In apartments and private houses, designers often use zoning. The living room and kitchen combine well. Two rooms connected to each other look spacious, and this layout will make the space cozy.
You can update the design, implement interesting ideas, or repeat a design seen in a magazine, TV show, or photo on the Internet. The style in the living room-kitchen can be different, and choosing it can turn into a fun experience.
Before combining rooms, designers advise taking into account the basic rules, creating a project, and choosing colors.
Zoning
Designers do not advise giving in to fashion trends and copying design ideas without taking into account dimensions, location and other nuances. Before planning and arranging furniture, every detail is thought through.
There are several simple rules that experts advise you to follow:
- Let the room have natural light. To do this, remove excess walls (except for load-bearing ones).
- If the rooms in the apartment are small (12 sq. m or 16 sq. m), the layout of the kitchen combined with the dining room will be the right solution.
- If the ventilation system is not designed correctly, the smell of food will spread throughout the apartment.
Partitions
The interior of the kitchen and living room begins to be thought out from the junction of the two zones.
- Here are some of the ways and objects that delimit space:
- installation of a bar counter;
- kitchen island;
- big table;
- installation of a low partition.
Designers advise installing a wide counter, since you can sit at it like at a regular table, and high chairs are quite suitable for the whole family.
However, in small rooms (16 sq m), narrow counters are installed. Kitchen islands are convenient to use, but are only suitable for large kitchen-dining rooms (25 sq m or 30 sq m). Capital low partitions are installed only if it has been decided in advance what they will be used for (for example, as a TV stand).
Finishing
If the kitchen combined with the living room has the same floor covering, then there are no special rules for carrying out the work. When combining different materials, take into account in advance where they will be joined.
For example, laminate flooring creates unsightly joints with tiles. The main thing is that the floor is flat without curved joints, as they will be noticeable.
Kitchen cabinets that are mounted on the walls should reach the ceilings. In some cases, craftsmen “lower” the ceiling with plasterboard.
Heating vertical radiators made of cast iron
Cast iron has long been used in the heating industry. And despite its long history, its physical and technical characteristics guarantee its use today. Only over time, the configuration of the products has changed. And if earlier an “accordion” was made of cast iron with a rough surface, which often had to be painted, now radiators have different designs, suitable for a particular interior.
For example, vertical products can be of a classic sectional shape or made according to modern standards, with a smooth, even or shaped surface. Often models are decorated with metal casting, creating a certain pattern suitable for a retro or classic interior.
Accessories for radiators are also made using a similar technology, so as not to differ. The holders, plugs, stands and taps are beautiful and durable.
The peculiarity of cast iron is that it has a large mass, which is not always convenient. However, even though the surface takes a long time to heat up, it is able to retain heat for a long time. This is why they are not made too tall in a vertical position. The largest models can reach 1.25-1.5 m in height. Mounting a cast iron radiator on the wall is not an easy task. Therefore, products are made with strong and reliable legs. Some models do not have any mounting options other than these legs.
The difference between new generation radiators is that their inner surface is smooth, and this allows the coolant to circulate inside more easily. Thus, traffic jams will not form in the system.
Note! The ability of cast iron to cool for a long time is quite useful. But, since it takes a long time to heat up, you need to understand that when you turn on the system you will have to wait until it warms up completely. But then the temperature in the room will be comfortable for staying.
Another advantage of a vertical cast iron radiator is its long life and durability. They are not afraid of pressure drops and water hammer, without which a centralized heating system cannot do. But the disadvantages are long-term heating, heavy weight and fragility to accentuated mechanical shocks.
Furniture items
A few examples of furnishing a kitchen combined with a living room:
- 1. Sofa. It becomes an object that zones space. The sofa is placed with its back facing the place where food is prepared. In small rooms (less than 20 sq m) a corner is placed, which is placed against a wall installed perpendicular or parallel to the kitchen.
- 2. Set. According to designers, minimalist models without elaborate details look modern. The service, vases or glasses are placed on an open shelf. You can buy a fashionable display case for them. Furniture is placed near the wall. If the space is large (20 sq. m, 25 sq. m or 30 sq. m), then in the central part you can install an island, which also has sections for kitchen appliances.
- 3. Furniture set. The style should be combined with the design of both rooms. In small rooms, a compact table and chairs made of transparent material or painted in light colors look good. You can add a table with a round top to your living room interior. In spacious rooms, the kit is installed near the wall or in the central part. An elongated rectangular dining table would look good here.
Peculiarities
It is logical that heating radiators are called vertical, the sections of which are located vertically. However, most batteries have a similar arrangement; devices with horizontally oriented sections are quite rare. In this regard, it is more correct to base the criterion on the shape of the rectangle formed by the batteries.
Thus, vertical batteries are those that form like a horizontally elongated rectangle. A distinctive feature of such systems is their orientation in height with a reduced width.
Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to fit such batteries even into a small space, maintaining the required amount of thermal energy. The systems can be located almost from the floor to the flow, up to the height of a person. By spreading infrared thermal radiation (similar to solar heat) at the height of a person, they provide increased indoor comfort.
Vertical batteries have many design options and are distinguished by a variety of designs and colors. This allows you not only to fit them into any room, but also to make them an original interior detail. Such batteries, installed instead of the usual models placed under the windowsill, can not be hidden, but placed in any convenient place. In addition to practical, they perform a decorative function.
When choosing vertical radiators, it is useful to know about their disadvantages. With this heating method, the principles of convection are violated, and therefore warm air accumulates under the ceiling, which is irrational. And when the batteries operate intensively, this warm air becomes the cause of an unfavorable microclimate. In addition, the likelihood of air pockets in the internal channels of vertical batteries increases.
Finally, installation of such a system is more labor-intensive. Even a slight vertical deviation will be noticeable and will disrupt the aesthetics. Difficulties arise with the installation of heating circuit pipes. In this case, you will have to abandon the most effective diagonal connection scheme. Otherwise, you will have to embed pipes into the walls, which is unaesthetic and unsafe in case of an accident.
The solution is to use a lower connection, which is not as effective and efficient as a diagonal one. In addition, vertical batteries require a reliable, powerful mounting system.
Multi-level floor
To zone the space, craftsmen install floors at different levels. They advise installing a podium to separate the kitchen and dining room. This option is considered one of the most practical because, among other things, the owners have additional free space where they can hide something.
It is convenient to use boxes or crates for this. Wicker baskets will look good. But such space can remain free.
For podiums, reliable materials are selected that can withstand heavy loads. Usually builders make wooden or metal podiums.
However, such a design should not be made if there are small children in the family, since the podium can become an obstacle for him. In addition, various floor coverings can be used.
They will zone the space between the living room and the kitchen and protect the podium from damage. For example, tiles are laid in the kitchen area, and laminate flooring in the dining room. The main thing is to choose colors and textures and combine the finishes correctly.
Design and characteristics of vertical radiators
The structural structure of vertical heating devices is similar in basic positions to solutions of the classic horizontal type. Traditionally, radiators are installed under a window sill, but when arranging rooms with panoramic windows, high wall radiators are often chosen. The height of the equipment, depending on the modification, varies between 1-3 meters. Non-separable and collapsible structures are made, the latter can be expanded by adding additional sections, or a certain number of extra segments can be removed.
A heating system using vertical batteries should be planned at the stage of construction or major repairs, otherwise installation work will be accompanied by difficulties due to problems with masking communications.
Styles
There are many current trends and design ideas. The kitchen-living room in a modern style looks simple and minimalistic.
At the same time, it is not necessary to strictly adhere to any style; you can take its main idea as a basis and cleverly play with it with accessories and other details.
Scandinavian
This style came into fashion several years ago, but still does not lose its relevance. Its practicality and European elegance are well suited for a living room in a city apartment or house. You can add bright accents, for example, textiles of different shades.
The basis for the Scandinavian style is white and gray finishing, wooden details. To decorate the space, pink, blue or ocher elements are suitable.
Loft
This year the style remains in demand. It is often used to equip kitchens combined with a living room. This combination gives more free space, which will only emphasize all the details of the loft.
Today, such a definition as “classic style” is used less and less by designers. Loft - any interior design in which various technical elements are not hidden, but emphasized.
For example, stylists play with brickwork, wires or concrete walls. The photographs clearly show how successful it can look like a living room that is combined with a kitchen.
For loft, rough and heterogeneous surfaces and rough materials are selected. In apartments decorated in this style, wall lamps are installed. In this case, the light is directed along the walls.
Due to this, shadows fall so that uneven surfaces look three-dimensional. At first, loft was viewed with caution, but it quickly became popular. Designers do not hide finishing materials and even fake them. To imitate a concrete surface and smudges, decorative plaster is used.
Manufacturers
Among the most popular manufacturers of heating radiators, the following should be highlighted:
Conner. Country of origin: Russia. This brand produces high-quality cast iron batteries that are not inferior in quality to their European counterparts, but are adapted for use in domestic conditions. Among the advantages of the products are resistance to water hammer and high-quality anti-corrosion protection of internal surfaces. The collections include many products of various shapes and designs, and there is a special line of retro-style batteries.
In addition to cast iron, the manufacturer also produces bimetallic and aluminum batteries of various modifications.
- GuRaTec are German cast iron batteries, which, due to their perfect appearance, are often called a real work of art. High performance characteristics are achieved through the use of the latest engineering developments and impeccable workmanship. The devices are produced in retro style, have many modifications, and the maximum height is 970 mm.
- Roca is one of the most famous Italian manufacturers of plumbing and heating systems. The company has no subsidiaries outside Spain, which guarantees the original quality of the products and their compliance with European quality and safety standards.
- Buderus is a company that has a solid history (founded in 1731), so its products are characterized by the highest quality. For a long time, the manufacturer produced cast iron heating devices, but today the range also includes 2 types of steel radiators. A special feature of the product is that the batteries are equipped with systems for quick installation.
- Kermi is another German manufacturer that has received positive feedback from domestic buyers. The range is represented by steel radiators. In addition to high quality, they are distinguished by a wide variety of shapes and designs. These can be vertical panel radiators of any size, design radiators, and even entire wall radiators.
The products are manufactured exclusively in Germany, which guarantees strict quality control of radiators.
Korado is a Czech manufacturer, one of the world leaders in the production of heating devices. Vertical radiators can be found in the RADIK VERTIKAL line. These are steel products, standard white. However, if the client wishes, they can be painted in one of the shades from the catalog, which includes 21 colors.
Style Retro - Russian-made cast iron batteries that imitate ancient (19th-early 20th centuries) heating devices. In addition to functionality, they also have an aesthetic appearance and often become a decorative element of the interior. Patterns on the surface are made using artistic casting in accordance with the selected style of radiators.
Painted batteries, which can be made using the Gzhel technique, or have a gold pattern on red or black, evoke admiration. The company also manufactures and paints custom batteries. The products have high performance characteristics, while they are characterized by a lower cost than their Western counterparts.
Neoclassical
Even popular music has echoes of ancient motifs. The same can be said about the design, in which classic details are framed in a fashionable design.
This style is characterized by symmetrical lines, framed mirrors, arched openings, and antique accents. All this is complemented by fashionable finishing materials and accessories. Neoclassicism combines sleek modern details with traditional combinations.
Provence
The name of this destination comes from a region in the south of France. Even a small kitchen-living room, the decor of which was inspired by French aesthetics, will be filled with warmth and comfort.
The main thing is that it has a lot of daylight, textiles with romantic prints, and floral patterns. The dining room in the Provence style is designed in pastel shades. Furniture items can be vintage or artificially aged. Plain walls will contrast with large checkered curtains.
The door in the kitchen area set is sometimes replaced with curtains made from the same material as the tablecloth. A good addition would be vases and figurines, clay pots, forged metal parts and ribbons.
Subtleties of installing steel tubular batteries
Before purchasing tubular batteries, you should familiarize yourself with the power parameters of the selected model. If you make the wrong choice, you can end up with cold and hot rooms within the same apartment. Incorrect installation can lead to cold and stuffy areas within the same room - without circulating heat exchange. Violation of the perfect horizontal position during installation leads to gradual airing of the raised corner. The sign is a cold area in a warm battery.
Connecting, maintaining and adjusting the temperature of vertical batteries is almost no different from conventional ones
To bleed air from the radiator or the entire circuit, install a Mayevsky valve at the most remote point of the heating system. In apartment buildings it is on the top floor.
Vertical tubular models are initially designed in such a way that they compete in aesthetics with other types of batteries.
Advantages of tubular radiators:
- the most uniform heating of even large structures;
- safe operation (no sharp corners, recommended for children);
- attractive design (can be repainted);
- the form is available for frequent washing (relevant for allergy sufferers);
- There is no need for additional assembly or complex installation.
A radiator with a smooth outer coating will not require special care
Flaws:
- relatively high price (compensated by long-term operation);
- tubes without treatment (domestic production) are susceptible to corrosion over time, although they are labeled as “stainless steel”;
- Possible leakage due to improper installation.
The inner surface of the tubular elements must be treated with polymer spraying. This is done in order to reduce the risk of rust. Therefore, imported tubular models are characterized by increased resistance to pollution of the internal environment. But this is reflected in the price. This factor allows you to increase the service life of vertical tubular radiators without the need for cleaning and replacement.
To protect against rust and increase service life, some models of vertical batteries have a protective coating both inside and outside
Color combinations
Stylists advise taking into account the following nuances:
- direction in the interior;
- combination of shades;
- illumination
It is much easier to choose a palette if the style for the kitchen and living room has already been selected. For example, neoclassicism and Provence have their own combinations. In a classic interior, designers combine pastel colors, pale colors, which are slightly diluted with dark shades.
In French country houses you can often see soft blue, pink, and pistachio colors. Art Deco designers make up objects and finishing materials in black and white, sometimes beige and brown or silver and black. The main thing is to choose a shade for the walls. White will become universal, it will expand the space, and later you can paint them with any paint.
However, in the cooking area, white ceases to look fresh. Beige or gray shades would be more practical. This background will highlight the other colors. In a monochrome interior, designers recommend gluing wallpaper in an unusual color or with a photo print.
Waterproof surfaces are easy to clean, so washable wallpaper is recommended. The colors of the furniture echo the details and accessories, be it cushions for the sofa, curtains or other items.
- Cast iron radiators
Radiator flushing
- Gas convectors
How to choose?
The decisive criterion when choosing a heating radiator is its heat transfer. The power of the system is selected taking into account the area of the room, the presence and number of walls in contact with the street. You should also take into account whether the walls face the south or north.
For an apartment where the likelihood of water hammer occurring is higher than in a private house, it is better to choose cast iron or bimetallic products. For unusual interiors, you can choose designer radiators, while simple chrome-plated batteries will fit into almost any interior.
If we are talking about steel tubular products, then preference should be given to domestic options. They have a wall thickness of 2 mm and can withstand a pressure of 20 atmospheres. Foreign analogs can withstand pressure of only 15 atmospheres with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm.
Among steel elements, tubular systems are considered the safest. However, they also have vulnerable points - welds. In general, when using steel radiators, it is recommended to equip them with gearboxes that allow you to control temperature indicators and constant coolant pressure.
