Kitchen-living room design with a bar

Trying to improve the interior of their own apartment and make the stay in it as comfortable as possible, more and more of our compatriots give preference to combined spaces. The most popular option is the kitchen-living room. In such cases, there is often difficulty in zoning space. The bar counter perfectly copes with this task, the role of which is discussed in this article.

Surprisingly, this piece of furniture came to us from the West, where it has always been used for its intended purpose. Cocktails are prepared on it and drunk in the company of friends, sitting on high bar stools. In our country, such an element most often plays the role of a table or work surface, but not a bar counter in its original understanding.

You can classify all the variety of available options for bar counters by their location. This allows you to understand their main functions and possible placement methods. It is worth noting that even small apartments can acquire such an element without losing anything either from a functional or aesthetic point of view.

There are several types of racks.

• Arched. Option when the rack is located directly in the arch. It can be a part of it or a separate element that divides the space. The best examples come when owners (or designers) find unique solutions to treat these 2 elements as a whole. But even if they are independent from each other, the rack and arch should be well combined with each other and emphasize the dignity of the room. Lighting plays an important role in this.

• In the doorway. This type is often used by the owners of apartments with a standard layout. When two rooms (hall and kitchen) are combined, an opening is formed. It contains such a necessary element as a rack. In this case, it plays the role of a small dining table, since the square does not allow it to be placed in the kitchen, and other pieces of furniture necessary for rest and work find their place in the hall.

• Wall-mounted. An interesting option that allows you to enjoy the view from the window while sitting at the counter with a cup of aromatic coffee. You can place it along one of the walls, but then it turns out that you will rest your gaze on this plane. Considering that the width of the bar is not large, the picture is not very beautiful. By placing it along the window, you will save space and acquire a full-fledged work surface, behind which, if you wish, you can dine.

• Combined. If the area allows, you can develop a layout of the future kitchen set, combined with a bar counter. Such models can be L-shaped or U-shaped. Convenience lies in the fact that you correctly zone the room. Although the room is called the kitchen-living room (or studio), it is necessary to highlight functional areas. This contributes to the correct perception of space and ease of use.

• Ostrovnaya. This modification requires a lot of space. Fit it into a modest 6 or even 9 square meters. m. will be simply unrealistic. For the convenience of the hostess, a hob or even a sink can be located on it. You can also see the merging of functions here. For its intended purpose, the rack, if used, is extremely rare.Russian people are not used to limiting themselves to a cocktail, they like to arrange lavish feasts, and it will be very difficult to place all cooked food on a modest counter.

So, before ordering a kitchen set (or purchasing a ready-made one), think over all the options. Perhaps the combined bar is exactly what you need. Its peculiarity lies in the connection with the working surface of the headset. that is, the structure is a single whole, has the same height, identical coating (table top), design. The convenience of such a model is undeniable. You can calmly cook dinner and watch what is happening in the hall or chat with guests.

When developing a layout for the design of a future studio, it is necessary to clearly understand what functions it will perform. For example, if the hall is also used as a bedroom (a sofa or an armchair is laid out for the night), then it is necessary to work with lighting and additional partitions. By getting up early in the morning, you shouldn't interfere with those who are still sleeping in the living room. In this case, it is more advisable to place the rack along the window.

Alternatively, when there are small children in the house, the counter separating these two rooms works well. So, a young mother will be able to watch the children play in the living room and cook dinner. Competent location of the TV with the above room layout will also be a definite plus. You can sit at the counter with a cup of morning coffee and watch the latest news.

Brick walls, massive raw beams, lack of lace tulle on the windows and massive objects are an integral part of this style. The bar counter will fit perfectly into it. At the same time, its design should be laconic and simple. No intricate curved lines or decorative embellishments. Let it be as brutal as possible. This will give the interior a special chic and respectability. It can be made from wood, fiberboard and other similar materials. Moreover, it can be either open (i.e., have a table top and legs), or closed. The last option looks especially interesting in the interior.

The use of openwork tablecloths and carved oak tables is unacceptable here. They do not fit into this topic at all. But the bar counter of the correct shape will emphasize the uniqueness and originality of the interior. In this case, it will be possible not to think about where to put the dining table. Its function will be perfectly performed by the rack. A riot of colors is unacceptable for minimalism. Therefore, the main color is chosen, which is diluted with similar shades or matching tones. The classic options are black and white, beige and brown, gray and green.

Such an interior is distinguished by functionality and a special atmosphere of home comfort. In order for the counter to organically fit into this style, you can use the method of dividing the space, that is, place it on the line between the kitchen and the hall. Clear boundaries of individual zones are inherent in the Scandinavian style. Therefore, for contrast, you can make the floor in the living room in light colors, and in the kitchen - in dark colors. At the same time, the bar counter will play the role of a separating element without overloading the space.

This style is particularly lightweight. The decoration is done in light natural colors. With the right design, you get the impression that you are in a house by the sea, and the transparent curtains are easily swayed by the sea breeze. And although you will not be able to change the landscape outside the window, an atmosphere of warmth and comfort will reign inside. This style is characterized by large areas and the absence of bulky furniture cluttering the space. A kitchen-living room with a bar counter will be an ideal solution for such an interior.For finishing the rack, you can use natural or artificial stone, as well as wood (laminated chipboard, DPV).

Various arches and partitions visually reduce the squaring. At the same time, they are of little use. The bar counter is a real find for those who want to highlight separate areas in their apartment, but not lose functionality and a sense of spaciousness. Try placing the bar counter on the border of the kitchen and living room.

In this you will find several advantages at once:

• an additional work surface will appear;
• there will be no need for a kitchen table;
• the space will have clear functional areas;
• you will create an original interior without spending a lot of money.

It is difficult to say which option will be most suitable for your particular apartment. It all depends on the quadrature, the chosen style and your preferences. Loft-style studios look very interesting. But not everyone loves them because of the feeling of coldness and seeming incompleteness. Classic options are always relevant. Choosing this style, you can be sure that the laconic calm design will not bother you in a few months or even years.

The atmosphere of freedom and carelessness can be felt by decorating the kitchen-living room with a bar in the Mediterranean style. Imagine how pleasant it will be to sit at the counter on a warm evening, enjoying the tranquility and serenity. And it doesn't matter at all that the metropolis is buzzing outside the window.

The choice of materials for the manufacture and decoration of the bar is limited only by your imagination and capabilities. Let's consider the most popular options.

• Wood (fiberboard, chipboard). This is a classic option that will find its place in almost any style. In addition, wooden structures are very practical and durable.
• Marble. Such a rack will look very expensive and respectable. By the way, the material itself is really not cheap.

• Gispokarton. With its help, you can realize the most daring ideas. Whatever form the future rack is planned, this practical and affordable material can easily cope with this task.
• Stone decoration. This option looks good in Mediterranean style. It will also fit into the loft. This finish will serve you for years to come. It is not necessary to use expensive and heavy natural stone. Its artificial sibling looks no less dignified.

• Tiling. The variety of designs of this finishing material is amazing. At the same time, it is affordable and easy to clean.
• Metal and forged structures. They are practical and durable, ideal for loft-style spaces.

• Plastic. Provides the possibility of a variety of designs. Although many still prefer natural materials to him.
• Glass. Quite a capricious material that requires caution when working with it. Modern technologies make it possible to produce impact-resistant glass. But do not forget that it will require special care.

• Brick. A brutal and durable building material can act as the main one for a structure or serve as a finishing one. In any case, the interior will acquire flavor and uniqueness.
• Concrete. Heavy and solid material. When using it, it is necessary to bear in mind the load that it exerts on the floor. It is worth considering that if you carry out the structure entirely from this material, it will turn out to be heavy.

For an overview of kitchen design with a bar counter, see the following video.