Kitchen-living room 12 sq.m. m can become a real oasis of comfort, functionality and beauty, because it allows you to experiment with design and different interior styles. Ideas for arranging the premises from experienced specialists will help you turn your dream into reality.
In the kitchen of 12 sq. meters you can place everything you need and even create your own original interior
General rules
A project begins with an idea. There are basic questions, the answers to which will be a guide to action. A large kitchen (and 12 meters corresponds to this definition) does not necessarily mean a large set, a rather large dining table and maximum filling of space.
Despite the available number of square meters, you can dispose of them as you wish:
- if the kitchen is square, the furniture can be arranged in any way, along one wall, two, three;
- rectangular kitchens are furnished with care to ensure that the arrangement does not make the room visually narrower, which is why they often resort to a corner layout;
- you can do this with a sofa - it will become part of the dining area or form a separate seating area (if you plan to make the sofa an additional sleeping place).
- Often, owners decide to combine space, because the size of the kitchen allows it to also be a small living room. If the apartment is one-room, the solution is quite reasonable.
High tech
A high-tech kitchen-dining room is a room from the future or a compartment of a spaceship. No classic cabinets, tables or chairs, all furniture should have fancy shapes and impress with gloss and metallic shine, and only plastic and chrome fittings can give such an effect.
Advice! It is in such an interior that you can give free rein to all possible electronics and display all the multicookers, microwave ovens, kettles that look more like mini flying saucers.
This is the kingdom of curved shapes and all kinds of lighting - from ceiling lamps with built-in color music to a round floor lamp that shimmers with the entire spectrum of the rainbow in the living room area.
Accent decorative elements will refresh the rigor of high-tech
Advice! If you need zoning, chrome partitions, racks, etc. are best suited for high-tech style.
Design rules
A kitchen with a sofa seems combined with the living room, even if in fact it is not. All thanks to the sofa, which creates an atmosphere of comfort and calm relaxation.
In order for all the elements of the kitchen-living room to look harmonious and combine with each other, you should adhere to some rules:
- Competent zoning, which consists of an orderly arrangement of furniture, arrangement of a dining area and a relaxation area. All these elements should be conditionally separated, but maintain visual integrity as part of one space.
- Harmony of color schemes for walls and ceilings, furniture and accessories, textiles and decor. All elements must be consistent in the same style.
- Rational use of space. By combining two rooms, you will have much more space that needs to be used efficiently. For example, use window sills, exit to the balcony, if there is one.
- Limitations on the number of furniture and other items. This is necessary so that the interior of the kitchen-living room is not overloaded and looks harmonious. Connected rooms should always have accents and connecting components, otherwise the entire design will fall apart.
Minimalism
This is the simplest interior option, which at the same time is distinguished by sophistication in skillful hands. Such a kitchen should be decorated with strict, almost office items, the most compact household appliances and plain materials. The game of contrasts looks unusual - white and black, brown and beige.
Advice! If you want to add a little coziness to the citadel of austerity minimalism, without disturbing the unified style, this can be done with the help of fabric blinds, linen curtains and tablecloths.
Original design project in minimalist style
Kitchen layout 12 sq.m.
Variations of 3 by 4 kitchens along the walls are so common that even if you are completely confused, go straight to the kitchen specialists and they will offer you adequate designs, which you can then finalize.
Anything is easier than starting from a complete 0.
But I hope to clear things up here.
Fridge
3 options for placing the refrigerator:
- Standard good. At the end, the set is often in a pencil case (2 built-in columns side by side: in one there is an oven, microwave and cabinets, in the other there is the refrigerator itself).
- Right at the entrance. They almost always do it wrong, we’ll look into it further.
- Separately in the corner opposite the headset. It's almost always bad. If you have to, build it in (surround it with a box of furniture or a wall).
- If you do not cover the end of a free-standing (not built-in) refrigerator at the entrance, the overall level of repair will drop.
- In a 12-meter kitchen, you can lose 5 centimeters and make a chipboard partition on the side so that the dirty dark place behind the refrigerator is not visible.
- If the renovation is major and you can move the walls, it is ideal to complete the walls on the side of the refrigerator and move the door deeper inside to get a straight line at the entrance.
Here's a radical example of entry congestion. Agree, it’s strange:
Here is an example of how you can make a ledge by bringing the door deeper:
Formally, you lose 1-1.5 meters of the kitchen by increasing the adjacent room. In reality, the effective area does not change, but the design moves to a higher level. By the way, then you can read the material about the design of a 10 sq.m. kitchen. — the ideas are the same, but there are a lot of new photos.
If the layout allows it and there are no crazy located ventilation shafts, then a standard corner one with a pencil case at the end is better.
Sofa
Facts about a sofa for a 12 square meter kitchen:
- Yes, the area definitely allows
- Yes, it’s convenient for long get-togethers
- No, standard corners look bad
- Yes, you can make a stylish bench with pillows or a custom sofa
- An exhaustive selection of kitchens with sofas and benches:
If your kitchen is 12 sq.m. combined with the living room, then the bar counter, island and peninsula are good alternative options for dining areas, which at the same time solve the zoning issue.
Balcony and window
Fact:
Leave the window unit as is, i.e. with a regular radiator, plastic window sill and white double-glazed windows - a blow to the design.
The cheapest way is to hide it behind curtains and tulle. Because 12 sq.m. enough not to use a window sill - a normal option.
Open curtains on the sides and transparent tulle do not completely hide the window unit - everything is translucent and there is enough light. But visually the flaw is corrected.
2nd more expensive option:
Beautiful heating radiator. This usually means not white. Or a false wall and hide it. If the eyeliner is not external, I would choose method 1.
- Instead of a standard plastic window sill, the same material from which your countertop is used.
- The glass unit is ideally laminated in a dark color.
This is all possible during a major overhaul and the slopes have not yet been made, otherwise it is too expensive and it is better to get by with curtains.
Choosing a sofa
Having decided on the layout of a 12 square meter kitchen, you can start choosing a sofa. First of all, it is important to choose the right shape and size, so it is recommended to think in advance where this piece of furniture will stand and take measurements of the prepared space. For kitchen spaces, the modern market offers several types of sofas.
- Straight is an excellent choice for narrow spaces. It is convenient and does not take up much space. A straight sofa can be placed so that it becomes part of the work area or a separate place can be allocated for it.
- Corner is the most common version of the product, which is suitable for both large and small rooms. It is very roomy and comfortable, but at the same time it takes up very little space. A folding corner sofa, which in a matter of seconds turns into a full-fledged sleeping place, is very popular. But it should be noted that for kitchens with an area of 12 square meters. m such models are unlikely to be suitable. Products with a seat length of 120 to 150 cm will be much more convenient.
- Semicircular is an original version of a kitchen sofa, which is preferred if the room has a non-standard shape or its design contains convex facades, arches and other similar elements. Furniture of this type is usually used to decorate separate areas for relaxing or eating.
The appearance of the sofa should match the overall design and color scheme of the kitchen. It is strongly not recommended to purchase products with fabric upholstery, since in this room there is predominantly high humidity, and the air is filled with fatty impurities that settle on all surfaces.
The most practical in this case will be sofas upholstered in natural or artificial leather.
Interior styles
Kitchen design 12 sq. m with a sofa can be made in almost any style. The area of the room is quite sufficient for the implementation of not only classic, but also original ideas. Difficulties will not arise even if the configuration of the room is not entirely correct, because any shortcomings can be corrected by competently selecting materials and colors. Some of the most attractive interior designs include the following styles.
- Classic is a traditional choice for the kitchen that never loses its relevance. This style uses interior items made from natural materials, expensive finishes and fittings.
- Minimalism is a great option for a modern kitchen. This design is characterized by compact and practical furniture with regular geometric shapes. The room should look laconic and restrained, without unnecessary accessories and pretentious elements.
- High-tech is the ideal solution for those who keep up with the times and strive for new technologies. This style contains a lot of metal, plastic, glass and modern technology. High-tech design is characterized by straight lines and simple shapes.
- Retro is a popular style among connoisseurs of rare things. This interior uses antique or artificially aged furniture. Household appliances should also be stylized in retro style. The highlight of this design lies in the antique decor.
- Loft is a stylish and practical solution that will appeal to lovers of simplicity and freedom. For some, this design direction will seem rough and untidy, but those who are tired of pretentiousness and sophistication will certainly like brick walls, roughly processed wood and all kinds of metal elements.
Despite the fact that small rooms are usually decorated in light colors to visually expand the space, in this case this rule can be broken. It is recommended to take 1-2 shades as a basis, for example, white and gray, beige and brown, and then dilute them with bright elements. This could be purple or orange facades, flashy decor or finishing in contrasting colors.
It is important not to overdo it, otherwise the design will look ridiculous. Bright accents should be grouped and placed in several places.
Features of the kitchen set
Depending on the layout of the kitchen, sets can be installed in different configurations, which will diversify the design of a 12 sq. m kitchen with a sofa. The main requirements are the same: they must be practical, help create an atmosphere of comfort and coziness.
Angular
The L-shaped option is considered ideal for a square kitchen and a large family. There is a convenient large number of lockers, a spacious work area, and the ability to accommodate a variety of furniture and household appliances.
The corner location is most optimal for a square kitchen.
U-shaped
If the kitchen has the shape of a rectangle with a reasonable aspect ratio, a U-shaped furniture arrangement is suitable for it. With this arrangement, the elements of the “working triangle” are always nearby, which creates additional convenience when preparing food. It can be designed with an “island” or “peninsula” separating the living room and kitchen if they have a common space.
For a rectangular room, a U-shaped arrangement of furniture is suitable.
Linear
This type of headset placement is the most popular, functional and practical. Suitable for kitchens with a width of more than two meters. The free part of the room can be used to decorate the dining area. It is located along the wall in one or two lines.
When placed linearly, the headset is installed along the wall.
Other types
Among other types, we can distinguish the C-shaped arrangement, which is suitable when two zones are combined. This is done to increase the kitchen area by reducing the adjacent room. The design of a kitchen-living room of 12 sq. m with a soft sofa will help to receive a large number of guests.
A C-shaped arrangement occurs when two zones are combined.
Island placement involves partial installation of furniture in the center, in the form of an island or peninsula (near the wall), separately from the main row of cabinets. An island can be a dining area, a stove, or a place to store kitchen utensils or food supplies.
With island placement, some of the furniture is placed in the center of the room.
Using a bar counter to zone a room.
Using the bar counter you can divide the kitchen into zones.
Where can I put a sofa
In the kitchen today, people not only prepare food and dine, but also receive guests, meet with friends over a cup of coffee.
To create a warm, cozy atmosphere in the room, sofas or armchairs are installed in the kitchen. Its size depends on the number of people who are ready to sit on it, as well as its location.
You can find a place for it in different parts of the room, but most often it is installed along a window, wall or in a corner niche. If a 12 square meter kitchen with a sofa has a rectangular shape, upholstered furniture can be the logical conclusion of installing a set.
Lighting
Each of the two zones must be well lit. It is recommended to use not only large lamps, but also several small lamps. The working kitchen area must be well lit. Lamps can be installed on the walls or at the bottom of the hanging part of the set.
In the living area, it is best to install a floor lamp or hang a sconce. This way you can create a pleasant atmosphere of twilight in the evening.
Correct lighting
Placement of household appliances
The classic way to arrange appliances in the kitchen is to have a sink in the corner and a refrigerator with a stove on opposite sides of it. It is also possible to place all objects along one of the walls. But the room is 12 square meters. m allows you to move away from such a simple solution. Its design has room for a bar counter, TV or wall-mounted water heater or TV, washing machine or dishwasher.
An important condition is to comply with safety regulations and maintain the required distance for safe operation of the equipment.
Letter P
With this method of planning, it is convenient to form a so-called triangle - sink, refrigerator and stove. The eating area is placed in the center, the work section is located parallel to the table and chairs on opposite sides of opposite walls, and the rest area is organized a little further away against an unoccupied wall.
On a note! Sometimes another option is practiced - the dining area and sofa are placed a little further, and a portable island is placed in the center and removed at any time.
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Is it possible to visually increase the space
Although a 12 sq. m kitchen is a fairly spacious room, in some cases it is necessary to visually expand the space. This can be done in several ways:
- if the room is narrow and long, as if compressed at the edges, you can visually expand it with the help of a diagonal floor covering;
- the room facing the shadow side will be “lightened” and visually enlarged by “sunny” but soft tones of the walls and ceiling: pale yellow, apricot, soft pink, and also white;
- for decoration it is worth using furniture in light colors, made of light materials;
- It is better to refuse thick dark curtains;
- It is not recommended to clutter the window sills and the space near them with pots of flowers;
- the use of glass, mirror surfaces, open cabinets where light dishes are displayed add lightness and spaciousness.
Studio
12-meter kitchens are often located in one-room apartments, and in such cases it is possible to simulate a single unusual interior. To do this, you need to use proper division into sectors. In order not to overload the space, zoning is carried out using furniture, counters, glass/carved air partitions, shelving, or highlighting the colors/texture of building materials.
We separate part of the total footage and allocate it for a minimum amount of furniture and large appliances (stove, refrigerator), then we divide the footage with furniture, observing a single color scheme in each planned area, or decorate it with partitions.
One of the most popular and convenient options for decorating small apartments
Design ideas
It is advisable to keep a small space in a light and pastel color palette. The color of the wall covering is especially important. Surfaces are decorated in white, milky, cream colors or other pleasant and fresh colors that fill the kitchen-living room with air and coziness.
To visually increase the area, the room is equipped with mirrors, the walls are decorated with photo wallpapers with perspective drawings, or wall paintings are used.
Interesting and non-standard decor will help to divert attention from the dimensions of the room and add individuality to the atmosphere. Several neat paintings, beautiful photographs or posters will make the interior of a small kitchen-living room bright and memorable.
Good old classic
It never goes out of fashion, its basis is a solid solid set of wood with a natural finish or as close as possible to natural materials. To prevent cabinets from looking too heavy, you can use carved doors or entire fronts. Wallpaper should be chosen from textiles or with a thematic classic unobtrusive pattern.
Today's classics are no longer faded and faceless, consisting entirely of standard antiques, as in the old days. Today it has acquired modern shape. The interior can be additionally decorated with paintings, posters and organically integrate household appliances. Part of the living room should have a semicircular sofa with a curved back.
Beautiful classic in a light design
How to design a studio kitchen with a sofa and a TV on 12 squares
The selection and installation of kitchen utensils depends on the chosen design of a 12 sq.m kitchen. Therefore, you need to carefully prepare for planning the furniture ensemble and built-in household appliances:
- Draw up a layout plan for the kitchen area (on a piece of paper or using a special program - find a free version on the Internet).
- Consider the distribution of windows, doorways and all internal systems, and whether they need to be relocated.
- Determine the exact dimensions of household appliances that need to be integrated into the kitchen set (they can be selected on the Internet).
- The location of the furniture ensemble will be influenced by the shape of the room (close to square or very elongated). The visual perception of the form will also be affected by whether the room is a walk-through room or has access to a balcony or backyard.
Kitchen design 12 sq. will go well with the corner installation of kitchen furniture. This arrangement allows you to create a multifunctional platform for the implementation of all kitchen processes. At the same time, the kitchen looks neat, comfortable and rational at the same time. But with this layout, it will be difficult to reach the countertops in some places.
Designing a kitchen for two cooks will include two cooktops and sinks.
Advantage:
- The tabletop will be large. It will be possible to cook without interfering with each other.
Flaw:
- This kitchen takes up a lot of space, so the dining area will have to be excluded.
A linear layout is usually used when there is no useful space in the kitchen or with a small number of compact household appliances and a low need for storage systems. This option allows you to easily access any of the desired areas. There are no barriers inside the kitchen space, which ensures maximum openness.
A studio kitchen of 12 sq.m. in a linear layout is the easiest to design and execute. Since all mechanical services (plumbing and electrical) are grouped on one wall, this design can be created quite quickly and at a lower cost than other options.
When a set of furniture is located along one of the kitchen walls (usually the longest), there is a lot of free space. Most often it is filled with a tabletop. But this type of layout is not effective, since it does not use all the possible space. It is also difficult to place a seating area.
If the space is narrow and limited, as in small houses or apartments, a hallway layout is often the only possible design. Here two walls with cabinets face each other. At the same time, all the necessary devices are placed.
A 12 sq.m kitchen can be open on both sides, which will serve as a passage between the living rooms. One of the two remaining walls may contain a window or an external door.
The advantage is that bedside tables and cabinets are functionally located on both sides, so the entire kitchen space is used. Will fit a very large number of devices.
The disadvantage is that there will be little room for maneuver due to the large number of bedside tables. As a result of this layout, two chefs will not be able to cook at the same time. There is no room for a dining or sitting area.
A 12 sq. m kitchen allows you to place furniture and household appliances in a U-shape. This arrangement of the furniture ensemble allows you to fit the maximum possible number of storage systems and household appliances into the available space. This layout is suitable for large families who need a lot of kitchen cabinets to keep their workspace organized. Depending on the shape of the room, there may be a small space in the center for a dining table.
But if the kitchen has the shape of a very elongated rectangle, then the dining area should be equipped in the living room, or placed in a specially designated room adjacent to the kitchen. Advantages:
This arrangement supports good workflow with a classic work area.
Enough space for kitchen cabinets.
Flaws:
- A good kitchen space layout requires that you have wide aisles. And this is difficult to achieve in such a small space.
- It is difficult to combine a living room with a U-shaped kitchen.
If your kitchen is a walk-through room, a parallel arrangement of kitchen units may be the only effective way to distribute interior items. With this arrangement, the storage system and built-in appliances are located on two parallel walls, the longest in a rectangular room. This will allow you to use more space for storing dishes.
Where to begin?
First of all, you need to decide how actively the kitchen will be used. The size of the kitchen unit and its equipment depend on this. Accordingly, he determines how much space will be left for the recreation area.
So what should you include in your food preparation area? Check the items that you consider necessary.
1.Plate:
- Domino.
- 3-burner.
- 4-burner.
- Cooking surface.
- Plate.
2.Sink:
- One bowl with wing.
- Two bowls without a wing.
- Corner.
- Round.
- Multifunctional with additional compartments for drying vegetables and dishes.
3.Refrigerator:
- Three-chamber.
- Two-chamber.
- Single chamber with a small freezer.
- Separate refrigerator and freezer for 2, 3, 4 drawers or chest.
4.Dishwasher:
- For 3 persons.
- For 4 persons.
- For 6 persons.
5.Washing machine:
- Vertical loading.
- Horizontal loading.
- At 3.5 kg.
- For 5-7 kg.
6.Cutting surface:
- 60 cm.
- 80 cm.
- 120 cm.
7.Drying:
- On the countertop.
- On the railing.
- In the top closet.
- In the bottom closet.
7.Geyser
8.Boiler:
- 30 l.
- 50 l.
- 100 l.
9.Volume of stored products in the cabinet:
- 10 l.
- 20 l.
- 50 l.
10.Toaster
11. Electric kettle
12.Microwave oven
13.Bread maker
14.Multi-cooker
All this requires space and compact packaging in a small kitchen space.
In addition, the living room should accommodate a sufficient number of seats to receive guests, preferably one bed, a coffee table, a TV, an audio system and a number of cabinets for all kinds of small items.
Kitchen design where the window is opposite the door
The location of the dining table opposite the window is very convenient, since there is no need to install additional lighting. A great way to add warmth and brightness to your kitchen is to install skylights. This will reduce the need for artificial lighting and is an effective way to add an interesting architectural element to your kitchen space.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows are a great solution for a dining room.
- The most popular kitchen window materials are aluminum, vinyl and wood.