The living room and hallway are usually combined to expand the free space in the home. This solution allows you to make the room more stylish and functional. Typically, the hallway is a small room, the length of which significantly exceeds the width. It is difficult to accommodate people and there is no place to store supplies. If you combine the corridor with the living room, then guests will be able to calmly move around the room and dress comfortably before leaving.
Combining the hallway and living room Source roomester.ru
The hallway is the transition between the house and the street. This room is sometimes not very clean, and you may also feel cold from the door. Not everyone will decide to combine this room with a hall, since they have completely different functions. The designer's goal should be to reduce differences and give the interior a universal direction, which will turn the room into a beautiful hall.
Beautiful interior in the hallway-living room Source roomester.ru
Pros and cons of merger
A modern hallway-living room is not just a hall combined with a corridor or a kitchen. Such an interior solution in a private house and city apartment provides maximum scope for a complete transformation of typical housing. The area combined in one room is an analogue of the open plan that can be seen in studios. Such changes have the following advantages.
- Significant increase in usable area. The absence of partitions allows you to implement the most daring design ideas. You can select a relaxation area or work space, or zone the sleeping area.
- Ease of planning storage systems. For example, corner wardrobes, which are gaining popularity, are very convenient in the hallway/living room - they save space and allow you to eliminate the need for separate wardrobes in each room.
- Increased luminous flux. The main problem of all hallways is the small amount of natural light penetrating here. Using an integrated project, this problem is quite easy to solve, further creating the conditions for reducing energy bills.
It is not without its drawbacks. The connection of the area at the front door with the living quarters mainly creates discomfort due to its proximity to the entrance and staircase. Drafts, unpleasant odors, loud sounds - when the partitions are demolished, they will be heard much more clearly.
Furnishing options
The peculiarity of a bedroom with two windows is that the space is literally permeated with sunlight, but this is not entirely suitable for a cozy sleeping area. When waking up in the morning or resting during the daytime, a person needs a slightly darkened space - bright light will not allow you to fully relax, it is more suitable for cozy communication with friends
For this reason, it is very important not only to properly zone the room, but also to decorate the windows, creating a harmonious and cozy space for a good night’s sleep.
There should be a living area near the windows - armchairs, a coffee table, shelves. There may be several options for this solution:
- the windows are located on one wall, which makes it easy to place two or three armchairs, a small table, floor lamps, the bed will be located slightly in the back of the room, where an intimate area with slightly shaded light will be created;
- the windows are located on two adjacent walls - in this case, the living area will be corner, it is better to place the bed diagonally or along the far wall, clearly delineating the space, allocating a place for sleeping and for communicating with friends;
- the presence of a window and a balcony block on adjacent walls - this option is very interesting because you can create a separate living area on the balcony by shading the windows with curtains and placing a bed next to it;
- for a room with bay windows, there are more options, these can be two or even three bay windows, where you can arrange a small leisure area by placing a small figured sofa or low soft benches with a coffee table, a low pendant lamp, giving the rest of the room space for a place to sleep.
In addition, it is very important to properly design the windows themselves. Since the lighting in the room will be good even for the north side, you can use thick curtains
But the best option that will create a cozy and harmonious environment are Japanese or Roman blinds. In the first case, these are straight sliding panels with an exquisite pattern that allow you to regulate sunlight. Roman blinds are not so strict, but they will help make the interior more comfortable and soften the bright light, which is so important for the bedroom.
Bedroom design with two windows The design of the decor greatly depends on the type of windows themselves. For ordinary window openings, ordinary curtains made of fabrics in rich colors can be used; between the windows you can place a narrow bookcase, indoor plants, and a coffee side table. A more complex option would be two semi-panoramic windows, but in this case there are quite a few solutions. Low-lying window sills can be used as a comfortable place for leisure by arranging wide wooden window sills with soft cushions. The main or basic design ideas are:
- simple smooth curtains with minimal decor from heavy, opaque fabrics, the shade of which will be darker and brighter than the palette of decor used for the rest of the furnishings;
- blinds, Roman blinds, combined with light curtains that do not block the penetration of sunlight;
- Light, airy curtains are perfect for balcony blocks and bay windows;
- For French windows, translucent fabrics with rich drapery are used.
How to decorate a doorway using plastic
A quick and budget option for finishing a doorway. The installation process is simple. You can do it yourself. Quite durable, flexible and easy to care for. You can run wiring under the material and backlight it with small lamps. The plastic is secured using glue for plastics.
Before gluing the panels, the planes should be leveled with putty and primed
Corner elements are used to seal gaps between panels and walls.
With the help of an open doorway you can radically transform a room. It will add space, light and lightness. If the apartment is small, this option is simply irreplaceable, as it will save usable space. It will serve as a win-win option for combining a kitchen with a dining room, a bedroom with a loggia, a library with a living room, a hall with an entrance hall.
A wide range of finishing materials and a variety of shapes will allow you to choose the design of a doorway for any room - from country cottages and huge mansions to modern apartments in new residential complexes. If you are going to combine a sleeping space with a loggia, do not forget about various ways to block sunlight, such as curtains, drapes or blinds.
Arch of original shape in the bedroom
Decorating a doorway with wooden columns
Whatever option you choose - finishing with decorative stone or wood, plastic, brickwork, wallpaper or drywall - it is important to maintain a balance. All interior elements must be harmoniously combined with each other.
An original solution - built-in open shelves
Zoning
The allocation of functional areas in the walk-through living room is tied primarily to the location of the doorways. Partitions are rarely used in such rooms, but if it is necessary to isolate a working or sleeping area for one of the family members, they will be appropriate. To prevent partitions from cluttering up an already small space, they should be as light as possible. Pass-through shelving to the ceiling will create a border without blocking natural light. A sliding screen made of frosted glass in Japanese or French style will hide the bedroom from prying eyes. The use of LEDs in the design will help create a natural lighting effect for the area left without a window.
Zoning with wall decoration, a low podium, and multi-level ceiling structures would be appropriate. Regarding the latter, it should be remembered that multi-level ceilings look good in spacious rooms; they are not suitable for small rooms.
Decorating a doorway with stone
Cladding doorways with decorative stone will appeal to connoisseurs of natural materials. This type of decor is quite expensive and labor-intensive. Selecting a stone will not be difficult, because the palette of colors, shades, textures is very wide - from smooth gray, black to brick-colored relief elements. This material can be found in various sizes and shapes. Using artificial stone, you can imitate shell rock, malachite, sandstone or any other.
If you choose finishing with natural stone, remember that the idea must be really worthwhile and supported by similar details in the design of the room
Doorway cladding with “ragged edges”
Typically, small elements are used, placing them along the edge of the opening, creating either straight or torn edges. The stone can be used in the same color scheme as the interior, or it can be used to highlight the finish using contrasting shades. Stone is combined with both textiles and wood. A fairly durable, low-maintenance way to design a doorway. Since the decorative stone is heavy, it is important to attach it tightly to the wall. To do this, you should use specially designed adhesive-based compositions and liquid nails.
Brick tiles are often used instead of decorative stone. This material is moisture-resistant and fire-resistant. Can last for several decades. Just as in the previous version, it is laid out scattered along the contour of the opening or smooth edges are formed. It goes well with both plaster and wallpaper.
Option for designing an arch with tiles to resemble old brick
And here the doorway was lined with real brick
To prepare a section of the wall for laying tiles, you need to remove all previous finishing materials and degrease the surface. If the wall has rough unevenness or cracks, it is recommended to level it with putty or plaster. The obligatory stage is priming in two stages.
At the end of the drying process, proceed with the installation of the “clinker”. Tile adhesives and liquid nails are used to attach tiles to the wall. It is important not to allow glue to appear in the seams between the elements. To ensure that the joints are perfectly even, it is recommended to use special crosses. They can be found at any hardware store. The last step will be to apply grout, which can be similar in shade or contrasting to the tile.
Doors
When renovating walk-through rooms, owners and designers are faced with a large number of doorways located relative to each other in a wide variety of ways. Parallel through doors are one of the most successful locations. The passage line crosses the room, conditionally dividing it into two zones. A storage system behind sliding doors will fit well into a shallow “pocket”. And if you make the cabinet doors mirrored, the large piece of furniture will “dissolve” in space, visually increasing the area of the room. A similar technique can be used for diagonal openings. In this embodiment, the room is divided into a living room area and, for example, a dining room or office.
The adjacent arrangement of doors takes up only one corner of the room, and the rest of the space remains free, so problems with the arrangement of furniture usually do not arise. If there are two doors on one wall and a sufficient distance between them, it would be appropriate to arrange furniture and accessories symmetrically to the axis conventionally drawn between the openings. If the doors are too close, you can mask the distance between them with a mirror, the height of which should be level with the door frame.
Doors in the interior of a passage room should be as inconspicuous as possible. The effect is achieved by monochromatic painting of walls, frames and doors. Canvases with glass or mirror inserts will lighten the space. In the design of a walk-through room, it is better to focus on sliding doors. They take up less space.
Doorway finishing options
To give a doorway without a frame completeness, a wide variety of facing materials are used.
Finishing the portal with liquid or paper, vinyl, non-woven or other types of wallpaper allows you to take a particularly creative approach to design and transform an ordinary interior, making it truly elegant and fashionable.
Laminate
Laminated panels, characterized by a variety of textures, colors and easy installation methods, provide an excellent opportunity to create a rather interesting design in any style, for example, minimalism, modernism and others.
The photo shows a rectangular doorway without a door, lined with laminate in a modern-style interior.
Plaster
This finish has a unique visual depth and can imitate, for example, marble tiles, various rocks or other textures. In addition, due to its structural nature, Venetian plaster allows you to create a variety of patterns and effects on the surface.
Wood finishing
Wooden finishing is perfect for any style solution and for cladding an entrance with a threshold. It can differ in its simple appearance or be decorated with curly carvings.
Stone
It is a very popular finishing option for openings without doors. Artificial or natural stone, for example, limestone, marble, malachite and many others, will add notes of the Middle Ages to the decor and form a unique design, most often used for rustic country or Provence style.
The photo shows stonework in the design of a doorway without doors in the interior of the hall.
Decorative brick
Charismatic and aesthetic brickwork, both outside and inside the entrance, combined with other less textured surfaces, creates a rather original contrast, focuses attention and places the necessary accents.
Tile
With the help of clinker tiles, which can be not only straight, but also angular, it is easy to beat and finish doorways, both traditional rectangular in shape, and passages in the form of an arch or semi-arch.
The photo shows a kitchen-living room with a doorway without a door, decorated with dark tiles.
MDF panels
They are quite beautiful, high-quality and at the same time inexpensive finishing for a portal without doors. MDF panels can be easily machined and are easy to install, maintain and operate.
PVC panels
Due to their flexibility, they are perfect for doorways of different shapes, heights and widths. The plastic coating can have a textured wood pattern or have a wide variety of other colors.
Textile
It is considered a fairly simple design option that will allow you to create a secluded, cozy, homely chamber environment and close the space from view, without cluttering the interior.
The photo shows a kitchen with access to a balcony, decorated with textiles in the form of thick curtains.
Design of a passage room in a Khrushchev building
The advantage of the entrance in Khrushchev is the window, which occupies most of the wall. Complete the window opening with light, almost transparent curtains, which will softly diffuse the light. Opposite it is worth placing a partition with a mirror or glossy surface. To expand the space, you can connect the living room and kitchen. Do not use bulky furniture, it will visually “eat up” the space
Pay attention to compact, multifunctional options. Large chandeliers are not suitable for the room
Replace them with floor lamps and sconces.
Sliding systems will help save some space
The living room can be combined with the kitchen
Light shades will visually expand the boundaries of the room
Corners, supports, passages
In a living room combined with an entrance hall, you should not remove all the parts that were previously placed on the dismantled wall. You can leave some areas and use them as a table or shelf. The same applies to corners and passages. The owners can indicate the location features by moving the corner in the direction of the hall.
Passage between the living room and hallway Source roomester.ru
Redevelopment
Redevelopment in an apartment with a walk-through room is the most radical way to improve the space of a room. In Soviet times, they tried to isolate the living room by creating long, dark corridors in apartments. Modern interior design, on the contrary, suggests combining rooms, abandoning halls, delimiting the space into conditional functional zones. By getting rid of unnecessary walls, you can increase the usable area of the room.
A walk-through living room in a Khrushchev-era building is a small, narrow and dark room, so combining it with another room will make it lighter and more spacious, allowing you to organize the space more usefully. The kitchen-living room is a familiar, much-loved technique for expanding rooms. You can also increase the space by adding a loggia. In this case, you will get more options for arranging furniture, without looking at the availability of access to the balcony. Combining the kitchen and bedroom is a rare technique; they usually try to isolate this area, but light translucent partitions made of plexiglass or airy textiles are preferable for a balanced composition than blank walls. From an apartment with a walk-through room you can turn it into a spacious studio, where only the bathroom remains isolated.
Before developing a design project, you should familiarize yourself with photos of walk-through rooms to make the room comfortable and functional. Any redevelopment requires approval from the relevant authorities, and if the “extra” walls turn out to be load-bearing, then such improvements will have to be abandoned. However, you can achieve a harmonious space without demolishing walls.
Tips for arrangement
Before zoning the living room and hallway, you should use useful tips for arranging:
- at the entrance you need to lay a small mat on which all the dust and dirt will remain;
- if the dividing wall is not completely dismantled, then the remaining part should be successfully used in a new design;
- An open shelving can be built on top of the ledge. House plants, photo frames, figurines are placed on it;
- the living room in the hallway should have light partitions that can be easily moved;
- When choosing the color of the walls, you should not allow it to be repeated in different rooms. The room should have one catchy color accent, framed by light tones;
- It is better to use vertical objects as decorative elements, for example, tall plants or floor vases.
On a note! Before carrying out any redevelopment in the apartment, you need to discuss this with the relevant organizations.
Design methods
You don't have to follow typical finishing methods. Try combining two styles at once. Let it be French Provence and Scandinavian motif. See what happens in practice.
The flooring will have to be done with a transition. Ceramic tiles are a must for the kitchen. Shade - from gray to black. Perform the zonal transition with the same ceramics, but in a lighter color scheme. Don't forget to change the format, texture and size of the tiles. Also change the direction of the laying.
Kitchen-living room interior with large windows.
Lay light parquet or laminate in the hall. Color – natural, natural. Wood looks very beautiful, and wood laminate (even with age rings) can be found in a specialty store.
The border of the two zones will be the bar counter. It is made with the same wood texture. The tabletop is white. Buy bar stools in black or gray, depending on the color of the kitchen flooring.
Studio apartment in bright colors.
Make furniture and walls with beige motifs. Finish the ceiling with cold white. To add a touch of Scandinavia, place flower pots with green plants on open kitchen shelves. Two or three objects will be enough. Don't forget about lighting. There should be a lot of it here. This way you will more than express two modern styles at once: Provence and Scandinavian.
Look at the photos selected for you. Maybe in the selection you will find what you have been looking for for so long.
Doorway shapes
All doorways can be divided into several main types:
A simple rectangular opening clearly demarcates two spaces and is perfect for modern interiors
An arch can make a large room more comfortable, and a small one more spacious.
A trapezoidal arch looks great if it matches the shape of the room behind it
Designers love asymmetrical arches for the opportunity to implement the most amazing interior solutions
The design of doorways, depending on the purpose, has some features. In particular, bedrooms and children's rooms should provide peace and quiet, so it is not advisable to leave them without a tightly closing door leaf. Kitchens, libraries and living rooms, on the contrary, can be equipped with an open doorway - this will add convenience when moving, expand the space and allow sunlight to easily enter small rooms.
Light doorway decor will highlight the beauty and complexity of the room’s interior
A wide edging, on the contrary, will highlight the complex shape of the opening and place a visual emphasis on it
In small apartments with low ceilings, arched openings will look best. This type will visually expand the space and add height to it. In this case, the arch should be flat and have a large radius.
Choosing a style direction
Before you start transforming the main room of your home, we recommend looking at successful photos of the design of a long narrow living room on the World Wide Web. This will allow you to understand in which direction you need to move
First of all, you need to pay attention to the newfangled minimalist trends, which involve maximum freedom and space in the room. They are perfect for decorating small, narrow spaces.
Their general characteristics are as follows:
Discreet colors for walls, floors and ceilings. Light and pastel colors in the overall interior design do not hide or burden the free space; rather, on the contrary, they contribute to its visual expansion.
Light colors do not burden the free space
- The functionality of all furnishings. We are talking about equipping a narrow and long room with transformable furniture and performing the functions of 2 in 1 and 3 in 1. A narrow wall in the living room, a compact sideboard “slide”, and a mirrored wardrobe are perfect.
- No unnecessary decor. Modern minimalist trends involve a minimum of decor in rooms decorated in a similar style.
Minimalistic interior without unnecessary decor
Straight lines in design. The correct geometry, which is created by narrow sofas for the living room and other similar furniture, will add expressiveness to the overall interior and will help create a visual proportion of the interior space of the room.
An alternative to the minimalist can be the industrial design of a long and narrow living room. To implement it we recommend:
- Get rid of all non-load-bearing walls and partitions, thereby adding a couple of square meters to the interior space of the room.
- Choose a white color for the ceiling – it will visually increase the height of the walls and add light to the room.
- Add to the overall interior details characteristic of the loft style - rough brickwork on one of the walls, open pipes under the ceiling, etc.
- Use zoning multifunctional furniture instead of partitions.
Design of a long narrow living room in loft style
Successful photos of the interior of a narrow living room, decorated in the style of minimalism, hi-tech and loft, can be seen on the Internet. They allow you to clearly see what the overall design should be. Long and narrow living rooms do not accept any excesses in decoration, furniture and decor.
Selection of furniture
Before purchasing furniture, you need to decide what the hallway/living room will be used for most often. Active pastime with friends involves decorating in a minimalist style. This will save space and create a cozy interior. A comfortable sofa and a small table will be the most necessary items in this room. The sofa should be placed next to the wall, and the table a short distance from the TV. If children live in the house, then it is also necessary to place several soft chairs and put a carpet on the floor for the little ones to have fun.
Interior in minimalist style Source design-homes.ru
If residents prefer a relaxing holiday while watching TV and reading books in a quiet, cozy corner, it is recommended to choose a soft set, a wardrobe with open shelves, a coffee table and the most commonly used accessories. The furniture should be open and located close to the TV, with easy access for all family members.
TV on the wall Source dekoriko.ru
You can place a TV or table in the central part of the room, and place a soft corner parallel to the walls. This will allow you to divide the hallway from the living room into zones. In such a situation, the entire area of the room will be used as rationally as possible. Furniture must be carefully selected and placed only the most necessary items that are definitely needed in this room. Otherwise, the space may seem too cluttered and moving around the room will become difficult.
Sofa in the interior Source pinterest.com
The materials for the furniture that will be in the living room are very important. They must be of high quality and safe. The best option is wood, but it is quite expensive and not available to everyone. A more common solution is wood panels, such as chipboard and fiberboard. Their advantage is safety and environmental friendliness at a reasonable cost.
Wooden furniture in the interior Source designmyhome.ru
Since the hallway is an area of increased pollution, care must be taken to protect the furniture from external influences. Therefore, it is necessary to select upholstery made from synthetic fabrics. Natural materials also do not lose their popularity among consumers. But still, leather products are the best option due to their durability and reliability. Excellent wear resistance and easy maintenance allow this material to withstand loads well and be used for a long time. Also, the skin does not pose an environmental hazard and does not harm the body.
Practical nuances and tips
Do you still remember that a kitchen combined with a living room has some disadvantages? In this section, we will tell you what you can do to eliminate them and share other useful tips.
1. The more detailed the design of the kitchen combined with the living room is thought out, the better the result will be. Among the important points that may seem strange are the height and weight of family members, whether you are right-handed or left-handed, the maximum expected number of guests or relatives.
2. To prevent kitchen aromas from whetting your appetite prematurely, take care of a powerful hood (dome) or ventilation system. The inclined mini-model is suitable only for those who cook very little.
3.If the living room doubles as a bedroom, it is important to ensure that kitchen appliances are silent. Modern household appliances, fortunately, can boast of being inconspicuous in this regard.
Another option is sliding doors or soundproof partitions. If you are sensitive to sunlight, it is better to choose blackout curtains.
4.Modern household appliances do not fit into your chosen style? Hide it behind the furniture facades and the issue is resolved.
5. Lighting in the kitchen-living room must meet three criteria - be uniform throughout the entire space, especially bright in the kitchen and dining area, and atmospheric in the living room. For the latter, a suspended ceiling with LED lighting will come in handy.
6. All materials used to decorate the kitchen-living room must be moisture resistant - this way they will please you longer.
The ideal kitchen-living room design is a magical mixture:
- personal ideas about beauty and comfort;
- preferences of family and friends;
- modern and durable materials;
- comfortable and favorite things;
- latest fashion trends.
What, in what quantities, when and where to add – no one knows better than you. There is only one thing left - to wish you to reveal your secret, unknown recipe to anyone!
Hallway-living room in the apartment
The idea of combining premises first came to the minds of apartment owners. It is these people who are forced to huddle in boxes that cannot be expanded. And since it is impossible to enlarge, it means that the generally accepted planning framework will have to be demolished, and along with them the walls. In apartments, popular options are combining kitchens and living rooms with dining rooms, offices with libraries, hallways with halls. This creates an imitation of the now fashionable studios, where everything is in “one bottle.” The combination of an entrance hall and a living room in an apartment is more a necessity than a whim of its owners. This is a real way to transform a familiar interior beyond recognition and place everything that you previously wanted, but couldn’t.
Lighting
Properly placed lighting fixtures will provide a cozy environment and highlight the differences between two areas. To solve this problem, creating a combination of lamps is suitable. It is permissible to make the main chandelier the only one located in the living room. You can place a second one in the hallway area, or replace it with spotlights. As a result, the result should provide zoning and emphasize the advantages of the room’s interior.
Pros and cons of combining living room and kitchen
Why do you need to combine the kitchen and living room? This solution has many advantages. The first and most important thing is a significant increase in space for apartments with an old layout, where no more than 5 m² are allocated for the kitchen. In a small apartment, combining the kitchen with the living room gives approximately 25 m² of single space.
This zoning allows you to create additional space for the “maneuver” of design ideas. For example, instead of a tiny kitchenette, you can create a full-fledged recreation area with a dining area. Which is often impossible in a small kitchen due to the lack of space sufficient to accommodate a table and chairs. But it may be impractical to equip a dining room in a separate room due to the distance from the food preparation area.
In addition, such an interior design for the kitchen and living room will not only unite the space, but also unite its inhabitants. Organizing a festive dinner, having a joint tea party or a party will be much easier with this layout option. The inevitable spread of odors and noise from the kitchen area is a significant drawback of the combined design. A small living room (15 square meters) will absorb the smells of the kitchen in a matter of days. Unfortunately, even the most powerful ventilation system will not save upholstered furniture from being saturated with aromas.
The cooking process is usually accompanied by loud sounds. If there is extraneous noise, it will be difficult for residents to watch TV or read a book in the living room. But there is no need to be upset. Proper zoning, which we will consider in detail in this article, will help reduce the influence of negative factors to a minimum.
Related article:
How to design a doorway without a door?
Depending on the dimensions and layout of the apartment, the doorway can be designed using a door or an arch without a door leaf, which will look advantageous between the kitchen and the dining room, between the living room and the corridor. In any case, the passage between rooms plays an important role in the interior, attracting attention and, in some cases, adding convenience and functionality.
Doorways without traditional doors surprisingly transform a room
If for a number of reasons you decide to leave the doorway open, you should understand the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
The advantages include the following points:
The disadvantages include the lack of sufficient sound insulation in adjacent rooms and the free penetration of odors, which is especially important for the kitchen.
An opening without a door is a win-win solution for visually combining adjacent rooms: living room and hall, corridor and dining room, kitchen and living room
Design of a walk-through living room: the original arrangement of an irregularly shaped room
A difficult task is to arrange not only a small interior, but also an irregularly shaped room, which at first glance seems impossible to create a harmonious design. However, nothing is impossible for lovers of the Scandinavian, classical or modern way of arranging space. See how you can arrange your living room to create a highly functional place to live every day. The living room is a walk-through because it is not enough to enter it from the hallway, it also leads to the kitchen and bedroom. Such a number of doors and, in addition, a very irregular shape are a real test for home owners. First of all, in order not to overload the interior, you should decide to make white the main color. To add variety to such a light and somewhat raw space, you can use single dark accessories. Flowers in a vase and a rug or fluffy blanket add a nice warm aura and go well with a natural style.
Combining premises in a private house
In country houses, they usually begin to design the placement of rooms long before the start of construction. This solution is well thought out and there is no practical need for it. This option is often used to create a special design and distinguish it from standard structures.
White arch in the wall Source roomester.ru
Tips and tricks
Zoning requires precise calculations and complex organization, because in order to accommodate everything you need, you should clearly think through the entire strategy at the planning stage. We suggest that you do not ignore the following tips:
- Be sure to study the photos of living room zoning available in catalogs or on the Internet, select several suitable options;
- Consult a specialist; it’s better to overpay than to be left with nothing;
- Think through the layout as much as possible;
- Give preference to ordered furniture.
The main thing is to correctly calculate and make the most of all available square meters, since remodeling such rooms is difficult and expensive.
Types and methods
Most often, the hall is divided into two or three combined areas, and the number of options is limited only by imagination. For example, the following combinations are considered the most popular:
- Living room + dining room + kitchen (the best option for zoning an apartment of 20 sq. m., since one room can harmoniously accommodate several zones, and the division will be a bar counter, a dining set or a stepped shelving unit).
- Guest room + bedroom (it is assumed to use a fold-out sofa, built-in wardrobes, or place a full bed behind an improvised light “wall”).
- Living rooms for children (do not require special design solutions, since they represent the allocation of part of the room for a playpen, a rug or a corner with toys).
- Guest room + office (the combination occurs by integrating a work area (desk, armchair/chair, computer) into the interior as a separate segment or in one design with a wall, cabinet or shelving).
There is also free zoning within the guest room, when a large space is divided by several soft zones and shelving complexes. For example, if there is no possibility of equipping a separate library in a standard apartment, a book area is created in the corner.
Functional partition: corridor - room (video)
When we separate two spaces, we achieve only one goal - increasing the comfort of being in the room. Partitions are the most functional and easy-to-use design that will fit perfectly into any design. An important advantage of any partition is that it can be decorated. This option is suitable for those who like change. At the same time, the partition allows you to temporarily relax in your personal space.
The owners do everything to turn the apartment into a cozy nest. To do this, all rooms must meet their intended purpose and have a stylish, practical design.
But what to do if the apartment rooms are too small or large? There is a way out of any situation. You can come up with a unique living room design with a partition.
Living room at the entrance. Living room design: main rules of interior design
Family comfort depends on the design of the living room, and in this article I will tell you how to properly decorate the living room and what is important to consider so that the room becomes comfortable and makes a good impression on your guests. The living room is a space where the whole family gathers and where guests come. In the design and interior decoration of the living room, it is necessary to take into account the requirements of all family members - this will make the room in demand and convenient for family meetings and relaxation.
It is also necessary to provide comfort for guests, but first things first
In the design and interior decoration of the living room, it is necessary to take into account the requirements of all family members - this will make the room in demand and convenient for family meetings and relaxation. It is also necessary to provide comfort for guests, but first things first
The living room is a space where the whole family gathers and where guests come. In the design and interior decoration of the living room, it is necessary to take into account the requirements of all family members - this will make the room in demand and convenient for family meetings and relaxation. It is also necessary to provide comfort for guests, but first things first.
Furniture arrangement
The living room begins with the arrangement of furniture - the comfort of being in the room depends on this.
The most important thing is to create a comfortable environment in the living room for communication. A sofa and a couple of armchairs will create a “rectangular” layout, which is most convenient for communication, since people will be able to see each other.
Be sure to provide a coffee table near the sofa. A low table will increase comfort and will not dominate the interior in shape.
In modern realities, the TV becomes the center of the living room and sofas and armchairs face it. In order to be able to concentrate on the conversation, you can use chairs with wheels. They can be turned towards the sofa if necessary.
Comfortable sofas
The sofa in the living room should be comfortable and roomy. Choosing a sofa is a common decision for the whole family. Discuss the shape of the sofa with your household and choose the model that suits your wishes.
If someone likes armrests, and someone is categorically against it, then there is a “golden mean” - modular bolsters that are placed on the sofa. Are there small children in the house? - take this into account when choosing upholstery material.
Advice: if you have a cat at home, then use a special non-woven material to upholster the sofa - cats are not interested in it and the furry creature will not sharpen its claws on it, but large-weave fabric will definitely suffer.
Storage locations
You can organize storage space in the living room, but it is better to use cabinets for storing linen and clothes, and use display cabinets or open shelving to store valuables and decor.
Books, figurines, porcelain, memorabilia - add personality to your living room
It is important to place them beautifully and provide proper storage. Display cabinets (with glass doors) will protect from dust and accidental tipping
Finishing and design
The design of the living room should be neutral, since the whole family gathers in this room to relax and communicate. Use a calm color scheme and create bright accents with decor or posters.
A carpet near the sofa will make the living room warmer and indicate zoning; in addition, the coffee table can be safely moved on the carpet and not worry that traces of movement will remain on the parquet.
Textile
For cozy family evenings, provide a warm blanket in the living room - it will help keep you warm and make the interior more homely.
To decorate windows, use several layers of textiles, such as tulle and a pair of curtains.
A decorated window creates a feeling of coziness and home comfort.
Using textiles, you can add contrasting colors to the interior, but it is important to remember the rules of proper design and repeat the color of the curtains in the decor, for example, by sewing a couple of pillows. This will create dynamics and the interior of the living room will be perceived as integral.
Furniture
When planning to combine the hallway with the living room, some owners dream of placing a huge amount of furniture in the room, rejoicing in the increase in space. Here it is important not to overdo it, so as not to spoil the entire positive effect of such a decision. You need to try to find the right approach to organizing storage and interior design.
Arch in the living room interior Source roomester.ru
When thinking about combining rooms, you should think about the future furnishings and design in advance. Experts advise saving free space by carefully thinking through the storage system. For example, a chest of drawers or a bedside table in a room can be successfully replaced by a compact wardrobe. In the hallway you only need to place a hanger on which you can place the most necessary things. It is better to store other items in a built-in wardrobe so that they do not interfere with movement and do not take up space in the room. In the living room you should place all the traditional pieces of furniture - a sofa, a small table, several armchairs, a TV stand and a bookshelf.
Table in the hallway interior Source roomester.ru
Expanding the living room space in Khrushchev
Photo 3 - Functionality and light Khrushchev is a very inconvenient apartment layout. To decorate the living room in an apartment in a modern style and make the most of a small space, use:
- cabinet furniture;
- fabric partitions;
- well-chosen lighting;
- decorative designs;
- arches
Physically connecting rooms will help expand the living room space in a two-room apartment. This way you will get one large area with two windows. Another option is to make a studio apartment by combining the kitchen and living room.
Photo 6 - Zoning with an aquarium Photo 7 - Layout of the guest room
Decorating a living room in a Khrushchev building
You need to decide on the style of the living room interior. For classics, pastel and beige tones with the use of several bright decorative items are suitable. For Provence - antique furniture and textiles.
Don't try to paint your living room one color. You can use wallpaper with a simple pattern or ornament. If the room is narrow, furnish it with furniture with mirror inserts. A large wardrobe or a separate mirror on the end wall would be good. This technique will visually increase the space by 2 times.
Try using the loft style, which is characterized by:
- lack of partitions;
- industrial elements: rough plaster, imitation brickwork or pipe wiring. You can achieve the effect using a pattern on the wallpaper or applying an image to the wall;
- high light ceilings;
- unusual accessories: posters, graffiti, abstract drawings;
- zoning furniture.
The style suits those who love air, space and light in the living room.
Sizes and shapes of doorways
The shape of the portal without a door also plays an important role in creating the interior.
Wide
A large doorway allows you to visually expand and enlarge the space of the room, adding airiness and light to it.
High opening to the ceiling
It is a very noticeable and effective detail that orients the interior layout. In addition, a high opening can visually raise the ceiling.
Arched
It provides the opportunity to somewhat soften the angularity of the surrounding space and is a particularly popular form when designing a passage without a door.
Narrow
A non-standard narrow opening will give the room additional height and make the interior much more proportional.
The photo shows the interior of a bathroom with a narrow door portal without doors.
Angular
A portal without doors, located in the corner, is a rather creative solution that gives the environment a unique creative look.
Half-arch
It is a curved design with right and rounded angles. A semi-arch is equally suitable for both wide and narrow portals; it does not visually clutter up the space and does not burden its appearance.
The photo shows semi-arches framed with wenge-colored trim and decorative corners.
Figured
Fancy, asymmetrical designs can have a wide variety of complex shapes or even be supplemented with all sorts of auxiliary details, such as shelves, niches, columns or lighting. Curly open passages undoubtedly become a bright interior element, attracting attention and setting the tone for the entire environment.
The most popular material for creating these openings is drywall.
Secrets of decorating a passage room
The key secret to designing such a space is the mandatory use of every centimeter. Follow these tips.
- Remember symmetry. If the doors are on the same wall, then fill the space between them. When openings in different parts of the room, add similar decorative elements to balance the overall look.
- Replace standard doors with sliding ones. This will free up space, visually make it larger, add airiness and lightness.
- Don't give up experimenting. You can move the opening by allocating a part for the passage corridor. Please coordinate such actions with the relevant authorities in advance.
- Connect the corridor and the living room. This will expand the space.
Every centimeter of the room is important
A room in dark colors will create a feeling of warmth and comfort.
Sliding doors will be an excellent replacement for conventional ones
Zoning options for the kitchen-living room - design ideas with photos
How not to turn two zones of different use into one large kitchen, while maintaining the integrity of the space? The answer lies in proper zoning of the territory. There are several techniques in which the room maintains unity and is completely visible. But at the same time, their use allows you to delimit zones and highlight key design elements. Let's look at them in this section.
Changing the height of the walls
Creating a multi-level ceiling and floor is one of the visual zoning techniques. The height of the walls is usually reduced in a smaller area. If the layout of the living room-kitchen allows you to organize a dining room, it can be raised onto the podium along with the kitchen, as shown in the photo below.
The depth of the high podium can be used as storage
If the construction of the podium requires a certain height of the walls, then lowering the ceiling by 5-10 cm is enough. This is usually done above the kitchen work area. This zoning option can be enhanced with additional lighting along the edge of the lower ceiling level. In addition, a multi-level ceiling will help hide communications and install additional lighting, which is very important for the work surface.
Glossy ceiling visually increases the height of the walls
Bar counter - for lunch and parties
You can separate the kitchen from the living room with a bar counter. This is a very popular zoning method. It is functional, aesthetic and creates an additional working or dining surface. If there is no space for a full-fledged dining room in small apartments where one or two people live, a bar structure will be a good alternative to a dining table.
The role of the stand is played by part of the partition
The option of zoning a bar counter is suitable if the width of the kitchen is smaller than the width of the living room (as indicated in the photo), as well as for an elongated room. If the combined space is a spacious square-shaped room, the bar counter is installed in an island manner.
The bar structure serves as a dining areaScreens and partitions - convenience and functionality
The use of screens and partitions is the most radical way to divide space. Properly placed partitions fit harmoniously into rooms of any shape. The role of a partition can be played by a shelving structure, a cabinet or a wide cabinet. Shelving is not recommended for use in small rooms, as they occupy a fairly large area of the territory.
Sliding partitions and screens are the most practical zoning option. They do not take up much space, are aesthetic, easy to install (as a rule, ceiling cornices and roller shutters are used), are made from a huge range of materials, and can be styled for any design project. Using a movable partition, you can choose the degree of delimitation of space: leave open, close completely or partially.
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Arched zoning
The arched type of zoning is often not only decorative, but also functional. An arch must be installed if a load-bearing wall needs to be removed to combine the space. An arched tunnel over the dining room will be an excellent option for highlighting the dining area and delineating the kitchen and recreation area.
An arch over the dining room will create a key accent to the dining area
An arch is always a stylish and elegant element of the interior design of a living room combined with a kitchen. It can be made in any shape, stylizing it according to the chosen design direction.
How to design a doorway?
Popular design options:
For a bohemian style, curtains made of dense material in rich colors are suitable.
Vertical blinds as a decorative partition
Wood paneling is a good solution when you want to highlight the edging against the background of the walls.
Decorating a doorway in a classic style
Decorating the opening with stucco molding will make the room elegant
A glass door will appeal to those who do not want to completely separate and isolate the space. You can use stained glass, frosted or tinted glass. Apply an ornament to it or leave it completely transparent.
A glass door is relevant when complete visual isolation is not needed, but it is necessary to protect yourself from noise and smell
Sliding doors are suitable for owners of large premises with the ability to equip a wide opening. Their convenience lies in their versatility. If you need to delimit space, just close the doors.
Sliding doors can be selected to suit any interior style
An excellent and convenient way to design doorways in small apartments would be an accordion door. Can be glass, plastic or wood. It takes up absolutely no space and does not require free space.
The accordion door folds compactly, so it is very appropriate in small rooms