The kitchen is perhaps the most important corner in the house. Here the hostess creates her culinary masterpieces. Cozy family feasts and tea parties take place here. The main task when arranging a kitchen is to make sure that these processes take place comfortably, without interfering with each other. The goal can be achieved only with proper zoning. Let's talk about the correct selection of the dining area. Let's consider possible zoning methods, learn how to select furniture and decoration, and try to solve the problem of a dining area in a small kitchen.
Several ways to highlight a dining area
It is well known that the kitchen is conventionally divided into two functional areas: the work area and the dining area. First, let's determine the future location of these zones.
The main thing is that it is convenient and comfortable
Selecting a location
The location of the dining area should be chosen based on the following factors:
- room area;
- shape of the room;
- placement of windows;
- area required for a dining area.
If you are the owner of a spacious square kitchen, there are plenty of options. The dining area can comfortably fit in any corner or wall. If the room has a rectangular shape, everything depends on the width. When width allows, you can arrange a dining area near one of the long walls. The set is installed against the opposite wall or at an angle.
The dining area is located in the center of the room
In kitchens in the form of a narrow corridor, it is better to allocate the full width for eating at the far end of the room.
The window area can also be used functionally. This area is limited by only one condition - do not install wall cabinets in this place. In this case, a sink or countertop can be placed under the window . And on the sides you can hang cabinets or shelves. The dining area by the window will be incredibly cozy.
We add all the necessary shelves
The most important factor when determining where to place a dining area is how much space it will occupy. If there are only three people in the family, you can get by with a small table or just a counter. To comfortably accommodate a large family, you need a large table, plus a place for comfortable seating.
The free distance from the edge of the work surfaces to the backs of the extended chairs must be at least a meter! Otherwise, when setting the table, it will be inconvenient to walk around the person sitting.
A comfortable dining area in a minimalist style balances the loft interior
Measure and mark all the required areas and spaces between them on the floor. If the aisles turn out to be narrow, reconsider the location of the headset and table.
Advantages of tiles
Ceramic tiles have technical characteristics that distinguish them favorably from other interior materials.
The main ones:
- Strength, thermal resistance;
- Resistance to aggressive cleaning materials;
- Safety in operation;
- Durability.
A significant advantage is the wide selection of tiles. For interior decoration, you can choose glossy or matte tiles of any color (plain, combined, with a pattern), various sizes, as well as imitation of other materials (wood, glass, stone, mosaic).
Arranging a dining area in a small kitchen
As a rule, if space is limited, designers advise getting rid of the wall and combining the kitchen with the living room. What if residents do not have such an opportunity (or right)? We have to build on what we have. But this is not a sentence at all.
It is recommended to combine small kitchens with a living room
We offer you options for the location of the dining area in a small kitchen.
The choice of the appropriate method is yours. Free corner . In this case, it is practical to use a corner sofa and a small table. This way you will save the space needed for spaces between chairs and for pulling them out.
Save space with a sofa
Tip: Choose a corner sofa with internal drawers. They can be used to store almost everything that is not needed in everyday use, including non-perishable supplies.
- Window . The dining tabletop can be built directly under the window, completely covering the window sill. The width depends on the available space. If possible, you need to bring the table to the side wall. Instead of classic chairs, it is better to choose high stools. When not needed, they hide under the table. You can also combine a narrow table under the window with two mini-sofas on the sides.
- Folding table . This design is made to order. It is attached to any free section of the wall. There are also corner folding tables. In appearance, the table resembles a bar counter, which can easily be folded against the wall when not eating. Bar or folding chairs are suitable for seating.
It is very convenient to use a table that folds out if necessary
If the door opens into the room, it is better to remove it altogether. When ordering wall cabinets, take the maximum height under the ceiling. You can also use the area above the window . Use all space-saving methods, then you will certainly find a place for a dining area.
You can achieve a visual expansion of the boundaries of a small kitchen with the help of good lighting and light colors of decoration.
There is never too much light in the kitchen
Kitchen apron design
Most often, ceramic tiles are used to decorate kitchen backsplashes. The area where food is prepared and dishes are washed requires regular maintenance using aggressive substances based on alkalis and acids.
Therefore, it is advisable to use ceramics for a kitchen screen, both in matte and glossy versions.
Finishing
Variation in color and finishing material is another original method of highlighting a functional area. To decorate the dining area, you can use almost any materials:
- wallpaper;
- brick;
- painting;
- relief plaster;
- ceramic tiles, etc.
Almost any materials are used for finishing
Wallpaper is the most common option for decorating the dining area.
You can combine muted plain wallpaper with a brighter decorated insert in the table area. Often, to differentiate, wallpaper is combined with walls painted to match. Advice For the kitchen you need to buy only thick vinyl wallpaper on a non-woven basis, subject to wet processing.
You only need to buy thick wallpaper
Cladding with decorative bricks is the most current trend in modern design. The dining area, decorated with white or red brick, looks very stylish. It is important that this insert is in harmony with the overall motif of the interior.
Relief plaster allows you to give walls an unusual texture. You can choose textures reminiscent of stone, wood and even leather. You can highlight the desired area with a different color or a brick insert.
We highlight and accent the wall with laminate
Sometimes ceramic tiles are used to decorate not only the work apron, but also the eating area. For zoning, you can combine different tile tones. This material is beautiful and most practical.
If you decide to use color contrasts when decorating your walls, carefully study the rules for combining shades. The ideal option is a plain light finish with small bright splashes. Bold combinations are not always successful.
The ideal option is a plain finish.
How to highlight beautifully?
The design of the dining area in the kitchen, different from the surrounding environment, allows you to add a designer twist to the interior. The most popular ways to highlight a dining area are by decorating the walls or floor.
The easiest option is to change the color of the walls, creating the right accent without spending extra money. The main condition for the color scheme is contrast. In a light kitchen, dark or bright will attract attention; in a dark kitchen, bright or light.
It is not necessary to use monochromatic colors; take a closer look at prints or entire frescoes in the form of photo wallpaper. The right panoramic images will help expand a small space.
It happens that the accent wall differs in texture. To do this, cover it with stone, tiles, slats, brick, fabric, leather. Or create an eco-friendly phyto-wall with live culinary plants.
In the photo there is a phytowall in the interior
The second fastest way to separate zones is a carpet on the floor. The main thing is that it is the right size - a little larger than all the furniture that is located on it. The shape should follow the shape of the countertop.
At the renovation stage, you can lay out two types of flooring: tiles in the cooking area and laminate in the dining room. Or choose 2 different colors of tiles or laminate.
Lighting secrets
Light can create real magic: highlight, change colors, increase space. Designers use this tool very skillfully. Try it too!
In the kitchen, experts recommend organizing lighting for each functional area separately.
It is better to create lighting for each zone separately
So, the main rules for kitchen lighting:
- The kitchen should be light!
- The light should be quite intense, but soft and not irritating. More devices - less power.
- The dining area is illuminated separately. A pair of hanging laconic lampshades or one large chandelier above the table will work well.
- Light sources for the work area should be more powerful (up to 100W). For the dining area, 50W light bulbs are sufficient.
The light should be soft and unobtrusive
Don't forget about natural light. Window textiles should not completely block sunlight. Light walls reflect light much better, which reduces the need for artificial lighting.
Decoration
Posters or paintings are a great reason to decorate the wall next to the dining table with them. Still lifes with images of fruits, vegetables, elegant coffee cups, and cakes will complement the overall picture.
- An urban landscape with a bistro or some kind of abstraction is ideal for the living room.
- An original solution in the spirit of modernity is to use an image of a window that illusorily reveals a view of the canals of Venice or the lavender fields of France.
- Quite often you can find mirrored surfaces in such an area, adding light and reflecting the objects on the set table. The illusion of chic abundance is created.
- The walls can be decorated with vintage clocks, appropriate inscriptions, and plates with images.
- The placement of shelves on the walls, built-in shelving, and buffet counters is encouraged.
- Decorated with beautiful tableware, all kinds of dishes, and souvenir crafts, they organically fit into the design composition.
By adding bright accent chairs, you can enhance the stylistic direction of the dining area.
Decorative items on the table itself can be quite rich in color, such as:
- Napkins for plates;
- Flower vase;
- Runner.
Nuances of zoning
Dividing the kitchen into functional zones is the ideal formula for successful design. Zoning tools can serve an additional role. For example :
- Architectural structures (arches, partitions) in original design will become a stylish accent in the interior.
- Drywall partitions are often equipped with functional shelves and niches for storing dishes or useful items.
- A bar counter in a cramped kitchen can successfully serve as a table. And in the hollow niches under the countertop you can place a mini-fridge or a hidden cabinet.
Original design solution
Some methods of demarcating a room also have negative points. It's worth thinking about them in advance.
- A partition or arch may become an obstacle in case of radical redevelopment in the future.
- The podium will also become an obstacle if you decide to make a major rearrangement after a while.
- The threshold of the podium is a dangerous area for children. Experts advise making the climb higher and installing steps.
Color selection
Warm shades should prevail in the color palette of the dining area. Studies have shown that they stimulate good appetite and improve mood. The dining room can be decorated according to the principle of similarity or contrast. As the main tone, it is better to choose white or one of the pastel shades: peach, pink, yellow, gray, walnut. Its neighbor in the spectral circle is chosen to play the role of the second color. The third shade will be bright, which is acceptable, because it is used little (only in accents). If the kitchen windows face the sunny side, then you can dilute the natural “warmth” of the interior with blue, lilac, green, and turquoise.
PHOTO GALLERY (more than 170 photos)
The dining area should be designed in such a way that it does not bring you discomfort. Be sure to consider the size of your kitchen. Use zoning wisely and enjoy your interior. After reading the information, please leave your ratings and reasoning in the comments. They will be useful to other readers. Your opinion is very important to us. Thank you for your participation. We appreciate your every feedback and time spent.
pros
- Practicality;
- many design options;
- possibility of using transformable furniture.
Minuses
- In small kitchens, the design of the dining area is minimal.
- Cost of some finishing materials.
Add your review
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What decor would be appropriate?
Highlight a wall without changing the lighting or decoration. Suitable decor for the dining area:
- Paintings. Suitable images are abstractions, still lifes, landscapes.
- Photo gallery. Post pictures with your family and friends.
- Watch. Choose a proportional size.
- Dishes. From different countries or decorative in the same style.
- Flowers. Attach the planter to the wall or ceiling.
The photo shows bright chairs and tableware
The tabletop itself is decorated with paths, napkins, flowers in vases, and beautiful dishes. Throw soft pillows on the sofa or chairs for decoration and comfort.
In the photo, decorating the wall with plates
