This can be achieved by aligning certain elements, such as the lines of the kitchen cabinets with the lines of the wall or by incorporating accent pieces that appear in both areas. These small details can help create a visual link and make the overall space feel more harmonious.
Make use of lighting
Lighting plays a significant role in blending a living room and kitchen. By using consistent lighting fixtures or ensuring that the lighting conditions are similar in both areas, you can create a more unified look. Natural light is also important, so consider ways to maximize the flow of natural light between the two spaces, such as removing walls or using glass partitions.
In conclusion, blending a living room and kitchen requires careful consideration of color schemes, furniture styles, materials, and lighting. By following these expert tips, you can create a harmonious and seamless open-plan space that not only looks great but also enhances the functionality of your home.