10 Apartment Small Open Plan Kitchen Living Room Ideas: Creative, Practical and Stylish Tips for Small Open Plan Spaces

Over the past 10+ years as an interior designer, I’ve seen how current design trends have shifted towards multifunctional spaces — especially in apartments. A small open plan kitchen living room pushes us to be more creative with layout, light, and materials. In this post, I’ll share 10 of my favorite design ideas, based on personal projects and supported by expert insights, to help you turn limited square footage into a stylish, functional home.

Minimalist Storage Solutions

My Take: In a 36㎡ apartment I designed last year, we went for a sleek, handleless cabinet wall — it became the visual backbone of the room. It kept things neat and bright without overwhelming the space.

Pros: Minimalist storage keeps visual clutter low, integrates the kitchen into the living area more seamlessly, and works perfectly with small open plan kitchen living room layouts.

Cons: It can feel too plain if you don't balance it with warm textures or personal decor items.

Tip: Use matte finishes to hide fingerprints, and consider a minimalist kitchen storage design to maximise both aesthetics and practicality.

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Transparent Glass Backsplash

My Take: Once, I used a back-painted glass backsplash in a city studio — it reflected natural light beautifully, making the room instantly brighter.

Pros: Adds depth and luminosity, easy to clean, and blends non-intrusively with the living area’s decor.

Cons: Shows smudges quickly, so it’s best for those willing to wipe down often.

Case Highlight: Try a soft gray or pale green tint to match modern furniture trends.

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L-Shaped Layout

My Take: In one loft renovation, the L-shape opened up more counter space without closing off the living room. The angled layout subtly defined zones without adding walls.

Pros: Maximizes countertop length, creates natural separation of cooking and lounging zones, and suits irregular spaces. According to the NKBA 2023 Kitchen Trends study, functional flow is a top priority in small homes.

Cons: Can be tricky in really narrow rooms, as corners may become under-utilized.

Idea: Combine base cabinets with open shelves on the shorter leg to keep sight lines open — this matches well with an L-shaped kitchen layout freeing more countertop space.

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Warm Wood Accents

My Take: I often use oak or walnut fronts in open plans to bring a subtle coziness — it stops the space from feeling too ‘showroom’.

Pros: Adds warmth, texture, and timelessness; pairs beautifully with light neutral walls for a soft transition between kitchen and lounge.

Cons: Real wood needs care against moisture and heat; veneers are a smart alternative for tight budgets.

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Island with Built-In Dining

My Take: In my own apartment, the island does double duty: prep area by day, dining table by night. Stools tuck under neatly to keep walkways clear.

Pros: Saves space, makes social cooking easier, and keeps the eating area integrated into the layout — perfect for small open plan kitchen living rooms.

Cons: Requires precise measurements to avoid disrupting traffic flow.

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Statement Lighting

My Take: Pendant clusters over the island or sofa anchor each zone and add character without taking up floor space.

Pros: Visually defines areas, adds ambiance, and allows design flexibility; layered lighting improves both mood and task performance.

Cons: Low-hanging lights can be obstructive if ceiling height is under 2.4 m.

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Consistent Flooring

My Take: Using the same flooring throughout removes visual breaks; I’ve used pale oak vinyl planks to connect kitchen and living seamlessly.

Pros: Makes the space feel larger, easier on the eyes, and continuity boosts the open plan flow.

Cons: Kitchen spills mean you need water-resistant material across the whole space.

Expert Note: Consistent surfaces reduce “visual noise” — a principle often recommended by the American Society of Interior Designers.

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Compact Appliances

My Take: I often integrate 45cm dishwashers or slimline fridges — they save space without losing everyday convenience.

Pros: Leaves more storage and countertop area, supports a streamlined look, and often uses less energy.

Cons: Limited capacity; may not suit large households.

Practical Option: Look for appliances with multi-function settings to further reduce the need for extra gadgets.

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Hidden Storage in Furniture

My Take: I love using ottomans or benches with hidden compartments — easy to access and perfect for storing table linens or small appliances.

Pros: Doubles up furniture functionality; keeps the open plan uncluttered.

Cons: Can be heavier to move; contents can be forgotten if not organized.

Inspiration: Combine with modular shelving for flexibility — something I've tried in a project using an AI-driven home design concept and it worked wonders.

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Accent Walls or Color Zoning

My Take: In a 28㎡ flat, I painted the living wall a muted teal — it gently defined the social zone while keeping the overall airy vibe.

Pros: Adds identity to each zone without physical barriers; inexpensive and easy to change later.

Cons: If overdone, can make space feel segmented rather than united.

Tip: Use a maximum of two colors in open plan areas for cohesion.

Conclusion: A small kitchen and living room in an open plan is not a limitation — it’s an opportunity to think smarter. By blending storage, light, and layout tricks, you can create a space that’s both practical and full of personality. As Apartment Therapy notes, small spaces thrive on intentional design choices. Which of these 10 ideas would you try first?

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FAQ

Q1: What are the best layouts for a small open plan kitchen living room?

A: L-shaped and single-wall with island layouts work best for flow and separation.

Q2: How can I make a small open plan feel bigger?

A: Use consistent flooring, light colors, and glass elements to expand the sense of space.

Q3: Is an island possible in a very small apartment?

A: Yes, choose a narrow island or movable cart; ensure at least 90cm clearance around all sides.

Q4: What colors work best?

A: Light neutrals with warm accents; according to Dulux Colour Trends, these promote openness and comfort.

Q5: How do I integrate the kitchen style with the living room?

A: Keep materials and finishes consistent; repeat colors or textures across both areas.

Q6: Can I use pendant lights in low ceiling apartments?

A: Yes, opt for flush mounts or short pendants to avoid obstruction.

Q7: What storage ideas save space?

A: Wall-mounted shelves, under-seat compartments, and slim pull-out pantries work well in small open plans.

Q8: Where can I see examples of these designs?

A: You can explore small space inspiration like 3D visualized apartment designs to visualize before making changes.