20 Best Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Room Design Ideas

Open floor plans are a popular choice for small spaces, as they can make a room feel larger and more spacious. If you're considering an open plan kitchen living room, here are 20 design ideas that can help you create a stylish and functional space.

1. Use a Neutral Color Palette

A light and neutral color palette can help to make a room feel larger and brighter. When choosing colors for your open plan kitchen living room, stick to white, cream, beige, gray, or light blue. You can add pops of color with accessories, such as throw pillows, curtains, or artwork.

2. Define the Spaces

Even though your kitchen and living room are open to each other, it's important to define the two spaces. This can be done with furniture placement, rugs, or even paint colors. For example, you could use a large rug to define the living room area, and paint the kitchen walls a different color than the living room walls.

3. Use Multi-Functional Furniture

Multi-functional furniture is a great way to save space in a small open plan kitchen living room. Look for pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a coffee table with built-in storage or a sofa bed. You can also use ottomans as extra seating or storage.

4. Keep it Clutter-Free

Clutter can make a room feel smaller and more cramped. To avoid this, keep your open plan kitchen living room as clutter-free as possible. Store items away when you're not using them, and avoid overstuffing furniture or shelves.

5. Add Some Plants

Plants can add life and color to a room, and they can also help to purify the air. Adding a few plants to your open plan kitchen living room is a great way to improve the overall look and feel of the space.

6. Use Lighting to Brighten the Space

Good lighting is essential in any small space, but it's especially important in an open plan kitchen living room. Natural light is always the best, so try to make the most of it by installing windows or skylights. You can also use artificial light to brighten the space, such as pendant lights, recessed lighting, or table lamps.

7. Hang Curtains or Blinds

Curtains or blinds can help to add privacy and warmth to a room. They can also be used to define the separate spaces in an open plan layout. For example, you could hang curtains around the bed in a sleeping area, or use blinds to cover the windows in the kitchen.

8. Add a Rug

A rug can help to define the living room area in an open plan space. It can also add color, texture, and warmth to the room. When choosing a rug, make sure to choose one that is the right size for the space. A rug that is too small will look lost, while a rug that is too large will make the room feel cluttered.

9. Use Wall-Mounted Shelving

Wall-mounted shelving is a great way to save space in a small kitchen. It can be used to store dishes, glasses, spices, and other kitchen essentials. Wall-mounted shelves are also a great way to display decorative items, such as plants, books, or artwork.

10. Install Pull-Out Drawers

Pull-out drawers are a great way to maximize storage space in a small kitchen. They can be used to store pots, pans, dishes, and other kitchen items. Pull-out drawers are also a great way to make use of awkward spaces, such as under the sink or in a corner.

11. Use a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is a great way to add extra counter space and storage to a small kitchen. It can also be used as a dining table or breakfast bar. When choosing a kitchen island, make sure to choose one that is the right size for the space. A kitchen island that is too small will be cramped, while a kitchen island that is too large will overwhelm the space.

12. Add a Peninsula

A peninsula is a great way to add extra counter space and storage to a small kitchen without taking up too much space. A peninsula is a counter that is attached to the wall on one side and open on the other side. It can be used for cooking, eating, or entertaining.

13. Use a Drop-Leaf Table

A drop-leaf table is a great way to save space in a small kitchen living room. A drop-leaf table is a table with leaves that can be folded down when not in use. This makes it easy to store the table when it's not needed, and to use it when you need extra space.

14. Hang Artwork

Artwork can add personality and style to a space. It can also be used to draw attention to a certain area of the room or to create a focal point. When choosing artwork for your open plan kitchen living room, choose pieces that you love and that reflect your personal style.

15. Use Mirrors

Mirrors can help to make a room feel larger and brighter. They can also be used to reflect light into dark corners or to create a more open feel. Hang mirrors in strategic locations around your open plan kitchen living room to make the most of the space.

16. Paint the Walls White

White is a great color for making a room feel larger and brighter. If you're looking to make your open plan kitchen living room feel more spacious, paint the walls white. You can add pops of color with accessories, such as throw pillows, curtains, or artwork.

17. Add a Skylight

A skylight is a great way to add natural light to a room. If you have the opportunity, add a skylight to your open plan kitchen living room to make the space feel more open and airy.

18. Use Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is a great way to add light to a room without taking up too much space. Recessed lights are installed in the ceiling, so they don't take up any floor or wall space. They also provide a more diffused light, which can be more flattering than other types of lighting.

19. Add a Fireplace

A fireplace can add warmth and character to a room. If you have the space, add a fireplace to your open plan kitchen living room to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

20. Use Bold Colors

If you want to add some personality to your open plan kitchen living room, don't be afraid to use bold colors. Bright colors can make a room feel more energetic and exciting. When choosing bold colors, use them sparingly so that they don't overwhelm the space.