A country house is a dream for most people living in big cities. Only here you can escape from the hustle and bustle, noise and work, enjoying the singing of birds and the beauty of the surrounding nature. For a comfortable stay, it is important to plan the building, make it cozy for yourself, taking into account your tastes and interests.
The kitchen-dining room is an interesting solution for combining rooms, allowing you to receive guests at a large dining table. How to properly organize space, creating a stylish and luxurious relaxation area? Read about it in our article.
At what stage of renovation should I decide on the style of the kitchen?
In general, it is quite absurd to choose a kitchen style if the renovation of the house has already been completed. In this case, you will still have to build on what already exists. After all, you wouldn’t make a kitchen in a country style, while the next room is in the avant-garde style, for example?
That is, the concept of choosing a kitchen style does not exist at all. You need to choose the style of the whole house and the kitchen will be part of the overall concept.
Therefore, let’s say this: we need to think about it in advance, before it’s built yet. And, if we are talking about the most ordinary house, with the most ordinary and unremarkable facade, then you can choose any style and customize the outer part of the house to suit it as much as possible.
Organization of kitchen space in a small room
Usually, the lack of square meters for arranging a kitchen is a problem in city apartments, but it happens that even within a country house, little space is allocated for a cooking area. Several images of kitchens in private homes will demonstrate that even a small space can be filled with interesting solutions without sacrificing practicality and functionality.
In the case of a small area, light shades in decoration and furniture come to the aid of decorating the space. The entire spectrum of white color will visually expand the kitchen area, and light-colored surfaces of countertops and kitchen cabinets are even easier to care for than dark marble, for example.
If the working kitchen area is small, it makes sense to combine it with the living room or dining room. In this way, precious square meters can be carved out, and the process of serving food to the table will be simplified. In this case, contrasting dark wood shades and snow-white surfaces were chosen to organize kitchen storage systems. The same technique is repeated in the soft living-dining room area.
Even in a room that looks more like a corridor than a full-fledged kitchen, you can organize a food preparation area, following all the laws of ergonomics. Light surfaces will help residents, and interesting and contrasting decorative items will dilute the non-trivial atmosphere.
This small kitchen space in a rustic style with the active use of country elements does not look boring, it is filled with design solutions and unique originality.
A small kitchen corner can be bright and organically combine elements of retro style and modern solutions. A non-trivial approach to the choice of color palette and textured design fills this kitchen with an atmosphere of unprecedented individuality.
Advantages and disadvantages of a large kitchen in a private house
A large kitchen, about 20-30 meters - in countries with a warm climate this is very, very good, but in the North or in other cold countries - it’s just good, or even bad.
In general, in practice, owners of oversized kitchens from countries with harsh winters do not enjoy the space for long. More specifically, before the first heating season.
Heating a room without dividing walls is not a cheap pleasure, especially if the ceilings are not the standard 2.5-3 meters, but six meters high (this is the height that comes out if you leave the hall of a two-story house without a ceiling).
And yes, the owners of such kitchens pay for the first or second winter, and in the third they put the house up for sale. But no one wants to take him, no one is foolish. With our prices for gas and firewood, you have to be a millionaire to decide on such a plan.
In a word, first of all think about whether you can heat a large kitchen. And then dream about design. Otherwise, in a chilly and cold kitchen, where you will have to move around in felt boots and a fur coat, no interior will please you.
What about the benefits of a large kitchen? They certainly exist. It’s beautiful and comfortable, and you can put anything there: even a sofa, even a rocking chair, even a buffet. In a large area, you don't have to worry about odors permeating the entire house; they dissipate perfectly.
So, a large kitchen has no disadvantages, except for one thing: heating is expensive.
Snow-white kitchen in a country house - a modern trend
Recently, the light design of these premises has become a worthy alternative to a completely wooden private kitchen. Lovers of light shades in the decoration of utilitarian rooms can be understood - white can disguise a lot, it expands the walls and raises the ceiling, leaving a feeling of cleanliness, spaciousness and freshness.
Perhaps only the wooden door to the pantry is a small indication that this is not a city kitchen. The snow-white finish and modern decor made the kitchen almost weightless and airy.
The bright, spacious, snow-white kitchen-dining room is only slightly shaded by the light gray color of one of the walls and bar stools.
This huge white kitchen is full of contrasts. The dark color of the window frames matches the table tops and chairs. Outdoor tiles laid in a herringbone pattern as a floor covering add intimacy to the room.
This snow-white kitchen looks incredibly bright thanks to the dining group - the table and chairs have become the focal point of the room.
The light and cool shades of this elegant kitchen-dining room seem to have been created specifically for a hot summer day. Mirror and glossy surfaces, glass, dishes and textiles in cool colors complete the circle of elegant design.
An incredibly spacious kitchen in light colors is not without contrast - dark spots of household appliances and cabinets under the sink dilute the snow-white idyll. And the pattern of ceramic tiles that line the kitchen apron gives the room some positivity.
The white palette of the kitchen space is slightly diluted with the light purple shade of the kitchen apron. An interesting alternative to decorating the wall above the work area using ceramic tiles is the use of modern polysynthetic, non-toxic materials, which are very easy to care for.
And this bright kitchen boasts a practical and rational arrangement of not only work areas, but also storage systems.
The total snow-white color of the kitchen is diluted with a deep dark purple hue of ripe plum. The countertops, stove and pendant lamps look chic against the light decor.
An interesting and practical solution of the designer was the implementation of kitchen storage systems in several tiers. Snow-white cabinets from floor to ceiling allow you to hide all the necessary kitchen utensils. A dark kitchen island and dining area break up the light ambiance of a traditional space.
White and turquoise look great together, their coolness is diluted with the warmth of woody tones. The result is a colorful and bright kitchen space.
The pleasant and “tasty” shades of this light kitchen are mesmerizing. The glossy malachite on the kitchen apron harmoniously blends into the light mint shade of the furniture and is repeated in the window textiles. The result is a traditional kitchen environment that becomes elegant and fresh.
Subway tiles, inspired by white brickwork, are often featured in modern kitchen designs. This has been a continuing trend for several decades. You can safely use this type of finishing not only for the kitchen apron, but also for the entire space above the work area and be sure that your finishing will be popular for many years to come.
White ceiling paint can be a winning color scheme for both low kitchen ceilings and high vaulted structures. The bright atmosphere of the kitchen space will only benefit from this.
Does it make sense to combine a kitchen with a dining room in a private home?
If you're looking to renovate a home where the kitchen and dining room are separated by a wall, here's what you need to think about: Does the kitchen have a wood stove that heats both sides of the wall?
If yes, then feel free to break down the wall, leaving only the piece with the “rough” one: this is enough to heat both the dining room and the kitchen. If there is no oven, then be prepared for the fact that the batteries that you currently have may not be enough.
After all, when there is a wall, it also warms up during the heating season and retains heat. And when there are no walls, then the heat goes away much faster and you need more batteries (and gas for their uninterrupted operation).
Then, one more point: a private house is a private house. Usually it involves a plot of land with a vegetable garden. And, if there are children in your house who often forget to take off their shoes when they run in for a drink of water, then we advise you to hold off on breaking the wall, otherwise the dirt from the shoes will be not only in the kitchen, but also in the dining room.
Cottage and apartment: is there a difference?
Unlike cottages, most city apartments do not have panoramic windows and a clear division of the kitchen into a kitchen and a dining room, or a working and dining area, respectively. At best, the apartment combines a kitchen with a living room.
Classic design - kitchen combined with living room
Country housing has more opportunities to show your design imagination. There is often also a terrace for outdoor dining in the warm season.
If you choose the option with a separate dining room, use the following options to divide the kitchen space into functional zones:
- bar counter, island or just a small partition with openings;
- a wide arch with columns on the sides;
- transparent sliding partition;
- partition with a wide opening;
- finishing the floor with different materials;
- arrangement of furniture along the border.
Cottage option
The design of zones should be subordinated to a single concept.
Don't forget about lighting. If bright main light and furniture lighting are quite enough for the working area, then for the dining room you need to think about soft, subdued lighting.
Highlight the dining area with pendant lamps or a chandelier installed directly above the table.
If artificial materials can be used in an apartment, then in a cottage, use mainly natural ones for decoration in order to preserve the spirit of closeness to nature. The ideal furniture for a country house kitchen is wooden or wicker.
For a small kitchen in an apartment
Urban and suburban views and lifestyles are very different, so the potential solution is different.
The apartment will suit:
- modern;
- minimalism;
- techno;
- loft.
In a cottage there are fewer restrictions; almost any design will fit here, but all kinds of rustic or nature-related styles look most organic. In both cases, classic or ethnic motifs are appropriate.
Where and how to place a wood stove between the kitchen and dining room
The stove should be in such a place that it can heat both sides of the room well, that is, the stove also serves as a zone separator. And also, keep in mind that the stove that is being heated is very, very hot and being next to it is stuffy.
Therefore, calculate its location so that it does not end up next to the dining area. In addition to the stuffiness, it will be inconvenient for you to approach it because of the furniture and throw firewood.
Which layout will be more convenient?
Knowing the location of furniture and interior items allows you to competently organize a kitchen space of any size. The following layout solutions are suitable for a private house:
- Linear layout. The single-row arrangement of the set makes it possible to create a spectacular interior of a large kitchen. You can place a dining table on the opposite wall or organize a seating area. This arrangement of interior items is also suitable for a narrow room.
- Corner layout. The L-shaped arrangement is suitable for any area. This design is ideal for a square kitchen and goes well with a breakfast bar, kitchen island or peninsula.
The photo shows a good example of the layout of a kitchen in a private house. The L-shaped arrangement of the headset is comfortable while preparing food. The space in the opposite corner is used to accommodate the group dining area.
- U-shaped furniture arrangement. An ideal solution for those who like to cook a lot. To reach various work areas, it is often enough to simply turn around on the spot without taking extra steps. In a small kitchen, this arrangement of furniture and household appliances allows for more efficient use of space.
- Parallel layout. A two-row kitchen involves placing cabinets along opposite walls with a wide passage between them. One row may be shorter than the other, in which case the free space is usually used to accommodate a dining group. This arrangement is suitable for a narrow, elongated or walk-through room.
The photo shows a successful kitchen design with a sloping ceiling in a private house, which is a walk-through. The placement of the headset along the long walls allows for efficient use of space, and the wide passage in the middle provides maximum comfort for movement.
- Island layout. This option is ideal for spacious rooms, it makes it possible to best organize the space and implement the most daring design ideas: the island can simultaneously be a bar counter, a spacious cabinet for storing food or dishes, and a refrigerator for wine. It can also be used as a work surface by installing a sink or stove on the countertop. The location of the headset can be linear, angular or U-shaped.
The photo shows an example of an island layout. This design of a large kitchen is optimal for a private home. The island serves as a dining table, work surface and kitchen cabinet at the same time.
How many heating radiators need to be installed?
To keep it warm, you need to buy 4-5 sections per 10 square meters. But, if you have some kind of corner, nook, then you can safely add 1 more section, since uneven rooms are heated worse.
So, if you have 20 squares, take 10 sections. And divide this amount into radiators, which need to be placed not on one side, but on two, so it will be warmer.
How to light the kitchen-dining room well
You can’t spoil porridge with oil, and you can’t ruin a kitchen combined with a dining room with light. Don't skimp on lighting points, otherwise the room will look gray and dull.
Make sure in advance that there is a lamp above each zone. You can hang pendant lamps above the dining table, spotlights above the work area, and, on top of that, one common chandelier (or even two or three) for the entire room.
Of course, no one forces you to turn on all this at the same time. It’s simple, it’s very good when there are lamps and you can turn them on as needed.
Color palette and finishing materials
Warm colors are the best option for the interior of the dining room-living room in the house. They look soft, lift the mood, promote communication and go well with the dishes served on the table.
The saturation of shades can be varied as desired: from vanilla yellow and cream to terracotta and muted burgundy.
- A classic version of wall covering is wallpaper with a traditional pattern - flowers and stripes. The repetition of the same pattern on curtains, upholstery of chairs and tablecloths looks especially elegant.
- Venetian plaster looks more formal and is best suited for dining rooms of at least 40 square meters with high ceilings and large windows.
What interior items, appliances and furniture are needed?
It all depends on what style and interior of your kitchen you have. If you have Provence, then you definitely need to put a buffet for dishes, but if you have minimalism, then you don’t need anything special...
In general, a large kitchen should have everything: a dishwasher, a microwave, an oven. However, all this is available in a small kitchen. You can't install anything special except a working island. In a large kitchen this is what you need. You can also equip a bar counter; in a large area it is appropriate, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Connecting link
Clearly zoning the culinary area and dining room is more suitable for open plans and large areas. But even small rooms are not deprived of this effective technique, just do not make it too obvious. Thus, the bar counter often acts as a natural limiter. Only the usual look goes out of fashion - they are replaced by countertops with storage systems and expressive finishing of the base.
The static height of the “breakfast counter” does not always meet the needs of all family members. Typically, a level of 110 cm is recommended for short owners and 130 cm for tall ones. This run-up is easily compensated for by special models of adjustable chairs.
Chairs can be fashionable too:
- transparent chairs made of modern plastic;
- classic look of seats and backrests in combination with a modern base-stand without legs;
- vintage stools.
A kitchen island is another invention that allows you not only to cook in comfort, but also to highlight the dignity of the interior. This will require increased costs if water is supplied. But the dining table can be a natural extension of the island, saving time and space.
It’s not only through furnishings that you can zone a space. Floor-mounted functional solutions are also available:
- The dining room can be placed on a podium when the interior has a clear geometry.
- A floor with LED lighting under artificial stone will decorate the recreation area and add light.
Features of the design of the kitchen-dining room with access to the terrace
A kitchen with access to the terrace is just a dream! What features might there be? Nothing special, except that you need to think about how the interior looks from the terrace itself. This applies to houses where the windows facing the terrace are almost floor-to-ceiling.
In this case, both the street part and the inside are practically one whole and everything needs to be taken into account. Under no circumstances should furniture be placed so that the side of the cabinet, or even the back, is visible from the terrace.
How to arrange a kitchen in a studio
Folding, folding, mobile (on wheels) and transformable furniture are most suitable for a studio kitchen. For example, a transforming table can serve as a coffee table and quickly turn into a full-fledged dining table. Instead of a table, you can install a bar counter. An island furniture layout is well suited for a studio.
How to beat many windows
If you have many windows, then each of them needs separate curtains. It looks very ugly when people hang one cornice and creepy tulle with flounces on 2-3 windows.
It's old fashioned and disgusting. It is better to hang some pictures and cabinets between the windows than to cover this wall completely. We also highly recommend that you place a sink by the window. In a private house it looks simply wonderful and appropriate, unlike apartments.
Neoclassicism in the design of a kitchen-living room of a townhouse
All photos of the project Photo of a neoclassical kitchen-living room in a private house
A complex color ensemble with a dominance of milky and coffee shades is successfully diluted by juicy aquamarine, so the design of this neoclassical kitchen-living room looks unusually fresh. And the interior style is supported by coffered ceilings and classical elements in the furniture design.
Helpful neighborhood
All photos of the project Photo of the kitchen-living room with light furniture
The dining group is located in close proximity to the cooking area (which is very convenient!), but at the same time it looks separate. This is facilitated by a dark table, which contrasts well with the light kitchen furniture, and a ceiling pendant with crystal plates that emphasizes the zoning.
Marine theme
All project photos Photo of the dining area with an oval table in a neoclassical kitchen
A bright backsplash made of glazed tiles, which combines different shades of blue, resembles either sea waves or the scales of a magic fish. It acts as a bright accent and draws the eye to the marble worktop. And the wide blue stripe on the curtains supports the marine theme.
Double game
All photos of the project Combined flooring in a neoclassical kitchen in a private house
How to zone a kitchen-dining room
Now, let's look at the photo to see what different options for arranging furniture in the kitchen interior look like. There is no point in chatting and giving lengthy recommendations in this block. This is the case when it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times.
Where to put a sofa in the kitchen-dining room. Notice how well the sofas are positioned here. Choose any option!
Where to hang a TV in the kitchen-dining room. It is very important to choose the right place. The screen should be visible to the housewife who is cooking, to those sitting at the dining table and to those sitting or lying on the sofa. In a word, the TV should be seen by everyone who is in the same room, but in different zones.
How to arrange a buffet in the kitchen-dining room. Just look and take note of what a buffet might look like in different areas of the kitchen.
Dining room features
The dining group can be unusual, tailored to lifestyle and preferences: the number of family members, the presence of children, and many guests are taken into account:
- 2 small armchairs and 2 chairs from the same series;
- oval, round table instead of sharp corners;
- layout along the window;
- transforming models.
Not just a located dining table, but the feeling of a full-fledged dining room is impossible without appropriate furniture:
- showcase for beautiful, festive dinnerware sets;
- chest of drawers for textiles - tablecloths, napkins;
- wine cabinet;
- consoles for vases and other decorative items;
- a pair of lounge chairs or a small sofa.
If storage space is quite limited, a single cabinet with a closed bottom will combine beauty and convenience. The upper glass part will not overload the space, and the lower part will accommodate everything unnecessary, not for showing to guests.
The upholstery is made of high-quality artificial materials, almost indistinguishable from real ones, and is easy to clean. This gives certain advantages during operation. For example, velvet and suede armchairs placed in the dining area instead of chairs will not be damaged and will retain their color. And eco-leather has become a fashion trend and is often used in original, designer items, for example for the dining area.
A couple of tips on choosing materials
Construction materials are an important consideration. We highly recommend using only natural materials: wood, stone, ceramic tiles. For example, bright kitchen aprons with photo printing, which look pretty good in apartments, look very strange in a large area. Well, they’re out of place and that’s it!
The same goes for furniture. Polish MDF kitchens look very bad over a large area. It’s better to make the set yourself, from seamless lining. It will be very interesting, quite affordable, and most importantly, such a kitchen will look expensive and appropriate.
TOP 5 modern techniques of zoning and finishing in interior design
The interior decoration of the kitchen-dining room is based on the principle of zoning. There are three zones: tall modules with built-in appliances, a main serving surface with a sink and hob, and a dining area. Sometimes the island makes its own adjustments to the layout. Thus, decoration often uses different zoning principles: one color is used in the culinary area, and another in the dining room, to create two different moods. The interior design of the kitchen-dining room does not have to be contrasting. One accent color or highlight is enough.
Kitchen interior with dining room with sliding glass doors to the living room
The modern interior of the kitchen dining room often has zoning with sliding glass doors. This option looks very elegant and European. Beautiful glazed ornaments look elegant and at the same time laconic.
Interior of a kitchen with a dining room with zoning of a kitchen island with a bar counter
The interior of the kitchen-dining room with a zoning kitchen island looks as modern as possible. In this design project you can also find a built-in wine refrigerator and a luxurious display cabinet for dishes.
Fashionable kitchen peninsula with breakfast bar and breakfast nook
The next option for zoning the interior with a peninsula looks even more unusual and exclusive. The semicircular part of the peninsula is elegantly decorated and designed for three.
Modern interior of a kitchen-dining room with an accent kitchen apron
The interior of the kitchen dining room can be zoned with color, for example, by highlighting the culinary area with a bright apron or decorating the floor in the kitchen with marble, and in the dining room with wood, but with porcelain tiles of the same brand. This option will look very fashionable.
Kitchen-dining room design using examples in specific styles
And this block is all photos. We will give short recommendations here, but basically, just watch and be inspired.
Kitchen-dining rooms in classic style
As we already wrote above, a kitchen in a classic style can be afforded by those whose façade matches. In general, this is one of the most expensive options and, in truth, it does not always look good in a modern design.
It is much better if you make the interior in Italian style rather than in classical style. Italian is similar to the classics, but it is much more modern and not so pretentious. It is cozier and looks more homely than monograms, pretzels and other classic chic.
Kitchen-dining rooms in rustic styles
Nowadays, interiors in the Provence style, in the country style, in the style of a noble estate are very, very popular. This is not surprising, because such spaces simply breathe comfort and warmth. There is beautiful furniture, nice curtains, Viennese chairs, and grand pianos...
Photo of the Provence kitchen-dining room:
Photo of a kitchen-dining room in country style:
There's nothing cozier than a manor-style kitchen. Here you need not only a buffet, but also a writing desk and other elements that were present in manorial estates. Be sure to place a chair by the fireplace. However, it’s better to look at the selection of photos:
Kitchen-dining rooms in modern styles
In general, this is not the most comfortable type of design for a private house and a large area - it is not very good. Modern style or minimalism looks much better in a small apartment.
Here, see for yourself and draw your own conclusions. In our opinion, it is unconstructive to waste such a large area on such faceless mediocrity. Photo of a kitchen-living room in a modern style:
We hope you liked our article and got some fresh ideas for interior design. Write in the comments what else you would like to know and what tips on kitchen-dining room design you are missing in this article!
Kitchen in a log house
In wooden houses made of logs, where the exterior breathes antiquity and comfort, the French rustic style - Provence or country, the Russian style of a country estate, rustic or Gustavian design trends will look most harmonious.
Rustic style for a log house in a dark design Source stroyfora.ru Light colors of rustic style Source trash-work.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment services.
Kitchen "Provence"
The design direction is characterized by unobtrusive finishing and discreet color schemes. The shades of the walls and textiles seem to be bleached by the sun: olive, lavender and lemon with golden and beige.
Simplicity and “nationality” of the Provence direction Source dizayndoma.net
Time-worn, painted furniture, doors and kitchen facades can be either white or turquoise, olive, blue, sand.
The presence of beams is inherent in the direction Source landshaftadvice.ru
The pattern on the curtains is often small with flowers or plant motifs. The walls are painted in white, corn or milky tones.
Classic French “Provence” Source mobohan.ru
The most attractive detail of Provence is the natural-colored ceiling beams, a large antique sideboard, textiles with floral motifs (scallops, cockerels, daisies, lavender, dandelions, sunflowers): tablecloths, potholders, towels, curtains, everything here gives off a rustic feel.
Turquoise tenderness Source opora-stroy.ru
Country cuisine
The style is very similar to Provence. Here, a maximum of wood is also used in the decoration of facades, floors, and ceilings. There is a ban on the use of plexiglass and plastic in such a kitchen. The kitchen apron can be decorated with tiles with plant patterns.
The sweetest “Country” does not look bourgeois Source kbkuhni.ru
Lamps are used with fabric lampshades; the chandelier can be forged from bronze. Kitchen facades are decorated using decoupage technique. The floors are often covered with homespun rugs.
Country loves attention to detail. Kitchen shelves are most often open, with painted plates, copper and wooden utensils.
And it can even be strict Source mebel-go.ru The peculiarity of the style is many objects Source homez.design
Clay pots with spices and herbs in the kitchen will fit perfectly into the interior. Bundles of onions and garlic are often hung from the ceiling.
Bunches of garlic and onions - a style icon Source pinterest.com
